What does this quote mean to you?

Question

What would happen if we listened to children as much as we talked to them? Or what would happen if even one generation were raised with respect and without violence?

-- Gloria Steinem

Answer 1

It does seem to me that people do not listen to children enough (or take what they say seriously).

People tend to see them as short adults, which is simply not true.

We assume that they understand the things we tell them in the same way we understand them, also not true.

Also, people tend not to try to find out what's going on in the child's mind, which they should do much more.

And, if people listened to children, and showed respect for them as thinkers (young thinkers, but thinkers at the level at which they currently think), it would be good for both sides.

The grown-ups would have a better idea what's going on in the child's head, and the child would learn to think, express themselves, and therefore learn to think and communicate better. (That is, in talking, one figures out what one thinks, and in discussion, learns flaws in their thinking. The act of communicating one's thoughts, and bouncing off of the thinking of another is inherently educational.)

Dunno if that's what Ms. Steinem meant.

I agree that a generation raised with respect and without violence would be better off.

One thing your quote brings to mind is a friend of mine, who told me her father said to her "When you were little, and you lost your doll or something, I thought 'That's not a big deal; the problems I have are much bigger.' What I didn't realize is that to YOU that loss was just as big as my problems were to me."

Parents and teachers would do better to really understand what the children they deal with think about things, rather than seeing their job as "instructing" them.

You never know how a kid interprets what you say (or mis-interprets it) unless you listen to them.

Answer 2

I fully agree with Tehabwa. The only thing I would add is the notion that "...raised with respect..." be mutual, and not diminish the respect due to that parent, who should ultimately prevail.

However, given the spirit of the quote, I doubt that she implied otherwise.

Answer 3

It signifies that The Cat is having poultry for Dinner tonight, little question about it. The Cat will be steadfast in his pursuit of that darn chicken and make that fact actual. this is what it potential! Darn chicken, The Cat desires his splendor sleep! i will practice that cock!

Answer 4

The world would be a much better place. we would get along MUCH better, and people of all religions would serve their own God/desses/s much better. We certainly wouldn't be FIGHTING over which religion is the most PEACEfFUL!

Answer 5

if we as adults could see the world as children do,there would not be any problems,wars,hungar.just rainbows and lolliepops. good question

Answer 6

It means alot, unfortunately it will never be that way.

Answer 7

and........ the world, would be as one!