If it's forbidden, people want to do it..?

Question

I remember in high school, all of my friends had curfews and I didn't. They all wanted to stay out until the last minute because they just KNEW they were missing out on something. I was usually the one who was home long before them because I had no restriction on my time. It seems that those who have all of these restrictions have this idea that those who don't are out having the times of their lives, when in fact, they live peaceful moral lives. Perhaps that's the problem. Those who have all of these taboos are jealous because they think they're missing out. Your respectful thoughts?

Answer 1

I'd pretty much agree, it's fairly evident even if you look at larger instances as parts of society as a whole, prohibitions, for example, cause more trouble than they cause, and we tend to glamorize the crimes that have penalties to harsh for us to risk ourselves in our media... People always want to test their limits, it's an instinct closely related towards a drive towards freedom, when people feel they have a freedom, they no longer really feel a need to fight for it, and conflicts are avoided, whether or not they take advantage of this freedom.

Answer 2

I don't know, I guess it is almost a classic case of the "grass is always greener on the other side" type situation.

I did have a curfew... but it did not bother me, it was a good late hour. However I am not sure I'll enforce the same on my own child since we have cell phones and can get in touch with our children easier than my mother could with us! I mean, when I grew up, we got the curfew and gave a general location and that was that! Mom did not know what happened or actually where we were from the time we left, till the time we got home!

I was never told I could not smoke pot, matter fact... mom was the first to give me a toke, but I still did it when I got older, for a time. Mom gave me the first drink of alcohol as well... but these are things I can not see me doing with my child, because I don't want him to think I approve or disapprove of them... I plan on talking to him, he is very smart for his young age and I hope he will be as a teen and an adult as well.

I don't plan on forbidding a lot... but I do plan on letting him know I love and worry about him... always:)

Bottom line is that no matter what... he is my baby, and I'll love him!

Answer 3

I've noticed much the same. It's kind of like all the sexual drama America deals with. We have a tremendous population explosion--and it ain't all from immigration, folks! Yet talking about sex is embarassing and taboo. In many other countries (where sex is an open discussion, and even part of television ads), teenage pregnancy and overpopulation isn't as big of a problem.

It's funny. I'm an Atheist--which apparently means I'm one of the most immoral people alive. Isn't it funny how I hold down employment, pay my bills on time, volunteer at a hospital, spend time with my family, and love my wife? Christians in particular tell me that I have free license to act like a total prick--since I don't believe that God's keeping an eye out for me. Yet somehow I just don't feel that way: If I want to be proud of who I am, I have to do things I can be proud of. That means I feel no need to do all the things I'm "free" to do. I know what's out there: I'm not missing a thing!

Answer 4

My respectful thought is this. France has the lowest percentage of teenage alcoholism. The US's is pretty high. Why? France makes wine a normal part of the meal. Kids are taught to respect alcohol for what it is. They aren't told not to drink it. It's not held in front of them like a cookie they can't have. Other countries have lower teen pregnancy rates. Why? Because sex is not treated as dirty and sinful and not to be discussed like it is here.

Morality based only on fear of hell is ridiculous. Perhaps the "moral" ones, or the ones who claim to be so "moral", are indeed jealous. I don't know. I only know that I am a moral person - I don't go out of my way to hurt people - and I didn't need an old book to tell me to be that way.

Answer 5

I never had a curfew either, but I had to call to let my folks know when I was coming home. I never stayed out late either-I knew it was up to me, and I knew I wasn't a night person. And yes, I lead a very peaceful and moral life. Most of my nights are spent at home with a bed and a good book.

People who grow up with strict restrictions tend to act wild when they experience freedom because they were never taught how to govern themselves.

Answer 6

I agree Kallan. Like yourself I never had a curfew and I never felt I had to push it and stay out half the night.

Later, when I went to college in the Midwest going to parties and drinking were more fun under 21 than over. I didn't really do much of it when it was 'legal'.

Most all of us get rules and most all push them to the limit or go over, it's part of growing up. Once you've done it, basically, the thrill is gone.

Answer 7

I was the same way. My parents never had a serious talk with me about curfew and I doubt they would've strictly enforced any arbitrary deadline we may have decided upon. All throughout highschool I was home at a "reasonable" hour.

I think you're right, that which is restricted seems all the more appealing, rebellious teenage years being what they are.

Answer 8

I think that the parents would trust the ones who don't need the restrictions, like you. The reason the other kids want to stay out is because they hate their restriction and are only following it to respect their parents or are scared into doing it because of punishment. I think the parents have the restriction because the kids need them or else they might get into trouble, and you didn't have one because your parents knew they could trust you.

Answer 9

Hello dear!

Yes, you are correct!
SInce the installation of the monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) people are dealt such way that forbidden is promising and inviting!
Everything from birth, even before is forbidden and what is forbidden is nice, sweet, pleasing! That is why since the change of the ancient religions with these new ones have made the forbidden sweet, ..
THis way, the rulers can rule since all are sinners and go against the law, which is abnormal!

Answer 10

Sounds reasonable even to the tater...I didn't have curfews either...and "most" of the time I was home early too...more so out of boredom...many of my friends growimg up had curfews and spent more time trying to find ways to break them and getting into trouble...

Yeah, I think that the more prevelant the taboos, the more the attempts to push the envelope...and the more misery there is...