Nature versus nurture - a very old subject that's been debated without any real resolution.
My statement is not "utter crap" - it's what I believe and, obviously, what you do not
believe. I personally think that our genetic make up determines the vast majority of our
personality and our behaviour patterns. The chemicals that occur in relatively low doses in
the brains of people who like to take risks are there because they have relatively low
amounts of the relative proteins which in turn are directly coded for in their DNA. I
believe that learning will affect some chemical pathways just as *** can as well, but I
still believe that sociopaths are born and not made. You take another view, that is your
right, and you can cite much supporting evidence for your view (as can I). In the end, as
with all the really keenly fought debates, which side of the fence you opt for is largely
value judgement. Mark, I respect the work that you do with kids and respect your views on
kids. No, there's no such thing as an evil kid, but then again I don't believe that there's
such a thing as evil anyway. Some kids are born with short attention spans and immunity to
fear. Chances are their parents are as well and putting the two together is a good bet for
deliquency. "Born innocent" - bit theological for me. Many children love to learn, almost
all love to be loved, some need "strong examples" others rarely require discipline. (My son
has been lecturing me for a couple of years to quit smoking and 2 weeks ago I finally did.)
I respect my sons and they respect me. We seldom fight and discipline is seldom an issue.
They appreciate the need to learn and take things in with open eyes and open arms. I know
of other children where that just isn't the case. As far as I can see they were born like
that. I guess we have to agree to differ.
Cheers,
Paul
> I thought I would stay away from this argument but this statement is utter crap.
> There is no such thing as an evil child. All children are born innocent. Their
> personality is moulded by those around them and the events they experience.
> A child requires guidance and strong examples. A child will not listen to a parent
> telling them not to smoke when the parent lights one up two minutes after the lecture.
> Most "good" parents who end up with problem children are victims themselves of not
> having the required skills or guidence. These parents aren't bad people. In our society
> the parents are the child's only *** influence apart from teachers. In other
> societies the extended family is a good role model and the cases of delinquency are
> decreased. Advice from in laws who have been there/done that can help parents.
> I have seen some of the most cunning, *** street wise kids become model citizens
> not through discipline but what they mostly need and respect, advice from ***s who
> treat them as equals and pratice what they preach.
> > It's easy to blame parents. I have 2 kids who are generally very well behaved
> > (except with us :-) ). This is not because we are particulary good or strict
> > parents. It is because these little spirits are usually good little spirits. I have
> > seen many ***y-minded and often downright evil little spirits, and I wonder to
> > myself how on earth the parents cope. Personalities are born and not made. You can
> > guide them but not mould them.
> > Cheers,
> > Paul
> > > >I have an even beter suggession lets blame the comms. or how about the
> > > >democrats; republicans, liberals. do you like placing the blame? this is
> > > >completely rediculus the blame if any is on the american society
> > > Sounds as though you're disagreeing with me, and then agreeing with me. Either
> > > way, we have a serious situation on our hands. I wasn't "placing blame;" I was
> > > establishing RESPONSIBILITY for this tragic nonsense.
> > > I happen to be around quite a few parents and their children every day. I've
> > > wondered for the past few years how these parents can idly stand by and let
> > > their children run riot without any correction or supervision whatsoever. The
> > > mystery was cleared up when I heard a parent utter the most ridiculous
> > > philosophy imaginable: "They're little spirits, and shouldn't be inhibited in
> > > any way." Well, spirits come in all stripes, and some are downright evil unless
> > > taught to respect the "spirits" with whom they share the world. Hell, even
> > > puppies are trained not to pee on the carpet.
> > > To nudge this thread back on topic, we stand to lose our rights to uncensored
> > > media and video games (and to own firearms, if that's your thing) if idiots are
> > > going to use them as re-enforcement of their unchecked ***s on society.
> > > It all starts with parents' obligation to RAISE their kids---not just allow
> > > them to reach ***hood with the mentality of children.
> > > Back to my Lotus,
> > > Trey Behan
