Kevin's Watch

They're taught that they're wonderful and special, and then they become teenagers who learn (some of them) that there are actually other people in the universe. The shock can be deadly.

I definately see where you're coming from, don't get me wrong, I'm only 21 and highschool is not a too distant memory. I don't want you to think I'm that much of an idealist, and the selfishness of my generation is pretty ugly.

I just don't think that the answer is in telling kids they aren't special. I think it's more likely that we could do better by instilling responsibility to do well, to improve themselves... maybe examples of how much happier people are when they are -less- selfish. I firmly believe that the most selfish, self important are generally the least happy.
Of course, I could be wrong. Or maybe I'm just being self important

Jeezum crow, sorry Av. There needs to be a verb to describe the action of taking a non-close thread and turning it into a close thread. Like "Beware, this thread has been CLOSED" or "Dangit, someone Tanked the thread" if it turns into a think tank thread... heh. I kill me!

Quite right, I'll shut up now, hehe.

I've met children who are brought up to believe that they are 'wonderful and special'.

In fact, I have a special, unique term for them: "spoiled brats".

I believe the technical name for it is 'special flower syndrome'.

More seriously: teaching kids they are different/better than everyone else is not a good way to go about instilling selflessness or altruism. Teaching kids that they are a part of a community, no more or less worthy than any other member of that community, would be much more beneficial and realistic.

I think that the two issues might not be mutually exclusive though
I think the 'special flower syndrome' develops when a parent gives good ego reinforcement, but bad behavior reinforcement. See what I mean?

If a child is taught that they are special, but reprimanded when they act as though they are better than others, I think the results would be more positive then the reprimands alone.

*Ahem* kevinswatch.ihugny.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5210

Thanks UrLord, you took the words out of my mouth.

And JemCheeta, love your verbs. This thread has been officially "Tanked".

--A

JemCheeta wrote:I think the 'special flower syndrome' develops when a parent gives good ego reinforcement, but bad behavior reinforcement. See what I mean?

If a child is taught that they are special, but reprimanded when they act as though they are better than others, I think the results would be more positive then the reprimands alone.

Some children are better than others. How can they help acting like it?

But I see your point about the good ego/bad behavior reinforcement, Jem, and I agree with that.

The problem is, children in groups are like wolf packs. They feel compelled to see if they can tear down the top dog. It's a survival instinct from the ancient past. It has to be trained out of them or they will act the same as adults.

Avatar, would you like me to split this topic and move part of it to the Tank for you? Or are you happy with it as is?

Thanks for the offer Duchess, but I don't mind.

There is a topic, (Thanks UrLord) in the Tank which deals with this, so if everybody could just take the discussion over there, that'd be great.

No need to split it, unless you feel it too inappropriate for The Hall. Up to you actually.

Take it Easy
--Avatar

I'm a pretty laid back mod, so if it doesn't bother you, it doesn't bother me.

Doesn't bother me at all.

--A

The Last Word.

You are so deep, Av. All of your work is.
Jem, yours too.

My work is so deep that it resonates with people without it ever being posted! Ha-HA! Wow, this is my 401st post. My how time flies.

I definately need to start writing again, or at least posting some of my old work. I need to be involved in a creative process again. Although philosophical discourse is kind of self creating, and that has to count for something. A swift turn of logic is as beautiful as poetry to me.

Sometimes I read some of the things in the close and want to applaud

Although philosophical discourse is kind of self creating, and that has to count for something. A swift turn of logic is as beautiful as poetry to me.

Sometimes I read some of the things in the close and want to applaud [/quote[/quote]



Yes, me too. In fact, I often do. and smile.
I agree. and they say you should write something every single day.
Even if it is just a line.
I enjoy your words, Jem.

JemCheeta wrote:...A swift turn of logic is as beautiful as poetry to me.

Sometimes I read some of the things in the close and want to applaud

Me too.

And thanks for the compliment Cate, glad you enjoy them.

--Avatar

Avatar wrote:Ennui

The taste of
Time passing, faintly
Metallic in your mouth.
Mirrors flashing back
Faces,
Already drained of newness
And the same stories
Recycled again
And again.

Stale venues
For the sharing of souls
And fears
That cry out to be spoken.

The clock ticks
Midnight
And no magical changes.
The sun threatens to rise
On a day you’ve
Just Lived.

Avatar
18/11/1998

i want a book of these things Av!!
i love your work!!! make a book, make a book!!!


The taste of
Time passing, faintly
Metallic in your mouth.

phew.

Glad you like them LuciMay. From a poet of your calibre, it's high praise. *bows*

--A