We teach our children never to talk to strangers. Might this foster a future fear that leads to solitude and isolation? Yes, we can talk to our friends from school, but this just encourages us to a) seek friends similar to ourselves (as far as status, age, and background) and b) to only approach those who we already know of. You don't meet new people at school, you make friends with your classmates - you likely already know their name (satisfying b) and they spend a good portion of their day doing the same thing you do - they're in your class (satisfying a).
I'd guess the most commonly cited reason for not wanting children to talk to strangers is safety. Basically, on the off-chance that someone is a kidnapper who wants to get closer to his victim before the kidnapping, we stop our children from talking to anyone. I can, to an extent, understand this viewpoint. No matter how small the chance is, the chance is there. Parents want to do everything they can to protect their children from harm. I never fault anyone for well-intentioned decisions, but I think that perhaps this is doing more harm than good. If our children are able to enjoy the company of "strangers", even just by listening to them talk, it might foster a greater acceptance of others (as opposed to fear).
Yes, there are some weird people out there. But there are a lot more "normal" ones.
Monday, April 09, 2007
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1 comment:
OK AJ - this is going to sound a bit harsh - but your topic reminds me of an opinion of my own -- that despite best intentions, it is a bit naive and assuming for people (in general) to develop opinions on subjects that they lack true life experience in. It's very much like someone who has never had alcohol developing an opinion (on a purely intelectual basis) about how it feels to be drunk and why it's not good for you. It's also like looking at the trunk of a tree and developing an opinion about trees, but missing all the branches and leaves and how the whole system works together.
I think it can also be hard to explain to the person who hasn't experienced something why you might disagree. You just don't have the same basis to have a discussion. It's like trying to explain why a joke is funny to smeone who didn't get it - all you usually end up with is some funny looks and awkward silences..
Oh well, talk more when
i see you - peace out dawg.
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