What am I teaching my kids?
I am in no way trying to pick a fight in "the stronger or better gender" wrestling ring. I simply wish to pose a few questions to get your gears turning.
If you watch TV at all, I am sure you have noticed commercials that are designed to make men out to be not so bright and klutzy. Oh I am not saying we have not earned the reputation. I have made my own truckload of bonehead mistakes. I simply have to wonder if these commercials are created by men who are willing to laugh at themselves, or by people who truly feel men are inadequate. The weaker sex.
I am a man. And I am in no hurry to change that. I quite enjoy being a dude. I enjoy beer,cars, sports, ( more playing them than watching ) and maybe I'm unusual because I really don't mind my wife holding the remote. But then she may be unusual as well. I find her really quite easy to live with, and I really don't wish to imagine, my life without her and our two kids.
Point is I really don't like anybody being made fun of. Be it guy, girl, dad, mom ... or a particular nationality or color. I truly enjoy humour and clean pranks. But not at the expense of others or of wounding them as people or people group.
I firmly believe that each and every individual has value. As such, it requires us to build up, support and show respect to everyone around us. So what if we have different preferences and beliefs. I believe racism and bullying is learned. Where do you think our kids pick it up from? If we as grown ups can't control our comments and attitudes toward people we don't like or are afraid of...you get the picture. Am I willing to lead by example?
To think that I am better than someone else, simply because we disagree on some things or live a different lifestyle? Or what if I am better, at somethings, or a stronger persons in some areas of my life? Should that not just create opportunity to use that for good? To build rather than tear down?
Just a couple thoughts to chew on, get those rusty gears turning a little... how many people would it really take, to make the world a happier place?
How can we use our websites, to bring some kindness to a hurting world?
Recent Comments
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Great post! You're right, and it doesn't stop with commercials. It's the sitcoms too. Men are portrayed as bumbling dummies, who haven't got a clue, and gee whiz, I guess Mom (or the kids) have to mete out life's lessons because the inept Dad sure can't. That's what I've been seeing for years now. Emasculation is not good for anyone, least of all our kids. IMHO. :)
Lori, Thanks for the comments! I value the relationship that I have with my Dad. He is one of my favorite people in the world! I really hope my kids can say that about me someday...