I have some advice for people organizing rallies. Children are NOT props. Especially other peoples children. If you see a child at a rally and they are not holding a sign --it might be because their parent has consciously decided with their child that they dont want to hold a sign. This has happened a couple of times when I have brought Douglas with me to events. Douglas is attending because he has to. He doesnt have a choice. I have brought him out with me because child-care issues require me to have him if I want to attend political events during the day time... On two occasions now non-native activists have approached Douglas and asked him to carry signs that they have made... He is 8 years old and I believe out of respect for him and his own agency, that if he participates in political events it should be based on his OWN desire and beliefs about these events. That his values and beliefs are voluntary and up to him. Its not up to some stranger to make sure he participates to their level of satisfaction.... Children are NOT our property. They are worthy of the same level of respect as any other fully grown people. I really do not like complete strangers trying to foist their politics or religion (for that matter) on my kids. I work very very hard to let my kids have their own strong mind when it comes to politics and religion/spirituality. The next time you are at a rally, and you see a child there with their parents -- maybe discuss the issue with both parties before approaching the child and foisting your signs or other political paraphenelia on the child. Both times my son has accepted out of politeness but then we were stuck trying to figure out what to do with a sign that neither one of us wanted to carry, hold or be responsible for.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 19:39:11 +0000
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