Rising Anti-Child Movement...Parents BE AWARE

[goofygirl]

I just found it ironic that so many child freers treat their pets like actual human children. Misplaced maternal instinct or something.

Sounds like you are implying that there is something wrong with being maternal to an animal. Its sad that you don't see it as a nice thing and only see it as an "ironic", or "misplaced" thing.

 

[goofygirl]

You might want to think about that statement lest it give you a false sense of security. People who do harm to children are more likely to be parents themselves.

Good point! Its not the No Kidding people that parents should be concered with. Some of your biggest child molesters are Boy Scout leaders, teachers, priests and the "friendly male neighbor who loves kids". Yes, people who "love being around kids" are your bigger concern. NOT the childfree.

 

[momof2inPA]

Originally posted by goofygirl
Sounds like you are implying that there is something wrong with being maternal to an animal. Its sad that you don't see it as a nice thing and only see it as an "ironic", or "misplaced" thing.

No, it's a nice thing to be kind to an animal, but strangely ironic to have the desire to tie your emotions to a living creature, but not a human living creature. And maternal is not a word I would associate with animals. Yes, kind of odd-- but not harmful to others.

 

[Hibernia]

don't you think it's far more tragic when a child is abused?

I think the number of child abuser who started out with animals is tragic. To that variety of predator, the thrill is dominance over a smaller, helpless creature that cannot fight back effectively. And not to get overly graphic, but sexual abuse is not confined to humans – or to fully-grown animals. Just as with my dog, deliberate cruelty to animals is an indicator that something is very wrong. Recognizing this and taking measures to discover the reasons behind the behavior could possibly save young lives.

A considerable amount of humane association funding goes into public education – it’s not just litter & kibble! My nephew’s elementary school enjoyed visits from the SPCA that taught not only kindness and respect for living creatures, but also what to do if they found a wounded animal and how to react if approached by a strange dog. Also, shelters, humane associations, and rescue groups are major sources for therapy animals, such as those trained by the wonderful people at PAWS with a Cause. As they say, “disability does not discriminate”, and thousands of children, adults and elderly individuals have been helped by such organizations, whether the need is physical such as seizure behavior recognition or seeing eye/hearing assistance or emotional, as the extraordinary animals that adapted to blindness, deafness, and loss of limbs have done for so many. Children often respond to an animal with a disability like theirs because of the acceptance they see for the animal regardless of the affliction.

I have to digress slightly and remember my own beloved late parents, as today is my mother’s birthday. I was taught by word and example that all manner of life is here by divine grace, and that one of our responsibilities and privileges is compassion, respect and protection for those weaker than we. I can’t say if I have maternal instincts, misplaced or otherwise, because I’ve never desired maternity. My personal emotional calling is to animals, as yours is to children. I understand this, as it is also my sister’s. We would not be happy with one another’s callings, but by willingly doing the best we can at our own, the impact we have on our world can’t help but be good.

Some people who choose not to be parents have various degrees of belligerence, as some did in the article. A defensive manner usually stems from perceived attacks, or a desire to prevent the possibility of one. There are thousands of non-childed by choice people who are not and will not be parents for any number of reasons, but don’t hate children – I’ve spoken to a number who have said that acceptance of their decision has actually made them more comfortable around children. Rejection of a person’s ideals feels like rejection of the person, and who enjoys feeling rejected? I can’t say anything about those who represent themselves as truly hating children, as I don’t know any personally. I’m not comfortable around those who openly profess hate (except for maybe canned pickled beets ).

I really enjoy the exchange of ideas this has generated, especially with regard those who have animals and those who have children, not to omit those who have both! And really, what place to better share some understanding than here, where we would not even be conversing if a little boy fascinated with drawing animals and nature had not grown up to give the world a certain mouse.

 

[momof2inPA]

OK, I'll be an animal freer, because I never want a pet (besides our fire-bellied toads), even though I like others' pets and think they are cute. I still don't want them in restaurants, hotels, or running around the neighborhood. And I would gladly have my tax money benefit animal programs that help Humans with disabilities and medical conditions.

From that new perspective, I think I understand child freers much better at this point. Except there is much less social pressure to have a pet than to have a child. Thanks, Hibernia for taking the time. I still don't equate a human life to a pet's life, but I understand that there are people out there who do.

Happy birthday to your mom in heaven. If pets have souls, I'm sure hers are snuggling up to her today.