Totally copped from Disinfo, but I'm linking to the *full* article, they just linked to the abstract. So there. It's just an interesting idea for anyone writing sci fi novels out there...Makes perfect sense too, the way that add agencies go about attempting to convince kids that their parents are stupid... And the inveitable desire for the government/corporations to role back minimum age requirements for employment...
"Our current concept of childhood is a relatively recent invention. Throughout most cultures throughout most of human history, individuals today referred to as "children" had the right to marry, serve in the army, and even act as the head of state....
...This situation is similar to the subordinate legal status women had to their husbands just a few generations ago. It is in effect a form of slavery, though under the supposed belief that this is in the best interest of those who are enslaved. It was only in 1920 that women finally gained the right to vote in the United States. Prior to this date, it was considered outrageous to propose that these "irrational creatures" could be trusted to have a say in governance."
Posted by bluprnt at October 26, 2004 10:30 PMknow whats a pile of bullshit? that pledge of alligance, total bullshit. u get kids to repeat it time and time again in a vein and frankly pathetic attempt to inspire patriotism when really all you are doing is assciating the flag, sybolic of the entire country (although no child sees this) with monotomous waste of time. infact thats all it is. does anyone honestly beleive that a child REALLY pledges alligance? most kids dont even know how to say it correctly. i quote a child i heard a while back "and to the nation richard stands" they don't even know what the fuck they are saying, so i guess my rants come to this: either teach kids what it REALLY means to pladge alligance or drop the bullshit because it, as it is right now, is a mockery of america, a travesty, and should be corrected immediately
Posted by: noname at February 20, 2005 03:05 AM