Today's kids: 6 going on 20?!

I think my SPCOM class is the most interesting class I'm taking this term. What I really enjoy about it is that I get to learn so much about my classmates: about their passions, their views, and their interests.

Today, for example, one of the persuasive speeches was on "You should support family friendly checkouts." At first I had no idea what that was. Then she put up a photocopy of what we would typically see near checkouts - a Cosmo magazine with one of the headings being "Your Va-jay-jay." Her speech was mostly on how this type of propaganda / advertisements has an enormous affect on children and how they grow up. Of course, these checkout magazines are not the only type of media contribution to how kids grow up so fast these days. In fact, we had a very interesting discussion on this topic - regarding how fast kids are growing up - during class.

I am truly lucky to have grown up in a time where it seemed that a lot of things seemed more simple. I can't imagine how hard it is for kids growing up these days, being bombarded with celeb gossip, being told what is the "right" way to dress / act / or the be perceived. I grew up in a very sheltered environment, as many of my friends can attest to. I didn't learn many things until way after most of my peers. And although that made me naive, I think it also simplified a lot of things in my life. One can also argue that by sheltering a child, you are preventing them from making decisions in their lives - which is obviously a very important skill. However, from my personal experience, I believe that you need a combination of judgment and experience to make good decisions. The experience part may only come as you make decisions, but the judgment part I think comes a large part from how I was brought up. Being taught what was right from wrong.

One of the main concerns I have for kids today, is the body image that is constantly bombarding them. Whether it be through the internet, through television, through magazines, through peers, through celebrities, and probably a million more sources.

This really hit home when I went home a few weeks ago to celebrate Chinese New Year with my family. We usually celebrate it potluck style, and my cousins and I always pig out on all the delicious food. My little cousin - who is only 6 or 7 years old had very little to eat. We thought it was because she was picky eater, but when we were all taken aback by her response when we asked her why she didn't want any more food. She said, "I don't want to get fat." What!? I mean, honestly, what is she talking about, and where does she get this crazy idea from? The scary part is that my aunt (her mom) was right there when she said it, and I guess is was ok to her, because she didn't say anything. But honestly, that has got to be the scariest thing I've heard in a while. Where does this 6 year old get the idea that she needs to worry about being thin. I mean, for goodness sake, from a rational point of view, they burn a tonne of energy. But from an ethical point of view, it's wrong in every way.

I don't think it's healthy for any man or woman at any age to be limiting their food intake to be thin. There is a big different between eating healthy (portions and nutrition wise) and not eating enough. There is no reason in the world why a child should be thinking this.

I was always brought up to respect people for who they are - their integrity, their intelligence and their talents. I remember when I was little, my parents would always push me to excel in academics (typical of most Asian families). Even when I was older - high school age, they frowned upon when I cared about looks-wise. They told me that as this age, it was more important to pursue my studies and that it was what was inside a person that was important - a person's integrity, their intelligence - those are the things that cannot be bought. And boys, well, it wasn't time for a boyfriend. Plus, the kind of guy they told me I wanted wouldn't care about how I looked, they would care about what kind of a person I am. My parents are so wise. Still looking for that guy. ;)

This is the type of message we should be sending children - they have the power to change the world through their decisions and be individuals with integrity, intelligence and . However, I really think that society is doing a poor job of it. Instead, young girls are being told that it's the clothes they wear, the make up they wear, how their nose should be shaped - these are the things they should care about because they can attract boys. What kind of message is this sending to both young girls and boys. It's degrading to both sexes: boys shouldn't expect intelligence or integrity, but instead just the cup size and nose shape? Girls have nothing more to offer than being eye candy? Please! With all the advancement in women's rights, equality, technology and research, you'd think that society would hold individuality in a higher regard.