Is Imposing Ideology on Children a Form of Child Abuse?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the controversial parenting approach of Kathy Witterick and David Stocker, who have chosen to keep their child's gender a secret and allow their children to select their own clothing. Critics argue that this imposes an ideology on the children, potentially leading to psychological harm. Participants in the forum express concerns about the implications of such parenting choices, particularly regarding societal norms and the mental competence of children to make decisions about their gender identity. The conversation highlights the tension between encouraging individuality and the risks of confusing children about their gender roles.

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  • #31
Jack21222 said:
From what I understood, Russ was saying that dressing your kids in the wrong clothes IS cruelty to children.
That's part of it, but this is about much more than just clothing.
Societal convention is really hard to legislate.
In some cases, maybe, but not in this one. You have two choices as to which bathroom to use and which box to check when you are filling out forms.
 
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  • #32
russ_watters said:
That's part of it, but this is about much more than just clothing. In some cases, maybe, but not in this one. You have two choices as to which bathroom to use and which box to check when you are filling out forms.

You have thousands of choices of clothing, and not all of them fit neatly into "boys" or "girls" clothing.

I maintain it would be almost impossible to draft a law to make sure parents make their child's gender match their sex. You'd have to codify into law social conventions, which change over time.
 
  • #33
ideasrule said:
That's similar to saying that because I like basketball but allow my children to play soccer instead, I'm being inconsistent. Tolerating another person's preferences doesn't mean changing your own.
This does apply to the case being discussed. One's like for a sport vs one's children is irrelevant. This is not about tolerating personal preferences.

Jack21222 said:
You have thousands of choices of clothing, and not all of them fit neatly into "boys" or "girls" clothing.

I maintain it would be almost impossible to draft a law to make sure parents make their child's gender match their sex. You'd have to codify into law social conventions, which change over time.
The cruelty aspect comes in where the parents knowingly use their 'children' as a means to challenge societal norms. The children would likely be criticized or tormented because of their clothing (that's the cruel part). It's certainly not fair - people shouldn't mean - but many are. If the parents want to challenge societal norms/conventions, then they themselves can exchange clothing and go out in public, or otherwise engage in civil disobedience. They should not be 'using' their children as experimental equipment.

The parents have the knowledge about societal conventions, the children do not. The children are at the mercy of their parents. I don't think the parents are acting in the interest of the children. Instead, the parents are being selfish and are merely interested in their own agenda to the potential detriment of the children.
 
  • #34
Astronuc:

Would you like to make an attempt to write that into an enforceable law that will:

1) be upheld in court
2) be broad enough to target the people you want to target
3) be narrow enough to not target innocent parents

I don't think it can be done.
 
  • #35
There are already laws in place to protect children. You'd simply have to show that the parents actions are causing (or potentially causing) mental / physical damage.