Is it okay for parents to hope their kids become corrupted?

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The discussion revolves around the concept of childhood innocence and the idea of "corruption" as part of growing up. A father expressed hope that his older son would not negatively influence his younger son during a college visit, suggesting that some level of loss of innocence is a natural part of maturation. Participants debated whether it is better to protect children from all forms of corruption or to accept that some exposure is inevitable. One viewpoint emphasized that while innocence is difficult to maintain, corruption is not a foregone conclusion. Instead, a balanced approach is advocated, where children learn about the complexities of the world while still being guided towards positive values. Concerns were raised about parents who prioritize being "cool" over their responsibilities, potentially leading to harmful behaviors like underage drinking and smoking. The conversation highlights the tension between protecting innocence and acknowledging the realities of growing up.
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Me and my dad were eating dinner with a friend of his last week. My dad's friend said that his younger son (14) recently spent a weekend with his older son (18) at his college dorm. I asked if he trusted his older son not to corrupt the younger one, and he said that he kind of hoped that he did. Being corrupted is part of growing up, he said, you need to lose your innocence at some point.

What's your opinion on this? Do you think it's best to try to keep children innocent at all costs, and make sure they don't become corrupted in any way, or do you believe that the inevitability of corruption means that you should just accept it?
 
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Wow, his father is certainly an...*Ahem*...interesting...guy.:rolleyes:

I think while innocence is impossible to maintain, corruption is not inevitable. They're two polar opposites, you don't have to be on either side. Finding a nice middle ground is better. (It's like the difference between being cowardly, rash, and brave. Someone who is brave doesn't not feel fear. Instead, they feel it but take appropriate action. You don't have to be rash to be brave; you acknowledge the fear but still act.) Allowing your 14 year old son to become corrupt is completely different than allowing him to see that the world is not all good while teaching him to be one of the few who still maintain as much goodness as they can.

Otherwise, he'll end up with an alcoholic, chain smoking 17 year old son with a child and another on the way.

That guy needs a swift kick in the head from his wife.
 
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wasteofo2 said:
Me and my dad were eating dinner with a friend of his last week. My dad's friend said that his younger son (14) recently spent a weekend with his older son (18) at his college dorm. I asked if he trusted his older son not to corrupt the younger one, and he said that he kind of hoped that he did. Being corrupted is part of growing up, he said, you need to lose your innocence at some point.

What's your opinion on this? Do you think it's best to try to keep children innocent at all costs, and make sure they don't become corrupted in any way, or do you believe that the inevitability of corruption means that you should just accept it?

That is by far some of the dumbest **** that could ever dribble out of someones mouth. I mean I guess in this age what he said wasn't different from what the majority thinks, but it still doesn't make it right. So is that guy hoping that his son starts drinking and starts smoking (it depends on what his other son is like)? So many frickin' parents just act like it's no big deal that their kids are drinking at 13-15 or something. I think the main problem is that parents are wanting to appear to be 'cool' and forget their responsibilities as parents.
 
https://www.newsweek.com/robert-redford-dead-hollywood-live-updates-2130559 Apparently Redford was a somewhat poor student, so was headed to Europe to study art and painting, but stopped in New York and studied acting. Notable movies include Barefoot in the Park (1967 with Jane Fonda), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969, with Paul Newma), Jeremiah Johnson, the political drama The Candidate (both 1972), The Sting (1973 with Paul Newman), the romantic dramas The Way We Were (1973), and...
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