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Individuality
#1
Rules are of course meant to curb individuality (ego) and maintain the status quo (tradition). A good example of this is found in the Amish community. Advanced education is discouraged and you are not to question the rules at any age. Punishment can be severe for children who break the rules and for adults who can be shunned. Rules do have their place and our society depends on them to keep order. But if Jesus had not expressed his individuality and only followed the rules of his Jewish heritage, there would be no Christian faith to-day. As a parent I think we can encourage age appropriate individuality and at the same time have rules and consequences that curb the ego and realize spirituality. Finding the right balance between rules and choices maybe a challenge and may often require us to ask for God's guidance.
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#2
The word "individuality" brings many feelings to mind. I think it's important that every person (including every child) needs to be treated as their own individual, with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. No child should be raised under a "one-size-fits-all" style of discipline. Children should be encouraged to express their uniqueness in appropriate ways, and praised for their talents and achievements.

However, society in general (read: The Media) tries to tell people - especially young people - that conformity is BAD! Angry This is dangerous, because conformity in some circumstances is a good thing - and sometimes necessary. Many young people are ill prepared for the workforce when they are old enough to look for a job, because they have been raised to do what they want, when they want. Many of them have also not been taught the benefit of giving others proper respect - especially to those in authority over them. It's a surprise to them then when they learn that finding - and especially keeping - a job is particularly difficult when their boss is unimpressed with their level of "individuality."

One last thought - I have always found it ironic that kids in general often fight for their right to be "different." And yes - this was true even when I was a boy. But if everyone is different, aren't they really all the same? Rolleyes
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#3
Good point! Compromise is always a good idea if it accomplishes what you want and at the same time benefits all concerned. It should be noted however it has been the nonconformists throughout history that have made a difference. In fact I would consider your President, Barrack Obama one of those individuals.
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#4
(02-09-2014, 11:43 PM)Garth Wrote: Good point! Compromise is always a good idea if it accomplishes what you want and at the same time benefits all concerned. It should be noted however it has been the nonconformists throughout history that have made a difference. In fact I would consider your President, Barrack Obama one of those individuals.

Ugh. I don't consider the president to be a nonconformist in any way at all. He is like most other politicians - only interested in pleasing those in their party and whoring themselves out to those with the most money and power. He and most other high ranking officials only pander to those on the extreme edges of their ideology, while most of Americans fall somewhere much closer to the middle. But most of them could care less about what the centrist majority thinks. They only care about themselves. And B.O. is the poster child for that "me first" attitude. Talk about someone who was never told "no" as a kid... Dodgy
MICHAEL
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#5
LOL I stand corrected. But than again I'm Canadian. If you really want to know a boring Politician you should be introduced to our Prime Minister Stephen Harper! Obama looks like a Michael Angelo compared to Stephen!
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#6
(02-11-2014, 12:07 PM)Garth Wrote: LOL I stand corrected. But than again I'm Canadian. If you really want to know a boring Politician you should be introduced to our Prime Minister Stephen Harper! Obama looks like a Michelangelo compared to Stephen!

To be honest, the only Canadian politician I know by name is Rob Ford. That guy cracks me up! Tongue Of course, if I actually lived in the city of Toronto, I might not feel quite the same way... Dodgy
MICHAEL
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#7
I disagree with you all completely. I think that teaching your children to respect, but question authority is a good thing. Our boys both knew that they had to be dependable, (do what they say they are going to do and get to places on time, hand in assignments on time, etc.), but we also always encouraged them to challenge conventional wisdom and in fact had and have many debates about various questions and issues, sometimes even arguing a side with which we disagree just to make them have to really think about their opinions. Blind faith and unquestioning compliance are what lead to apathy in the face of genocide.
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#8
Well said Tissueman!
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#9
(02-11-2014, 10:35 PM)Tissueman Wrote: I disagree with you all completely. I think that teaching your children to respect, but question authority is a good thing. Our boys both knew that they had to be dependable, (do what they say they are going to do and get to places on time, hand in assignments on time, etc.), but we also always encouraged them to challenge conventional wisdom and in fact had and have many debates about various questions and issues, sometimes even arguing a side with which we disagree just to make them have to really think about their opinions. Blind faith and unquestioning compliance are what lead to apathy in the face of genocide.

I'm not sure what you're disagreeing with...? Because I completely agree with everything you said and I don't think that what I said before runs contrary to that. Huh
MICHAEL
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#10
By the way Rob Ford was raised by an authoritarian alcoholic father. He too was a politician and hard on his male children especially. As they say the apple does not fall too far from the tree. I do hope Rob does get help for his addiction as I think he basically has a good soul.
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