I came across this cartoon and immediately thought of American Studies. Not only did we look at another Calvin and Hobbes cartoon in class, but we have been talking about the "myths of childhood." Calvin demonstrates that even though he is a child, which can be equated with absolute bliss (such as care free afternoons, bubble gum and playgrounds) he does not possess adult freedoms and rights. Calvin doesn't even possess the authority to choose when he needs to take a bath or go to bed. Parents have control and responsibility over their children. But part of being a parent is understanding that having influence over your child is not the same as having ownership of your child.
Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. During agree/disagree questionnaire we discussed in class, many people believed that parents own their children. People brought up examples of legal responsibility for the child as well as financially responsible. I believe, like you, that there is a very large difference in the ownership of a child and being responsible for a child. Parents influence and are responsible for their children as they grow up, but parents do not own their children.
I agree with both of you. I do not believe that parents own children. The word own in my mind should not be used for people. "Own" is for objects and it makes the children seem less than human.
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