4.23.2007

Bang Bang You're Dead

In light of recent events I have been re-thinking an opinion of mine... Here it goes:

Although I do not like guns, I had decided that I would not stop my son from "playing gun" if he so desired. I had talked to enough people and read some about "play fighting" to be comfortable with the fact that it serves a purpose in sorting out emotions and helps with imagination role playing blah blah blah. And so far (besides the occasional water gun) Braden isn't really interested in shooting stuff. (he hasn't made a gun out of a stick or carrot or whatever). But after reading my friends blog regarding recent events I got to thinking...

My friends argues that even pretend playing about something that hurts people is wrong.

I agree with her that shooting people is wrong, so why would I let my son pretend to shoot someone?

I would never allow him to pretend to shoot up heroin or think it was okay if my daughter played pretend prostitute.... so why would I allow him to pretend to shoot people?

6 comments:

Mason said...

What about the "forbidden fruit" syndrome? All people in some greater or lesser degree posses the potential for violence, physical and emotional, towards objects and living creatures. Impeding, in word or deed, the exploration of natural emotions can induce a undue sense of guilt (at the very least) or foster a latent resentment toward the source of impedence that can boil over in the form of exagerated modes of violent behavior. The not uncommon fad of fight-clubs amongst adolescent and post-adolescent American males seems to spike this point. The animal self will surface more aggressively if it is pushed down in either the macro/social, or micro/parental levels. One must KNOW the beast before there is any hope of effectively corraling it.
Just another parent's thoughts...

Jen said...

I can't talk like Mason... He must be in school or something. :)

Deanna said...

Okay, you told me I should read Mason's response, and I'm not sure I really understood half of what he said. Does he actually talk like that? If so, I'm in trouble!! Ha! Ha!

Mason said...

First, I tender my sincerest apology to Julia and her readers for the questionable content of my previous posting. The offering of this sentiment finds its genesis in Julia's clarification regarding her concern relevant to gun violence versus aggression. I overlooked that particular aspect of her posting as I emoted upon the what I wanted to read: Emasculation in the guise of propigating a kinder, gentler society. In short, my issue, my bad.

Regardless, I find myself on comment probation.

Sorry lady. You're are the parent I would like to be.

BB

Jen said...

Run that by me again? Man, Mason, you and Ben could definitely have a word battle with all your deep shared knowledge.

A-Ron said...

Can we go duck hunting?