5 Parenting controversies in 2011
When it comes to parenthood, parents strive to apply the best possible parenting techniques, they can induce. They are bound to wonder if they are on the right track and constantly keep looking to improve their ways. In the midst of this, when there is a heated controversy it clouds and influences the way parents think and act. Controversy is a topic that leads to strong opinion from many people and creates a stir. It certainly affects the lives of the parents as well as the kids. Here are the top 5 parental controversies that rocked the parental world in the year 2011.
1. The Tiger Mom
What happened
Amy Chua, a mother of two, describes the need for the parents to adopt authoritarian type of parenting in her book “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother”. She explains why Chinese children are high achievers and the need to strictly discipline the children in order to be good at anything.
The reaction
This book stemmed strong opinions across the American parents questioning the parenting culture that is way too easy-going. Some parents believed that Chua was being a cruel mom and her exceptionally high standards made her children feel burdened. While others felt and agreed to Chua’s technique, since it was uniquely different from the usual archetype of American style of parenting. Chua’s book made parents think that it is right to be harder on kids without feeling guilty, while others felt that her parenting style had a rigid definition of success.
2. HPV Vaccine to include boys
What happened
In October 2011, CDC (the Center for Disease Control and Prevention) issued instructions to recommend HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccine for boys falling under age group of 11 and 21 and for girls between the age of 11 and 26 years. This vaccine helps to protect boys against rectum, penis, head and neck cancers and girls against cervical cancer.
The reaction
Though the vaccines are for the safety of the children, it is controversial, since it is recommended for children from a young age of 11. This sparked off debates as to whether parents should worry about the health safety or the sexuality of the children. Some parents believe that one should be guiding the children with respect to sexuality, while others believe that there is nothing wrong in protecting the child against a deadly disease. The new guidelines brought the parents of boys ponder over two important issues – safety and sexuality.
3. Crotch less thongs for seven year old girls
What happened
A Colorado mom was shocked to find crotchless thong panties that was sized for 7 year old girls. This was spotted in a store called Kid N Teen in the local mall which sells toddler clothing, soft toys and princess costumes. When customers complained to the owner of the mall, she defended saying that such merchandise was meant for teenagers. However, she later agreed to remove it off the shelves.
The reaction
Most parents feel that it is highly inappropriate and in bad taste to sell such wear that will highly mislead the kids. Parents strongly voiced that it is totally wrong, revolting and encourages sex among young girls who are gullible.
4. Live birth art show
What happened
A pregnant performance artist, Kotak had given birth to her baby in an art gallery for a set of audience to watch. The Microscope Gallery in Brooklyn has was set up into a birth center with all the necessary equipments. Kotak believed that giving birth is the pinnacle of art and expression.
The reaction
While some feel that this art is all about expression and bushing the boundaries and giving birth in a gallery aptly suits this course of direction. They also felt that though, not for the performance artist, the money can go in for the child’s future. Others felt that live birth is equivalent to child abuse when the baby’s safety and needs have been entirely sidelined.
5. Smart phone application that predicts sons’ sexuality
What happened
“Is My Son Gay” is an android application that lets parents check if their son is gay or not. A parent is asked about 20 yes or no questions that helps to evaluate if the son is gay or not. It has both positive as well as a negative answer that pops up after the test is completed. This app is priced at $2.69 and is receiving more brickbats than bouquets.
The reaction
Parents view this app as highly inappropriate and offensive. It has come across as a cheap and poorly conceived joke. If a parent has questions about his/her son, it is always better to talk to him than using an android application. Similarly, one of the iPhone app called “gay cure” was withdrawn due to Apple’s anti-hate speech policy.
