Quote Originally Posted by Banquo's Ghost View Post
Whilst I agree in principle with Lemur and Xiahou, I think we are in danger of ignoring the impact of modern marketing techniques.

People do have choices, but they are subject to immense marketing pressures from corporations and governments. Remember, our entire economic concept in the West is based on naked consumerism. Modern marketing uses very powerful techniques to manipulate desire, and when the ordinary person is surrounded by peer pressure to achieve status not contentment, and government pressure to consume not save, they will be a strong personality not to be influenced by the psychology.

I also find myself in agreement with Crazed Rabbit's morality argument. (I do not however, place the blame entirely on the liberals. ) We are a society which angers itself to apoplexy at the mere mention of paedophiles, yet daily our children are exposed to imagery and role models - particularly in popular music - which glorifies meaningless, abusive sexual relationships. At base, it is the parent's responsibility to moderate what the child sees and experiences, but how does one do this in the modern world? Deprive them of television, friends, the toy of the moment, the music of their generation etc? What happens when one's iron control is not present and they are out in the world?

Instilling moral values is a powerful defence, but the constant bombardment they experience is a deep concern.

Excellent thread, Kekvit.
First off, great thread topic Kekvit. My family has been discussing this same subject in the aftermath of my step-daughter's recent 16th birthday. I find that the older I get the less I'm sure of anything as absolute. However, in answer to BQ's questions I'd have to say that communication with and listening to your children is crucial on topics such as these, especially the listening part. Lead by example, be the role model. Nothing closes a thinking child or teen's mind faster than a "Do as I say, not as I do" parental attitude. If they know they can come to you when they do screw up, and when asked "who their hero is" and they reply "my Mom & Dad".....you know your doing it right.
Gray hairs & some sleepless nights are part of the job.