ShallowsNole;536364
As for kids that are taught to question authority...that just makes me sad.
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SN:
At the risk of getting "blasted" again, I am going to respond. I really thought your ideas before were interesting and I wanted to explore them. But, I did not want to argue about converting anyone to any certain religious belief.
So, can we explore the idea of authority without anyone thinking I am doing more than just sharing my opinion and looking for others' opinions, please.
If children are not taught to question...how do they learn to think for themselves? Holding a position of authority does not automatically make someone correct on every issue...if we do not question based on our own critical thinking, then we are simply following along without examining the beliefs, the orders, the doctrine, whatever it is.
Even a member of the military has the right to question an order if the member believes it to be inappropriate or illegal. Standing on principles and standing up for our rights is part of what makes America different from other places.
And, anyone who has any experience with doctors and hospitals, better learn to question authority...there are too many instances of patients who do not, losing the wrong leg or arm!
Questioning does not necessarily mean ignoring...but it does mean thinking about what you are about to do and examining whether or not that is the proper course to follow for you.
I would prefer to have someone: a child, a co-worker, a friend --think about an issue and discuss it with respect; than just have follow an "authority" figure simply because of the role that person fills.
IMO there is a huge difference in blindly following authority and having no manners, no social skills, no respect for parents, teachers, etc. And, I also believe that to be respected, one must show respect.
I raised my son this way and I had absolutely no difficulty with him; he is a very successful man and I am proud to say, he and his wife are raising their children this way as well and they are well behaved.
Each of them has a mind of their own; they are very capable and smart; and often they have ideas and interpretations that are better than those of the adults in their lives. We do not deny them the respect for their ideas when they are different than ours, we cherish the fact that they think for themselves.
By the same token we do not tolerate inappropriate, rude behavior...but, we seldom see it. I believe this is because the children's opinion's are respected; they are allowed a voice...while they know that parents or grandparents have the last word.
When my son was growing up there were few rules that were not negotiable...those that were, were never breached. We had some heated discussions of course and once in awhile I had to put my foot down, but more often than not, we were able to work through the differences in a civil way...regardless of whether he was 5 or 15.
He attended a school that encouraged critical thinking and discussion. His opinion was respected in the classroom and on the playground, by both the faculty and his peers. He returned the respect because he had been taught by his parents and his teachers that was the appropriate way.
I am convinced that the respect he was shown as an individual made all the difference. Today, he is confident to offer different ideas in all kinds of situations; is competent in who he is and the work he does both professionally and as a father; and he questions people all the time. He has expanded his knowledge and areas of interest because of his critical examination of what he is told.
On the other hand, I work with people every day who have been taught that they can not question...that they must do something "because the professor said this or that" As a result, they are scared to death to ask questions...they are lacking in self confidence and they are not achieving anywhere near their potential.
I see that all change when they learn that their opinion is valid; they can question, and they can be respected for having a different opinion. I think we all benefit when everyone is respected for the person he or she is; as parents and teachers we must teach social skills and appropriate behavior, but surely that does not mean blindly following...and never questioning authority.
Does it?
