Kids do say the darndest things
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- October
- 9
A few weeks ago, before the economic meltdown set in, my youngest son greeted me with the announcement: “I’m a communist. And an atheist.” And good morning to you, too, son.
For a kid who hadn’t turned 14 yet, that was a pretty big deal. He explained his reasoning: The world would be better place without rich or poor. As for God, he just didn’t think he/she existed. I could identify with that last point. Somewhere around 11 or 12, I was stricken with doubt about the existence of the Big Guy.
The communist part brought up a rush of feelings: My son is for fairness and equality (Good thing!); He believes in a failed economic system that’s produced some nasty leaders (Bad thing!); What kind of terrible parents are we? (OK, that’s my issue: worrying what others might think); and finally, he’s lucky this it’s not 50-60 years ago, or he’d get blacklisted.
Since my son had read a book on Marxism and a warts-and-all biography on Mao Tse-Tung, I suggested he might want to read about the father of capitalism, Adam Smith. Then he would know what Marx was criticizing. No, my son said, he was worried someone would think him a capitalist if he was seen with the book.
Since kids tend to be contrary, I didn’t make a big deal over any of this, though I explained that there might be some good things about the market system. And then the stock market crashed and my 401K plan deflated. I guess this is one of those teachable moments, for both of us.
This entry was posted
on Thursday, October 9th, 2008 at 9:11 am by Len Maniace.
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Don’t sweat it. You have a kid who reads, and it’s something other than video game cheat books. Be proud that he thinks for himself and is willing to see other alternatives. Just make sure he knows when and with whom he can discuss this.
For example, I would love to have a conversation with my son about the relative merits and pitfalls of Marxism and capitalism. I just don’t want him to approach his grandmother with the same topic. Weak heart…
Odd. when I read the communist manifesto, it didn’t seem practical, given an understanding of humanity. When he realizes that people aren’t inherently fair or even-handed, he’ll rethink communism. wait until the next time he says something isn’t fair—like his brother/sister got something he didn’t. Tell him he needs to do some more research on economic systems before making any decision on where he wants to hang his hat. and as for taking out a book from the library (you Luddite), suggest he research capitalism on line.
It’ll be interesting to hear about a year from now how your son feels about both subjects. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he did a 180 – if not in a year, certainly by the time he’s a senior and has read a lot more (and more importantly lived a lot more).