(no subject)

[merchimerch]

It made me sad to see young kids in the group of "Yes on 8" protesters that were located at Hamilton and Winchester in San Jose as I ran errands in the rain today. In addition to the vile message, it seems really inappropriate to bring small kids into the political arena that way.

One of them had a sign that read: "Honk to support traditional marriage"

...no one was honking

Comments

[mikz.livejournal.com]

FWIW, I've seen many kids waving 'NO on 8' signs and none saying yes, and it heartened me. Both groups will have plenty of time to form their own opinions... some of my own views have changed a lot since I was a kid.

Really, really hoping it fails...

[merchimerch.livejournal.com]

see I don't know - I don't think young kids should be sign waving at all. It just kinda makes me uneasy to use kids as political pawns, and as you said -- one's views change a lot through the course of growing up.

I don't mind teenage activists, but somehow it make me really uncomfortable to see really young kids being put out there for causes that I am not sure they're capable of forming opinions on that don't match that which they are taught.

I REALLY hope it fails as well.

[mikz.livejournal.com]

I was quite opinionated when I was, say, 9. I hadn't learnt how to effectively argue my opinions yet, but I was perfectly capable of forming them, hearing what others had to say (my parents and teachers often disagreed about things, and my peers definitely did) and making up my own mind. Learning how to express them respectfully, with signs or otherwise, is part of that, and if I hadn't been allowed to, I would not have learnt how to effectively argue them (or change my mind) until much later. So I say, anyone who's old enough to have an opinion ought to be allowed to express it.

And this Prop 8 thing ain't over yet! =)