Only in America...

[aclivity]

Originally Posted by berticus

Besides, do you really agree that a special cartoon promoting "alternative lifestyles" is appropriate viewing for a toddler?

As a parent of 2 toddlers and 2 more children on the way, I would have to answer this as a resounding yes.

The story does not say that the video is promoting alternative lifestyles, it says that it is promoting tolerance and understanding of diversity in society. This, IMHO, is a good thing.

Because I don't want my children to grow up with prejudices against those who may be different to themselves, I think it is appropriate viewing.

My children - if, as and when they are able to consider their feelings - should feel that they can discuss lifestyle choices freely and openly rather than think that they need to hide their thoughts or feel ashamed.

[Mr T.]

Originally Posted by Conor

PMSL

Guys, you react to a comment about intolerance and ignorance by slagging off Americans en mass?

Quod Erat Demonstrandum.

Thread moved to 'Only in America...'

[chrisch]

Originally Posted by aclivity

The story does not say that the video is promoting alternative lifestyles, it says that it is promoting tolerance and understanding of diversity in society. This, IMHO, is a good thing.

I think tolerance and understanding is exactly what they are frightened of. As long as you don't understand anything and are intolerant of others' views you can believe the biggoted creationist shite they tell you.

Chris

[dry suit diver]

Originally Posted by aclivity

As a parent of 2 toddlers and 2 more children on the way, I would have to answer this as a resounding yes.

The story does not say that the video is promoting alternative lifestyles, it says that it is promoting tolerance and understanding of diversity in society. This, IMHO, is a good thing.

Because I don't want my children to grow up with prejudices against those who may be different to themselves, I think it is appropriate viewing.

My children - if, as and when they are able to consider their feelings - should feel that they can discuss lifestyle choices freely and openly rather than think that they need to hide their thoughts or feel ashamed.

yes totally agree that educating children from early age that not all people are the same will hopefully create a society that will be more tolerant and understanding of each other.

prime example of this is that all gays are paedophiles which is patently untrue.
south park did this one a few years back when big gay al was in charge of the scout troop and got booted out cos some parents thought he would touch the kids up .the parents brought in a rough tough troopp leader who WAS a paedo and threatened kyle ,stan ,cartman et al if they spilled the beans about what he was doing.

[Zdu]

Is it ever too young to teach tolerance? A person doesn't have to like or approve of another's life-style to be able to tolerate it.

Personally, I can't understand people who eat raw tomatoes but I still tolerate 'em. Er... OK, not the best analogy but you know what I mean.

[berticus]

But how do you explain this "difference" to a child? Isn't this just a sneaky way of promoting gay sex under the guise of tolerance.

Politicians use this trick all the time. e.g. Claiming that someone is a racist because they promoted reducing immigration.

I accept other people make different choices with their lives/bodies, so long as it doesn't affect my life. Live and let live etc. However, I don't want my child exposing to these ideas until he's old enough to understand what it means.

When I was a child I didn't know anything about sex or sexuality until I was about 10 (maybe I'm just backwards in this regard??), and I consider myself tolerant. Having said that, I'm obviously intolerant of promoting the thing that I'm tolerant of.

Now I'm confused - I'm going for a little sleep

[dry suit diver]

Originally Posted by berticus

But how do you explain this "difference" to a child? Isn't this just a sneaky way of promoting gay sex under the guise of tolerance.

Politicians use this trick all the time. e.g. Claiming that someone is a racist because they promoted reducing immigration.

I accept other people make different choices with their lives/bodies, so long as it doesn't affect my life. Live and let live etc. However, I don't want my child exposing to these ideas until he's old enough to understand what it means.

When I was a child I didn't know anything about sex or sexuality until I was about 10 (maybe I'm just backwards in this regard??), and I consider myself tolerant. Having said that, I'm obviously intolerant of promoting the thing that I'm tolerant of.

Now I'm confused - I'm going for a little sleep

your post was let down in the first line ,why shouldnt it be promoted as much as a heterosexual relationship.as long as any relationship homo or hetero is loving and shows respect for each other what is the problem.

[berticus]

I see your point. My first line shows my intolerance! Damn you!!

I suppose everyone has their beliefs, and "normal" is only a state of mind shared by the majority. The question is - does the majority of the UK believe that homosexual relationships are normal?

IMO, most would say they accept homosexuals exist, but don't want their child to be one. Or am I just assuming everyone is like me?

[dry suit diver]

Originally Posted by berticus

I see your point. My first line shows my intolerance! Damn you!!

I suppose everyone has their beliefs, and "normal" is only a state of mind shared by the majority. The question is - does the majority of the UK believe that homosexual relationships are normal?

IMO, most would say they accept homosexuals exist, but don't want their child to be one. Or am I just assuming everyone is like me?

IMHO any relationship that is loving and sharing and respectful of each other is normal any other type of relationship isnt normal.

[aclivity]

Originally Posted by dry suit diver

IMHO any relationship that is loving and sharing and respectful of each other is normal any other type of relationship isnt normal.

I would green you but I must have given you a blob recently.

Originally Posted by Berticus

IMO, most would say they accept homosexuals exist, but don't want their child to be one. Or am I just assuming everyone is like me?

Hmmm, given a choice between:
- Their child being an emotional cripple living a lie with a deep dark secret that they felt ashamed to discuss in public because their parents had instilled a sense of guilt about what they were feeling, or
- Their child cutting off all contact with them for fear of aprobation, or
- Their child being homosexual

My money is most parents would rather go for the latter. I'm sure that most straight parents want the best for their children, not just that they grow up like them. I'm talking about open minded individuals, not bigots.

A less contentious parallel may be one of religion. I am a practising Christian. I am bringing my children up in the same faith. I would not teach, tell, hint or intimate that any other faith is intrinsically wrong, in fact I would encourage and help them to find out more about other religions. If, at some point in the future, they decided to convert to Islam, or Baha'i, or Kabbala, or whatever, then I would like to be certain that they had all of the facts available to them. I don't think pretending that other religions don't exist would help anyone.