Image via WikipediaA self proclaimed “proud Scottish chick” from Manitoba has had her son removed from her home because he came to school sporting a swastika. Personally I am offended both by her beliefs and by her bringing the Scots into it. Nevertheless, the question here seems to be, can the government remove children for parental teachings of hate.
At first blush one might be tempted to say yes. However, further reflection sheds light on the dilemmas this would cause. For instance, many fundamentalist religions teach hate against women, gays and others not seen as reflective of their beliefs. And while anyone with any humanity would wish this sort of brainwashing not be inflicted upon the next generation, taking children from their homes is a serious issue and should not be done lightly.
Imagine if the current crop of nutters, aka the Not your Father’s Conservatives Party had the authority to take children from homes they considered “unsuitable”. A horrific thought indeed.
So while the teaching of hate is not something we wish to see and is indeed, in my mind at least, child abuse in protecting the rights of parents to teach their values we protect the rights of all. Paradoxically the reality that these self same people would take away our rights if given half a chance is all the more reason to ensure that we protect theirs.
And this is the appropriate way to show Scottish Pride. Wha’s Like Us? Damn Few And They’re A’ Died!
That’s a very troubling story, for several reasons. From what is there, I don’t think that should be cause to remove a child, odd though the mother’s beliefs seem to be.
The Scottish connection bothers me too. I’ve heard people claim that the Celtic cross is a form of swastika, which is simply outrageous. Ireland and Scotland both are paved with Celtic crosses; I wear a bracelet of Celtic crosses; they are ancient but they have remained a powerful symbol over the millennia, and no good Celt would connect them with the swastika, which is a bit of Hitler-kitsch taken from another source.
Most people here don’t know that, though, and the mother in this story has obviously picked up some half-baked version of the symbolism. As you say, though, AR, if we took away the kids of everyone we consider half-baked, whose kids would be left? And who’s making the judgements?
I don’t agree. It’s simply too easy to throw up one’s hands and ask, “Where do we draw the line?”
There. There’s where we draw it. When a kid comes to school with her body tagged with neo-Nazi slogans and symbols. NOT in the best interests of the child, any more than bringing up a kid to be a suicide-bomber would be. Both excellent candidates for child services intervention.
@Dr.Dawg –
That’s my gut reaction too, but I can’t shake the thought that once there is precedent it will be used to keep anyone who doesn’t agree with government in check. Fall in line or we’ll steal your kids. I put nothing past the current government….nothing