Continue the family lineage
March 16, 2007Sometimes, a certain subject comes up among my friends and I which always presents me with a huge dilemma. Even though the dilemma is 3945730495 years in the future, it’s still quite important to me.
Kids, or no kids?
You see, I see it as a duty to continue the family lineage; in fact, since my parents won’t be able to rely on my two brothers for grandchildren, the task kind of rests on my shoulders. I’m saying “kind of” because my parents have never in their lives even so much as hinted at wanting grandchildren. Nor would they ever even apply the smallest bit of pressure on me.
However, in all honesty, I don’t like the idea of putting children in the world we live in today. We already destroyed our environment, we have driven many animals to extinction, we have committed the most horrendous crimes (the holocaust, slavery, the atom bombs on Japan, etc.), you name it; how am I supposed to raise an innocent child in world like this?
Even on a national level things worry me. Right-wing extremists like Geert Wilders are busy destroying everything that made my country great. Do I really want to bring up my son or daughter in a country which lost its most defining characteristic (tolerance)?
Difficult issue, this. I value traditions, I value lineage; but I also have to think about what’s in the best interest of my hypothetical offspring. Luckily, this decision won’t have to be made in the coming 600 years.
But still.
What about your brothers ?
The world isn’t as bad as it would seem. The atom bombs on Japan probably prevented an even bloodier land war, from house to house.
Innocence is in the eye of the beholder. “My god what will I tell my children when they see two gay men kissing !?” The world is coming to an end ! That’s what a Bill O’Reilly might say.
Human caused extinction in countries that care is being reversed because many people love animals.
Here in North America the gray wolf, the grizzly bear and the bald eagle are three I can think of off hand.
If you live in the most free county on Earth, but still, you are worried ? What hope is there for the rest of humanity that is under the thumb of evil power ?
Comment by mikesum32 — March 17, 2007 @ 12:24 am
Have kids. The more the happier your household will be. :)
Our environment is just fine (don’t listen to hollywood lol). Mother nature drives many animals to extinction by herself. I doubt that you nor the wife you’ll marry will ever commit any serious crimes. What troubles me is why should hollywood or past events stop you? You take a leap of faith every morning getting out of bed. Why should it be different for your kids? Should I stop going to the movies because of the high number of bad films like 300?
- Ronald
Conservative ;)
Comment by Ronald — March 17, 2007 @ 2:25 am
I’m not sure I understand the problem with acting intolerant to a people and religion who are inherantly intolerant? Re: Geert Wilders.
Perhaps someone could answer the question for me? I mean, we’re generally that way when it comes to religions like Christianity when they voice their views on things like homosexuality.
We are generally taught to judge people not by their race, but their character (i.e., actions, views, etc.).
And if you support something like Sharia law, and a sizable number of Muslims do, which supports the murder of homosexuals and apostates you are an inherit bigot and undeserving of any sort of tolerance.
Comment by Andrew — March 17, 2007 @ 6:24 am
If you think a little bit, the humankind has never enjoyed better times. In all seriosity, we live longer and healthier lives than our predecessors, and certainly richer. Present generations, at least in the West have been fortunate enought not know what war is, with cities destroyed, lives lost in the tens of thousands.. Just think, was the prospect of having children better 60 years ago? Or maybe one hundred? No..
Comment by Stefan — March 18, 2007 @ 12:50 am
That’s a pretty selfish stance to take…isn’t that a decision your kids should make for themselves (i.e. what they make of the world).
I personally think now is one of the most exciting times to be alive. There’s always going to be some shitty stuff going on, but come on man…be optimistic. Life itself is the greatest gift.
Comment by jayson knight — March 19, 2007 @ 4:16 am
Adopt. :P
Comment by Peejay — March 19, 2007 @ 1:56 pm
I look at my three kids and I can’t even imagine any of them not existing. I can’t imagine myself not existing. Non-existence doesn’t sound like too great an idea for me. I plan on exploring the universe for millions and millions of years. If someone offered you the choice of going out of existence entirely, would you opt for it?
Comment by Tom Dison — March 20, 2007 @ 4:34 pm
Another leftie ….
I’ll answer the question for you; please DON’T have any children!!!
Because it is people like you who have brought us to a situation of intolerance by allowing vast numbers of immigrants to keep and display their own identity and NOT integrate into Dutch society. Holland is one of the most overcrowded countries in the world, so it is only natural for people like Pim Fortuyn (gay politician who was killed for his beliefs) and Geert Wilders to react to the growing of immigrants who try to shove their religion onto us. And for the record; Geert is not against immigrants at all, he even married one. He merely wants immigrants to integrate into our society. Get your facts straight before you blog.
Comment by Vader218 — March 24, 2007 @ 5:29 am