Children Should be Seen, Not Heard.

Aug 21 2008

Children Should be Seen, Not Heard.

Published by Steve N. Lee at 7:14 pm under changing the world, human rights

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Kids! What the hell do they know? Loud, lazy, disrespectful, trouble causers. Like we can ever learn anything from kids!

So why do I suggest you waste 6 minutes of your life watching the video below which features just an ordinary bunch of kids from an ordinary school?

You’ll see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2AJ7Vcxk3w

This is just an ordinary group of teenagers. Could be any group in any town - even yours.An ordinary bunch of teenagers who changed their world. TOTALLY!

Think it was all show for the cameras and everything went back to ‘normal’ later? Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yCPi7FFlJk

Just think what a wonderful world we could have if a bunch of adults ever got together in a room and talked things through to try to change our world for the better.Oops, they do, don’t they? Isn’t that a politician’s job? And don’t summits between world leaders go on all the time? So why does nothing ever change?

Now, if kids can be receptive, responsible and wise enough to achieve what this group did, why can’t adults? And if adults can, why can’t politicians?

What we can learn from a bunch of kids!

So go. See. Feel. Live.
Steve

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25 Responses to “Children Should be Seen, Not Heard.”

# Fran Cannonon 21 Aug 2008 at 10:06 pm

The kids of today are “the future”. They have a voice and a choice in all that is going to save the future. Speaking up is a way that they can shape the future for the better….
# Fran Cannonon 21 Aug 2008 at 10:11 pm

The children of today are “the future” Their opinions and voices shape the future. They need to be heard and to express their views for the sake of this world and for the future…
# Steve N. Leeon 22 Aug 2008 at 10:37 am

Hi Fran,

While not wanting to do a Michael Jackson impersonation - children are our future, yes. To be honest, I can’t tell if you are simply responding to the title of this post without having watched the videos or if you’ve watched them and don’t think there’s anything to add. Sorry. If it’s the former - readers should never judge my posts by their titles, their opening paragraph, or in deed, even by 50% of what I write - I do like mind games! If the latter, then thanks for the compliment.

Steve
# Glendaon 23 Aug 2008 at 2:32 am

* Wipes away tears* That was so powerful. It was wonderful to see the teachers being so open as well as the students understanding that they are not alone.

Every school should have a “Challenge Day” I really wish we had that when I was at High school, I’m sure it would of helped all of us thay had been bullied get a little bit more understanding.

Yes, we can all learn from this.

Oh and please do not use Michael Jackson and children in the same sentence again. LOL.

Thanks Steve, that was a lovely way to start my weekend.
# Steve N. Leeon 23 Aug 2008 at 11:14 am

Thank you, Glenda. I’m pleased you liked that. Yes, it is a very powerful video and does make you wonder why such events haven’t caught on as not only would they make school life far more pleasurable for kids (and teachers) but, as they grew up, it would have a knock-on effect on society as a whole.

For those who thought I was a little rough on Americans last week, I do appreciate that they get things right from time to time, too! Let’s hope others can see the beauty in what these people achieved.

Have a great weekend, Glenda.
Steve
# Louise Bristowon 23 Aug 2008 at 2:46 pm

“Tomorrow lies in a cradle, tomorrow has eyes that eyes that shine, tomorrow lies in a cradle with a smile a little like MINE.” The WEAVERS
# Steve N. Leeon 23 Aug 2008 at 5:03 pm

Thanks, Louise. That’s the third time someone has used lyrics in a comment, (though, I’m still waiting for someone to post lyrics from a song I actually know!). I know what you’re getting at but, again, as with Fran above, I’m not sure if you’ve watched the videos or not to see what I’m getting at. I hope so and that I’m just having a ‘thick’ day!

Have a great Saturday,
Steve
# Terrie Won 24 Aug 2008 at 5:04 pm

They need to do this at every single high school and junior high school across the planet!!! Violence and suicide of our young people would be drastically reduced..in all nations.

When people, young, old or in between LEARN that we are all NOT so different, that we are all CONNECTED in many ways, that is when hatred, bigotry, misogyny and religious differences start to fall away.

But, like these young people have learned, it is a battle every single day to better oneself and to stay true to one’s purpose. These young people have the chance (a REAL chance) to change themselves and to change their future–for the betterment of all. I wish them all success!!!
# Steve N. Leeon 24 Aug 2008 at 6:03 pm

Connected - that’s the answer. I’ve talked about that before, on this blog and in my book. When people don’t see differences - dress, hair style, culture, beliefs, skin colour - when they just see another person, just like themselves, then mankind will take an enormous leap forward in cultural evolution. I doubt it will happen in my lifetime, but I’m confident it will happen. What an age that will be!

Thanks, Terrie. Enjoy the rest of your weekend,
Steve
# Carol Ann Wileyon 24 Aug 2008 at 8:27 pm

I have long been interested in the role parents play in their children’s lives. As a mother of three, I have been terrified from day one and progressed through pride, love, anger, smiles and frowns and always wondering how they would turn out. I can look back now and see that despite anything I may have done that I regretted they have turned out to be really “good” people and excellent leaders for the future.

I remember telling my Mother how terrified I was when my first child was born. Her comment was, “Oh, you’ll do just fine if you remember to fall back on your heart, your gut and your common sense and always, always let them know how much you love them”.

Lately, I discovered this quote that I had seen a long time ago and forgotten but I think it bears repeating again in this time.

Children Learn What They Live - Dorothy Law Neite

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child learns to feel shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement he learns confidence
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
He a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

Thanks for your great post and I plan on sharing it as many places as I can.
# Steve N. Leeon 25 Aug 2008 at 9:14 am

Thanks, Carol. I’m pleased you enjoyed my post.

“… pride, love, anger, smiles and frowns…” - I can only imagine how many times I put my parents through the emotional wringer! I was lucky, though, as they instinctively adhered to that wonderful quote of yours. Yes, parents can make or break a child’s entire future, so it’s a pity that more of them don’t appreciate that fact and take on the responsibility that has been handed to them along with their new-born.

Don’t worry, Carol, the simple fact that you are concerned enough to question your role as parent virtually guarantees that you’ll do a fine job and your children will mature into well-balanced, sensitive, giving adults who’ll have plenty to offer the world. You should take pride and great heart in that. It’s a pity more parents don’t follow your example - the world would be in a much better state with a much more positive future.

Have a great week, Carol. Thanks for furthering the discussion,
Steve
# Gregon 27 Aug 2008 at 2:25 am

Hi Steve,

Don’t worry, you’re forgiven for your remarks last time.

You’re sure right about not judging one of your posts by the title, though this one had fewer twists than some of your posts do. :)

Nice choice of videos, thanks. I think your remark sums it all up nicely, “When people don’t see differences - dress, hair style, culture, beliefs, skin colour - when they just see another person, just like themselves, then mankind will take an enormous leap forward in cultural evolution. I doubt it will happen in my lifetime, but I’m confident it will happen. What an age that will be!”
# Steve N. Leeon 27 Aug 2008 at 7:28 am

Thanks, Greg. Glad you like this week’s post.

Yes, I think many people only read the title and maybe the first paragraph of my post which invariably gives them completely the wrong take on what I’m talking about. Others fixate on one tiny aspect of the post and completely miss the bigger picture. Maybe these people leave an odd comment or maybe they just leave. But I do enjoy playing games with readers so my style is hear to stay. I know it’s not SEO, etc, but, hey, I write for people not machines, so I’ll live with a little less traffic in favour of more entertaining posts.

Glad you like my remark. I hope others will read it and see the truth in it, too.

Thanks again, Greg. Hope your week is going well,
Steve
# Gregon 28 Aug 2008 at 7:31 am

“I know it’s not SEO, etc, but, hey… ”

Ya know, you probably get more repeat readers by not writing for SEO. Probably more word of mouth, as well. Just like Jack says. :)
# Virginiaon 31 Aug 2008 at 1:16 am

Fabulous, I passed it on to some folks in my area who may be able to help get it started.

Kids learn from adults (duh) so it’s obvious where they learn to be loud, lazy, disrespectful, trouble causers.

Virginia
# Steve N. Leeon 31 Aug 2008 at 1:05 pm

That’s great, Virginia. It would be wonderful if this humble, little post could directly improve the lives of some school kids. Great stuff. Thanks for making a difference!

Pleased I could help. Thanks for commenting,
Steve
# Rita J. Schwieterson 12 Sep 2008 at 3:34 pm

I found this blog through gems4friends.com and I want to say that my cup runnth over. My heart soars and sings after watching these vidoes. I have in my heart been awaiting a day like today. I know we are a great people, each and eveyone of us. Until we all realize we are all connected things will never change or we will never evolve. But, I see now today so much hope and happiness before our country and all the world. I know we ARE changing and I thank these young people from the very depths of my soul, for who I AM, who we all are. I intend to share this with everyone I know and begin a ripple effect.
Mitakuye Oyasin! (we are all related)
Peace!
# Steve N. Leeon 12 Sep 2008 at 4:20 pm

I’m pleased to hear you’ve had an accident with your cup, Rita!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Yes, the videos are inspiring aren’t they? If we could cultivate such a mindset in our young, imagine what wonders we could see become reality in the world of tomorrow.

Thanks, Rita. Good luck with that ripple effect!
Steve
# Peggyon 30 Sep 2008 at 8:45 pm

Very good link. A friend past it on to me and I passed on to a school principle. I pray that it will lead Him to some ideas to help our small school to become more like family. Graduates of 18 to 20 kids, this school is to small to be divided up by hatred. Something has to be done. Teenagers are going through enough just be teenagers. Parents need to also to talk to their children, it is hard and maybe they feel they are being ignored, guess what, the kids listen and they feel just as Parent do, trust has to be reached and respect has to earned by both parties. No one said it was easy but to work through it together, that is an accomplishment all of its own.
# Peggyon 30 Sep 2008 at 8:50 pm

How does one try to get this type of support group started ?
# Steve N. Leeon 01 Oct 2008 at 11:54 am

Yes, Peggy, it would be fantastic if every community could initiate such programs, wouldn’t it? Our children deserve better. They need protecting from peer pressure and bullying. Apart from the peace and freedom it will bring to their own lives, it will be a tremendous benefit to society once they mature and go on to lead productive lives.

As for setting up such a program? Try Google and see what that throws up with regards to contact info for organizations who’ve taken part in this scheme.

Steve
# boobion 26 Oct 2008 at 10:05 pm

i hate this website!!!!!
# Steve N. Leeon 27 Oct 2008 at 10:00 am

It’s always a pleasure to get intelligent comments from articulate, educated people. Thanks for sharing that with us, boobi. (I hope you don’t mind me saying but that seems a very appropriate name!)

Steve
# Peggyon 27 Oct 2008 at 10:51 pm

Thanks Steve for your reply.
# Steve N. Leeon 28 Oct 2008 at 10:03 am

No need to thank me, Peggy. You’re very welcome. Thank you for stopping by and reading my work.

Hope you managed to find more info and look at initiating such a scheme in your neck of the woods.

Have a great week,
Steve