The unheard voice

It is amazing in debates like section 59, when essentially the debate should be about protecting the minority or less powerful group – that it actually becomes about how it affects the powerful. Children’s voices, Young Peoples voices have not been heard. The media have not profiled Children or Young People, but they have profiled adults who control their relationships with children. In the NZ Herald, Garth George quite ridiculously profiled the Timaru mother who used a ridding crop on her son. There was some hearsay about what the child wanted, but no perspective. This is another example of privillage and oppression. The Man maintains privillage over their children – teaching them valuable lessons to be used in later life. Perhaps that was too extreme. But the point is still valid. Why are children not involved in the discussion that overwhelmingly affects them? Kids aren’t very bright – this is a silly point, and children have the right to speak about and be heard on anything and everything that affects them. They’re just kids – you’re just adults! They don’t know whats best for them – they know that smacking isn’t best for them And various other pathetic adult created non-sense. I survey 17 primary aged kids (year 6) and not one kid told me that they would like to be hit for punishment. 2 had never been hit. 3 were afraid to be hit. 1 crys when he thinks he might be hit. Who is going to protect these children? Not lawyers. Not parliament if they choose not to repeal. And not New Zealand if they don’t change their perspective on the issue and quick. It also seems ironic that we only want to protect children once they’ve died from abuse. The public outcry around the Kahui twins, Chris, and Cru is too late. We should have been outraged at the suggestion that this might occur – and seen all forms of violence for what they are, destructive.