Reversing “The Fall of the Family”
Until now, we have introduced, described, dived into, and explored tangents surrounding what has been coined as The Fall of the Family. This phenomenon, which runs rampant in our culture, is the deconstruction of the nuclear family in tandem with increasing single-parent homes. Though children can undoubtedly find success from any of the growingly diverse family settings, it is proven that single-parents and those in co-habiting households underperform in comparison to traditional environments. Today, we will explore two possible solutions to this civic issue.
First, it is most important to educate kids about this subject. Many schools, private and public, push for sex-education curriculums, aimed at teaching kids the basics. While this is all well and good at its proper stage of life, schools never teach about family-life, families, and the various situations that can arise. I find it hard to imagine how one can have a discussion about safe sex without talking about its potential to still bear life and how to deal with such a scenario. If kids are taught how to have sex but have no understanding that it can lead to difficult situations, especially early on in life, then what is the point? Thus, it is of utmost importance to educate kids in high school about how choices can affect their lives and how difficult the outcomes of their decision-making can be. I have heard countless times that graduating high school and waiting to have kids until after marriage or at least within a serious relationship, are two of the best ways to avoid poverty. Though everyone will not agree with this, I continue to believe that it is both true and worthy for every student to learn about.
A second possible solution to this issue is to ban or at least strongly regulate pornographic material. Unfortunately, kids are exposed to such content at younger and younger ages, and the only way to prevent it at this point is to create harsh restrictions or simply ban it entirely. While this may seem like a stretch, it is both scientifically proven and agreed upon by most that the viewing of pornography and associated media and images destroy the brain’s reward system, especially when it comes to relationships. So, we are not only failing to educate kids on the different family dynamics and the consequences of poor decisions on that basis, but also allowing kids to have their relational reward system ruined at ridiculously young ages. The pornography industry is corrupt to begin with, but it is now creating problems for children that will negatively influence their relationships, future children, and, in some instances, the remainder of their lives. With that said, even if it is not a ban, something must be done.
I hope that this blog has at least accomplished one of three things for all who have been reading it: taught you something, made you view this issue in a more serious manner, and/or simply entertained you. I appreciate any comments, suggestions, or feedback; everything is welcome. It has been rewarding to write about this issue, as my own preconceptions and beliefs have been proven wrong or challenged by articles and research that I have encountered, which is great; that is definitely a purpose of this blog. Anyways, thanks for those who read this blog–even if it was once–this semester. It has been a pleasure. Goodbye!