Halo

Opinions on: Smacking; Commercial Surrogacy.

Phoenix said
1.) I'm pro-physical discipline. I believe children don't understand the social and emotional repercussions of their actions and that pain is the quickest but also most directly effective way of curbing any socially-unwanted behavior. Of course, there needs to be regulation of this method. Also, there needs to be a strong connection with the parents. If the child does not respect the parent(s) then they will not respect the method of discipline. But that goes for any form of punishment. I was hit as a child and had a strong relationship with my parents. When they hit me I felt guilt more often than pain. This strike to the child should be for the shock value, not the pain value. In my early childhood I got the wooden spoon, which was very painful. I know quite a few other people my age that received similar treatment. However, I believe that that is a bit radical. Perhaps a few times will do the trick for the right "crimes." As for smacking the cheek (either one), it was more of a jolt of unwanted contact coming from someone who I looked to provide me comfort and love. When an opposite result was provided due to my inappropriate behavior, I realized I was doing something wrong without being taken aside and given a lecture. Often I knew that the behavior was inappropriate and unacceptable and acted against my sense of self-discipline. Perhaps I was in a fit of hightened emotions and not behaving properly because of it. Regardless of the cause, it brought me to the conclusion that I was behaving inappropriately and to reconsider my actions. These punishments don't work when the child lacks empathy for others or respect for their parents. So the effectiveness of this punishment, I believe, directly correlates to the parenting method as well as the psychology of the child.2.) Inherently dangerous when traveling to a possibly illegitimate doctor who conducts possibly unsafe procedures. I don't know whether to be apathetic to their ignorance over the danger or impressed with their initiative to attain what they want. Overall, I'm indifferent upon this topic and believe people will seek out what they will when they are dissatisfied with their current state of being. It is unethical for the doctors to not disclose all possible outcomes of any and all treatments they provide. However, the individual seeking treatment might also not fully realize what these consequences may fully entail and might be so desperate as to ignore them. If that is the case, then I hold no sympathy. I also don't believe it to be the country's place to place a cap on human reproduction. If they want to bury themselves in their own people, so be it. To label "ethical or unethical" upon this would be counter-productive and has too many layers with which to do so effectively. Someone wishing to bear children through any means isn't inherently "unethical," but certainly brings about unethical behaviors, however ignorant.Overall, it's not entirely productive to discuss the ethics of these topics without both sides being open to discussion. I understand that this is for a debate and that each side shall have their opposing yet (hopefully) legitimate proofs. It's also difficult for a pro/con side to actually take the consideration of the other when forced/conditioned to see only one side. I wish you luck on your debates.

Do you not think that for some other children, receiving a shocking contact or show of violence from those they look to for love and comfort would instead sow mistrust and uncertainty? And, considering your conclusion on the matter, if one were to propose a ban on smacking, would you be opposed to it or for it? I am assuming, judging by your pronouncement of being pro-physical discipline, that you'd be opposed to it, in which case how does one ensure that it is being used in a safe and effective way rather than as abuse or even just on a child for whom it is ineffective due to either their psychology or the rest of their parents' parenting style?

Your view of fertility tourism is exceptionally balanced and incorporates ideas from both sides, so I can't ask you too many questions on it from either side's perspective. Thank you for responding, though.

Opinions on: Smacking; Commercial Surrogacy.

Magic Magnum said
Normally I'd go on a good amount on my views/opinions.But this is unlikely when the question asked is so brief, and even more unlikely when I'm tired.This is both, so this is a rare case I'll keep this short(ish). 1) Against it, fully. If anyone else is punished with violence we call it assault and abuse, the use on children should be viewed no differently.Plus it teaches them nothing outside of "Try not to do this, when they're around". If it ever actually causes a child to feel bad about what they did and stop, that's more a case of that child realizing they hurt their parents and wanting to stop. Which they could of realized by being told that they did rather than by being hit over it.2) Never thought about it. Nor heard of that term for it before so I had to look it up quickly.Basically, as long as it's safe treatment I see no issues in the practice of going to another country for treatment of any kind.Me saying if it's a good choice or a bad choice though would be a case by case analysis on what they are working on, why they are working on it and why are they leaving the country for it.

I kept the question brief as I need to be aware of all possible avenues of argument in order to best prepare for the debate. I wanted to see what people would say and what arguments they would form without being guided toward any specifics. Hence, I kept it brief and plain.

1. Do you not think that a coupling of punishment with an explanation of why punishment is necessary is a good way to reinforce the negative consequences of that action while simultaneously educating the child on the morality of their actions? (that's a very long clusterfuck of a sentence, hope it made sense.)
2. What about the exploitation of women in poor or developing countries for the purposes of commercial surrogacy?

mdk said
Violence has its place in society, and a responsible, measured disciplinary system is one of those places. That said leave it between kids and their parents -- we don't need to bring spankings into a compulsory education. Families don't need to be boxed into a corner over this, regardless of which corner you're talking about.

Is it not the job of society and the government to regulate the actions of parents to protect children, the most precious and vulnerable in society? Is it not our job to "box them into a corner", so to speak, by carefully and rigidly defining what is and is not acceptable?

Goldmarble said
Smacking: Idealistic about it. A parent should only have to use spanking as a last resort, for a child who commits an egregious error of judgement. No tools should ever be used, other than the open palm of the parent's hand. Supplemented with communication as to why, and how the action, or actions the child undertook were wrong. 3 slaps upside the ass should be maximum penalty. One should suffice for 99% of any time physical force is deemed necessary.I do not agree with the use of belts, spoons, paddles, or spanking "sessions." To me, this is abuse.Fertility Tourism? I give utterly no fucks about. I personally think it is silly to give a shit about something like this: It's other people's lives, other people's bodies, and has no effect on anyone, but them.

Smacking: Why do you draw the lines where you do? Should a parent who slaps 4 times be berated or punished? Should the punishment be the same for a parent who smacks four times as a parent who leaves cuts and black eyes? If not, again, where is the line drawn?
Fertility tourism: is it not our role to work as a society to protect those who are easily exploitable?

My Spam list of Friends: LIST YOURS AS WELL!

There are plenty of people I'm fairly fond of here, and significantly more who, during my several years here, I've wanted to get to know better or I thought seemed interesting. But in the same way that I haven't made anybody's list, there aren't many on my list either, these days. Grif and LetsFly are probably the only spam-friends I have, and neither of them post particularly often. I tend to talk to them outside of the guild.

Has anyone called BrobyDDark stupid yet?

Are we really encouraging the whole hazing thing again? The only thing that was good for is to force some people to grow up, but as that was never the intention and it doesn't apply to everyone it's sort of irrelevant. You guys are publicly scrutinizing this guy and talking about how much you dislike him, and it's fucking obnoxious. If you have an opinion like that of someone, keep it to yourself and act on it however you want, but don't sit around passing judgement on them in a public space.

Opinions on: Smacking; Commercial Surrogacy.

I'm curious about general opinions on two issues:
1. Smacking children (fairly self-explanatory.)
2. Fertility tourism (http://www.debatingmatters.com/topicguides/topicguide/fertility_tourism/.)

I'm participating in debates about these two topics, and have been doing some background reading. I've formulated some of my own ideas on them, and I'm curious to see how others feel about them.

I'm glad things reached a climax.

Do I even want to know what happened?

Resistance: Fall Of Man RP

I actually ended up posting because pfft, who needs sleep? Not precisely of my usual quality and I'd usually try to make my intro post a little longer, but I'm tired and as our characters are all somewhat separated right now there wasn't much to work with. Goodnight to you all - excellent posts so far, guys!

Resistance: Fall Of Man RP

12 July, 1951
0200 hours
Operation: Morningstar - York Base

James lay still in the oppressive gloom, his bunk a slab of rock beneath him. The stifling nature of the underground air, feeling always like the heated hand of a revenant clamping over his lips, was only disturbed by the indistinct murmur of voices in the adjacent room. His eyes began to drift shut, the globes crying out with relief as they were sheathed within the pleasant darkness of his lids, hot and soothing to his sandpaper eyes. The sound of the voices lulled him, almost enough to forget the precariousness of the situation, and the dark began to embrace him, closing around him as sleep claimed him...

At the last second, a gasp and the violence of sudden movement woke him, and with fluidity born of practice his hand flickered to the knife he left by his side. He lay still for a brief moment, evaluating the threat, mind flickering through possible scenarios, his pulse racing and his eyes stirring against his will behind closed lids, before he realised it was only the nightly torments of some other soldier. With a soft sigh, he unwillingly abandoned the prospect of sleep, the chance for much-needed rest having been robbed from him. He kept his eyes shut as he heard the soft tread of boots heading toward the softly murmuring voices at the edge of his awareness. It was Frankie, then...

Gritting his teeth, he turned onto his back, ignoring the mild pain from a minor wound on his leg. The pumping of his blood had set the damn thing aching again, and all of a sudden he felt restless - this place, suppressive in the stillness of the air and the thin patina of uncertainty lacing the air after the catastrophic battle, suddenly made him feel chained and restrained, the thick air seeming a constant irritation, an extra weight to bear. Seeking something to alleviate the inevitable boredom of his insomnia, he tuned in to the chatter, discerning Frankie's voice just as she broke into the conversation. She was an odd one, Frankie. Seemingly confident and determined, but always with the barest hint of need or desperation for something, though what that may be eluded James for now.

With a sigh, he swung himself out of bed and stood, wincing slightly as weight fell on his leg. He needed to move, to shake off this lethargy that he felt was being forced on him, despite the late hour - even if only to allow himself to sleep in a short while, once his mind was less active. Rest was important, on an operation like this.

He found himself speaking from behind Frankie, softly, his voice still a little rough and sleepy and not prepared yet for any strength or much authority - uncharacteristic, for him.

"That's all well and good, but it is a somewhat intangible lead - no offence. We need to recuperate and re-evaluate, before strategising."

Resistance: Fall Of Man RP

Meant to write my post tonight, but my friends dragged me onto Reddit and that "random" button wasn't going to press itself for an hour... I'll get it up tomorrow.

[Beauty+Dating Tips Thread] So Valentine's Day is coming up...

Not sure what's reacting strongest to this, my sense of humour or my morality.