HCD 502 Chilhood in Cultural Contexts

Dr. Keith White

Monday, 18 June 2006

Reaction Paper (3 Significant Insights):

1) Maya (about 15 years old, Chittagong, Bangladesh) said this about the definition of a child, “There are more responsibilities as a wife and mother but I don’t feel like an adult. I feel I’m a young girl. I don’t feel like I’m a grown-up.”

This hits you right in the gut! The age can be as young as 12 years old in Bangladesh. It is definitely a stolen childhood. The worst part (from my point of view) is the husband is usually no younger than 35 years old. This situation is slowly changing in Bangladesh but is still not uncommon for Muslim girls to get married that young. Remember that in Bangladesh the legal adult age is 14 years old. The Bangladesh government signed the UN-CRC but changed the age to 14 not the original 18.

2) Video: Ruby Bridges (this is an excellent video- I highly recommend it). What an impact! I never understand how people can be so hateful. I also, visited the Civil Rights museum in Birmingham, Alabama and the displays where so graphic. Why do people hate somebody just for their skin color? As you know, racism is still alive in the USA. However, it is being transferred to Hispanic/Latino race.

It was amazing how Ruby could answer as Jesus did! Her mother had taught her well with the Bible. She used the follow three verses as a 6-year-old girl:

Mt 5:10 and 11: Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Ro 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Lk 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Could I do something like that i.e. have the love of Christ for my enemies?

3) The definition of Ideology and how it is used opened my eyes. Once a society accepts an Ideology, it is very hard to change. The Ideology of Kings: Divine Right of the King took hundred of years to change in some society and continues in some lands today.

Simply stated Ideology is idea(s) or belief(s) that the whole of the Society believes in (even it hurts than).

Dr. White, Thank you for a wonderful first day! As always, I am watching your Process because process determines the outcomes: The way we do things are as important as what we do, Amen!