grue 1 #1 November 13, 2006 Wrote this for another forum, but figure I'd toss it in the speaker's corner as well.. anyway: Today's children are pussies. Anyone who disputes this is wrong, and I'm going to tell you why I'm right, how we got here, and how to fix it. Before we get to the "now", we need to start with "then". I was born in the year 1981, in California. When I played as a kid, we played outside. We climbed trees and jumped out of them. We used swingsets built in woodchips that'd give you slivers if you fell, and we played on monkey bars over concrete. When you see Billy fall off and break his arm, that'll give you an incentive not to fuck up. We walked to school, even though it was a couple of miles, because when you're a kid, a couple of miles is pretty much next door. Once you're at school, recess was war, and if nobody bled, everybody lost. We had tugs of war (sure as hell not a TUG OF PEACE), and the ultimate reward was to watch the enemy (not other. ENEMY.) team fall on their faces and shed tears of failure. We played Red Rover, and god dammit, you hit that line like an old man driving into a farmer's market, or every other kid would know you were sandbagging and you'd be ridiculed. We played a game called Smear The Queer, where whoever was "it" was to be tackled by everyone else, and you know what? Being "it" was fun because you got to attempt to outrun and outsmart the unwashed masses. It was a physically rough activity, and frankly we expected it to be, and anything less would be pointless. We played dodgeball, and I mean real dodgeball. There were no little foam balls that have a terminal velocity of about 4mph and could be caught by a half-blind one armed leper from Calcutta. No, we had rubber balls that stung like a motherfucker if you got hit, and if you managed to tag little Susie upside the head in just the right way, you'd get the ultimate reward: The Echo of Justice, where the ball reverberates audibly as her head snaps backwards and a line of saliva sails through the air like a grappling hook cast by a ninja. That's right, HER HEAD. Girls weren't safe just because they had a vagina, and head shots were the goal, not something to be punished. Not everyone can be a winner, and those who failed didn't cry in the corner and have their parents sue the school. They learned that giving anything less than everything is unfair to you, and to your team, and you have to BUST YOUR ASS TO SUCCEED. We carried bookbags the size of our entire bodies, and it made us tougher. After school, we rode bikes without helmets around the neighbourhood and camped in the front yard. We'd play until dark with no parents putting leashes on us and watching our every move. At dark, we'd come in... to get flashlights, then we'd hustle back outside. Shovels would be absconded with for devious purposes, and garden hoses aided and abetted our nefarious plans. We'd get up at 6am on a Saturday to watch Voltron and Transformers, and backyard emulations of Optimus Prime vs Megatron were sure to follow. You scrape a knee, you wipe it off and get back to playing, laughing the whole time. We had Nerd Bow and Arrow and learned how to make it shoot harder. We used slip 'n' slides and got grass stains and every so often someone would really biff it and break an arm or something, but know what? That's cool, because you got a cast, and even the girl you pretended to hate but really had a crush on would sign it. We played video games sometimes, but only as a respite from the physical exhaustion of playing outside, or something to do at sleepover parties. The concept of sitting in front of a computer and playing a video game for 30 hours was something we had heard of, but didn't see the appeal. We did watch Nick at Nite though, and loved the innocent hilarity of it. During summer, we'd spend all day at the pool without sunblock, eat Dairy Queen, and run amok until we were so tired that we just wanted to go to bed and do it all over again. Then there are the children of today. Play inside where parents can see you, lest you be stolen by boogeymen in white vans. Don't climb that tree, you'll fall and break your neck. Don't swing so hard on that swingset, you don't know how well it's made. The monkey bars aren't even there anymore. Mommy will give you a ride to school, and wait for her to sign you out from school when the day is over. Recess better be spent inside, so we can make happy little drawings. Maybe if you're good, you can have a Tug Of Peace, but remember, everyone is a winner! Red Rover? Certainly not, you could dislocate a shoulder! Dodgeball? Well maybe, but we'll have to use a foam ball and you have to aim for the right thigh. SMEAR THE WHAT? YOUNG MAN, YOU ARE GETTING DETENTION! Ok, at least the school day is over, so you can go ride bikes with Frankie, but don't forget the bodyguard. Remember to wear your helmet and Michelin Man suit! I'm glad you all got As, it's good to see that everyone is the super winner! Did you remember to put a new sticker on your rolling backpack? Good boy! Back already? It's only been 15 minutes! Ok, I didn't know you're tired. Yes, you can play video games. No, you cannot play soccer, hockey, baseball, football, jai alai, or lawn darts. I don't care if Timmy's mom lets him, you're going to be in this room under my (not actually that watchful) eye until you're a total social outcast because all you can do is play World Of Warcraft. Ok, I suppose you can go to the park. WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU BROKE YOUR ARM! I AM GOING TO SUE! Aren't you glad it's summer? Yes, we can go to the pool, but only for 2 hours, and you have to wear so much sunblock you look like Casper the Friendly Ghost. Today's children are being raised in environments that are unrealistic. When they get out from under their parents' wings, they are going to find a world where not everyone can win, where people do get hurt, and where you won't always have someone ready to sue when you don't like how things went. Without risk, there cannot be reward, and without reward (be it intrinsic or extrinsic), there is no motivation. Children need to be challenged, so they WANT to succeed. When you shovel the path of all obstacles and let them cruise, the only thing they learn is mediocrity in all aspects. Let the kids have a fucking childhood, and stop trying to make things perfect. It doesn't work, it doesn't help, and it's utterly insane.cavete terrae. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCclimber 0 #2 November 13, 2006 Do you have much firsthand experience on this matter? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #3 November 13, 2006 It's because of the reduction in the number of guns. QuoteGuns links to testosterone levels studied -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Researchers at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., say gun handling causes men's testosterone levels to rise, making them more aggressive. College men, ages 18 to 22, participated in the study done by psychology student Jennifer Klinesmith and her professors, reports WebMD. The study involved the effect of attention to detail on taste sensitivity. The participants had to take apart an object and put it back together as instructed. For half the men, the object was a pellet gun that mimicked an automatic handgun. Others worked with a child's game called "Mouse Trap." Using saliva samples and other measurements, the study found testosterone went up about 100 times more in those who handled the gun than in the men who handled the game. "Although our study is clearly far from definitive, its results suggest that guns may indeed increase aggressiveness partially via changes in the hormone testosterone," the study said. Copyright 2006 by United Press International or another possible explaination. QuoteAccording to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, levels of the sex hormone testosterone in U.S. men have been falling steadily. Average total testosterone levels in men aged 65 to 69 fell from 503 nanograms/decileter (ng/dL) in 1988 to 423 ng/dL in 2003. If the decline continues, testosterone levels in men will equal those in women within 100 years. The National Organization for Women hailed the trend. “We all know the problems created by men—violence, pornography, sports,” said Alice Crank, vice-president for policy. “It’s good to see that trends show a hormonal convergence is in our future.” Crank credited NOW efforts as a contributing factor in this trend. “We’ve encouraged males to get in touch with their feminine side,” Crank boasted. “We let them know it’s okay to show emotion, to cry when you feel hurt. A fall in testosterone is the body’s way of coping with these new behaviors.” Others offered different explanations for the trend. “I’d say it’s changing dietary habits,” said Slim Johnson, a cattle rancher from Wyoming. “All this soy substitute and quiche is enough to make pansies out of a man. Men ought to be eating steak.” Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, welcomed the trend, regardless of its cause. “If only men voted, Republicans would rule by huge majorities,” Dean observed. “Women’s votes are our Party’s life line. The more men we can feminize, the more votes there’ll be for Democrats.” In somewhat related news, police and Secret Service agents were investigating a report of a suspicious substance found in former President Clinton’s office in Harlem. Police and emergency services officers were called to the office building by a hysterical staffer. “There were these crusty splotches on the rug, drapes and towels,” said intern Candy Tushman. “We didn’t know what it was. But with all the angry right-wingers who hate President Clinton, we thought it was better to be safe than sorry.” Forensic analysis revealed the substance to be dried semen. No charges will be pressed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
livendive 8 #4 November 13, 2006 QuoteThe Pussification of Today's Youth: A Grue Rant ... I was born in the year 1981, in California. Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,070 #5 November 13, 2006 We have these commentators saying that kids today are pussified, and on the other side of the fence we have people lamenting how dangerous it is for kids nowadays, what with internet predators, identity theft, school killings on the rise and gangs. I figure the two sides pretty much balance each other out. In another 50 years, I figure we'll have half the commentators remembering the good ol' 2000's, when you could surf the net without a license, where we were only at war with two countries at once, and where the dollar was worth something. The other half will be talking about how horrible it was, what with the internet predators, the deadly, inefficient cars we had and the pitifully slow megabit-per-second internet connections. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #6 November 13, 2006 QuoteQuoteThe Pussification of Today's Youth: A Grue Rant ... I was born in the year 1981, in California. Blues, Dave Classic! Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grue 1 #7 November 13, 2006 QuoteQuoteThe Pussification of Today's Youth: A Grue Rant ... I was born in the year 1981, in California. Blues, Dave Ouch cavete terrae. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #8 November 13, 2006 Quote1) Researchers say gun handling causes men's testosterone levels to rise... 2) levels of the sex hormone testosterone in U.S. men have been falling steadily... So, putting these two studies together, it means that those of us with guns will out-breed the liberals who don't have guns. And therefore in the long run, gun ownership levels will rise, and the anti-gun forces will diminish. Woohoo! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedRacer 1 #9 November 13, 2006 couldn't we just shoot them? Speed Racer -------------------------------------------------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcd11235 0 #10 November 13, 2006 Apparently you led a sheltered childhood.Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #11 November 13, 2006 Maybe, that's why, my wife 'rolls' her eyes and leaves the room, when I clean my guns!? Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mfrese 0 #12 November 13, 2006 Wow, that's quite a rant from someone who's exactly HALF my age. Dude, you sound like my dad! Are you trying to get an early AARP membership or something? Seriously, I disagree with a lot of this stuff, but some of them make sense. For instance: - I wear sunblock all the time when I'm outside now...I'd prefer not to have half my nose carved off from melanoma, so that's one "pussification" I'm definitely high on. - I wear a helmet when I ride my bike now. There are a lot more cars (and marginally qualified drivers) out there now, I want to maximize my survival odds. - The video games sucked back then. As for the whole guns/testoterone thing, I handle my penis a lot more than my gun, I wonder what that does to my testosterone level?Doctor I ain't gonna die, Just write me an alibi! ---- Lemmy/Slash Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casurf1978 0 #13 November 13, 2006 QuoteQuote1) Researchers say gun handling causes men's testosterone levels to rise... 2) levels of the sex hormone testosterone in U.S. men have been falling steadily... So, putting these two studies together, it means that those of us with guns will out-breed the liberals who don't have guns. And therefore in the long run, gun ownership levels will rise, and the anti-gun forces will diminish. Woohoo! Testosterone is also known to cause male-pattern baldness in human beings. Throw this one in there and the future will be populated by gun-totting bald men. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smiles 0 #14 November 14, 2006 I walked into a male grade 7 gym class recently to deliver a note to the instructor. The instructor had just ordered all to touch their toes 10x..... More than 1/2 the class of 28 were overweight, and had difficulty touching their toes.... How many farted while attempting to touch their toes, you do not want to know..... SMileseustress. : a positive form of stress having a beneficial effect on health, motivation, performance, and emotional well-being. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
windcatcher 0 #15 November 14, 2006 Grue, you a big boy! Mother to the cutest little thing in the world... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Royd 0 #16 November 14, 2006 Amen, and Amen!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #17 November 14, 2006 Researchers at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., say gun handling causes men's testosterone levels to rise, making them more aggressive. *** Have you even BEEN to Galesburg, Ill. and SEEN Knox College?!?! What's the old saying...They couldn't pour piss out of a boot with written instructions upside down on the HEEL! They are more aggressive, because they have a fucking gun in their hand! They can do whatever they want... They don't have to play the 'pussy'! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmddave 0 #18 November 14, 2006 grue, You are today's youth, whether you realize it or not. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rookie120 0 #19 November 14, 2006 QuoteHave you even BEEN to Galesburg, Ill. and SEEN Knox College?!?! HEY!!! Whats wrong with Galesburg? If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #20 November 14, 2006 Since Maytag left, all they got there is a Steak & Shake! And Carl Sandburg's old shack! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #21 November 14, 2006 To put a little detail on the friendly mocking of you... Nick at night? That tells the rest of us how young you are. Cable TV was just coming along for some of us in our youth, others didn't see it till after childhood. Sunblock? I remember getting severe sunburns at the beach before you were born, so I'm not sure that's something to be proud of. We were playing video games after school in the early 80s. So were you in the late 80s or early 90s. You had SNES instead of atari/coleco, but that's the only difference. Or instead we were playing these games in arcades or the nearly liquor stores, which no longer exist. I do recall two kids in my 6th grade class breaking their arms on the semiphere jungle gym. But mostly your editorial would have been fine...if you lost the born in the 80s white flag. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrad 0 #22 November 14, 2006 QuoteThen there are the children of today. Play inside where parents can see you, lest you be stolen by boogeymen in white vans. Don't climb that tree, you'll fall and break your neck. Don't swing so hard on that swingset, you don't know how well it's made. The monkey bars aren't even there anymore. Mommy will give you a ride to school, and wait for her to sign you out from school when the day is over. Recess better be spent inside, so we can make happy little drawings. Maybe if you're good, you can have a Tug Of Peace, but remember, everyone is a winner! Red Rover? Certainly not, you could dislocate a shoulder! Dodgeball? Well maybe, but we'll have to use a foam ball and you have to aim for the right thigh. SMEAR THE WHAT? YOUNG MAN, YOU ARE GETTING DETENTION! Ok, at least the school day is over, so you can go ride bikes with Frankie, but don't forget the bodyguard. Remember to wear your helmet and Michelin Man suit! I'm glad you all got As, it's good to see that everyone is the super winner! Did you remember to put a new sticker on your rolling backpack? Good boy! Back already? It's only been 15 minutes! Ok, I didn't know you're tired. Yes, you can play video games. No, you cannot play soccer, hockey, baseball, football, jai alai, or lawn darts. I don't care if Timmy's mom lets him, you're going to be in this room under my (not actually that watchful) eye until you're a total social outcast because all you can do is play World Of Warcraft. Ok, I suppose you can go to the park. WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU BROKE YOUR ARM! I AM GOING TO SUE! Aren't you glad it's summer? Yes, we can go to the pool, but only for 2 hours, and you have to wear so much sunblock you look like Casper the Friendly Ghost. Then when your old enough you can become a US MarineWhen an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy. Lucius Annaeus Seneca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,534 #23 November 14, 2006 You're well on your way to old-fogeydom. "Back in my day...." (insert whatever heroic behavior you want us to think you did in your day). Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,106 #24 November 14, 2006 QuoteSince Maytag left, all they got there is a Steak & Shake! And Carl Sandburg's old shack! They have an annual Stearman Fly-In.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,106 #25 November 14, 2006 QuoteTo put a little detail on the friendly mocking of you... Nick at night? That tells the rest of us how young you are. Cable TV was just coming along for some of us in our youth, others didn't see it till after childhood. Sunblock? I remember getting severe sunburns at the beach before you were born, so I'm not sure that's something to be proud of. We were playing video games after school in the early 80s. So were you in the late 80s or early 90s. You had SNES instead of atari/coleco, but that's the only difference. Or instead we were playing these games in arcades or the nearly liquor stores, which no longer exist. I do recall two kids in my 6th grade class breaking their arms on the semiphere jungle gym. But mostly your editorial would have been fine...if you lost the born in the 80s white flag. ANYONE born after 1950 is too young to comment on the young.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
