Revelation of a society's soul

Nelson Mandela has said, “there can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children."

Yet, The Kids Are Not All Right, Joel Bakan's Op Ed piece in the New York Times, tells of modern childhood usurped by corporate interests, of children subjected to the lure of unhealthy foods, of violent sexual imagery, and toxic chemicals. 

For educators and parents this cultural phenomenon is untenable.   But we do have recourse.  We can limit what our children view and teach them to be critical consumers.  We can make sure the balance of their daily experience is free from the negative aspects of corporate influence.  We can feed their growing minds with meaningful questions and explorations, and can steep them in a culture of caring and intellect. 

We can bring intention and thoughtfulness to the world we create for our children - at school and at home.  And we can use the democratic means at our hands to work for positive change.