This was the lead article on news.com.au yesterday. You and I had exact reactions. 1. You sick little mother f***er. 2. Where the hell were his parents? 3. Where the hell was the zoo security?
7 is old enough to know right vs wrong. They should dangle the kid by his ankles over the crocodile and see how he likes it!
You know, I think the really really sad thing about this story is that this little kid is probably from a totally normal home. Dad works, mum maybe part time works, goes to school, just regular people. Only thing is, his parents have probably done what most parents seem to do these days and not have solid boundaries for him. Honestly, it really doesn't take much to fuck up a kid, but a great way to start is by being wishy washy or worse, trying to be your kids best friend rather than their parent. I bet his parents told him "Now, Roger (lets pretend the kids name is Roger), that wasn't a cool thing to do. Ok?" or some other shit, instead of kicking his arse into next week and putting him into indentured service to the zoo making him work for nothing for the next 7 years learning about animals.
Or basic boundaries, like not allowing a seven year old the chance to break into a zoo because they are under appropriate supervision and know that breaking into places is wrong.
I would be *very* scared if I was that kid's parents, because violent murder of animals (usually pets, because they're the most readily accessible) is a *very* common factor in the childhood of serial killers and other related violent sociopaths.
Shit - also meant to add that education programs in being humane are unlikely to stop the sorts of kids whose brains are wired this way from doing what they're doing. Not saying it's not a good idea - sounds great to me - but in this specific case it's hard to say if it would have helped.
Except for the research that suggests a lower rate of bullying and violence in children who have been through humane education programs. And the opportunity for identifying psychopaths in the making and giving appropriate intervention.
HE is more than "don't throw rocks at the dog" and "buy free range chicken", it is about respect for self, other people, other animals and the environment and promotes the values of kindness, compassion etc. Alot of it is focused on animals/children in domestic violence situations, SPCA Auckland do a very awesome school program in particular.
I actually have a half written post that I've been meaning to finish about the topic of humane education and why I think it is so very, very important (with links to studies etc). I'll finish it and post it when I get the chance.
As I said, HE sounds like a great idea. I was just saying that, while a good idea and something that *should* be done, I'm not sure it would necessarily prevent the extreme end of sociopathic behaviour like what it sounds like this seven year old did.
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I hope that child gets a heck of a lot of counselling and very little attention beyond theraputive for his acts.
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I doubt the zoo is talking about their ecological worth here, too.
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7 is old enough to know right vs wrong. They should dangle the kid by his ankles over the crocodile and see how he likes it!
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ok Ima stop ranting now.
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HE is more than "don't throw rocks at the dog" and "buy free range chicken", it is about respect for self, other people, other animals and the environment and promotes the values of kindness, compassion etc. Alot of it is focused on animals/children in domestic violence situations, SPCA Auckland do a very awesome school program in particular.
I actually have a half written post that I've been meaning to finish about the topic of humane education and why I think it is so very, very important (with links to studies etc). I'll finish it and post it when I get the chance.
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