Understanding the Issues: Education

[onlydarksets]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

I get what you're saying, and for the record I am for the idea of providing after-care to kids from low-income households. It's about the kids first and foremost.

But regarding the general discussion, do you really think you're 100% the product of your environment and upbringing? I don't, I think my parents provided guidance and tremendous support, which is a big part of getting a solid start in life. But at the same time, I also think I'm my own man. I've learned some things from my parents, but other things and decisions they'd make I totally disagree with. And I'd do it a different way. The difference is, no matter what decisions I make, I would never expect my parents to accept any responsibility for a bad decision I made. I grew up to make my own decisions. They guided me, but in the end, I OWN my decisions. And I'll stand by and accept the consequences of all of them.

I expect EVERYONE to do the same, regardless of upbringing. Be your own man and don't cop out.

Your parents provided you with a foundation, and you use that foundation to make rational choices. Take away the foundation, and it's like asking a 10 year old to read a 200 page book without ever teaching him how to read - it just isn't going to work out well in most cases. Then you blame the kid for falling behind in school.

You can't just assume away the lack of guidance in upbringing.