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Everybody Needs To See This Controversial Viral Meme About Children And Consent
Telling your child to hug or kiss a family friend or relative might seem like an innocent thing to do, but as this controversial meme points out, it could actually be giving your kids a dangerous message about the rules of consent.
“I am 5,” reads the meme’s message. “My body is my body. Don’t force me to kiss or hug.” It was posted on A Might Girl’s Facebook page alongside excerpts from an article titled “I don’t own my child’s body,” written by CNN writer and producer Katia Hetter. In it she argues that encouraging children to submit to unwanted affection is actually teaching them that their bodies do not belong to them, and that forcing them to touch people they don’t want to could actually leave them vulnerable to sexual abusers. The post has since been liked more than 88k times and shared by over 162k people. It’s also started a dialogue on what parents should and shouldn’t be teaching their children. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
More info: Facebook (h/t: 22words)
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This controversial meme has gone viral for its important message about children and consent
The post was inspired Katia Hetter’s post on CNN titled “I don’t own my child’s body”
In it she argues that forcing kids to show unwanted affection is teaching them that their bodies don’t belong to them, which could leave them vulnerable to abuse
The meme has started a dialogue about children and consent
A number of people agreed with the post and shared their own opinions and stories
Other people had different opinions however
And some shared their belief in the “hug, handshake or high five” option. What do you think?
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What do you think ?
Herb Eaversmells 8 years ago
I wonder how she feels about having her image and story plastered all over the internet?
Arty 8 years ago
I suppose there is no need to ask permission for that...
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Ana T. 8 years ago
i a mom and i think this is a good idea. children often are force to do thing that they dont want to do and just because they are children their opinion dont matter
Alusair Alustriel 8 years ago
I witnessed at a family meeting from my fiancees side how a granddaugther was forced to hug their grandparents and she did everything to wiggle out from their arms asap. If the 5 year old kid sees them twice a year, they are strangers to her, and I am positive she doesn't grasp fully the family relations idea yet. i felt very sorry for her and I am sure that the hugh-high five-hello-handshake option is way better than what I had to see.
Joseph Caliri 8 years ago
This article is a Huge eye opener. I was an abused child, had loving and caring parents, family and siblings. I wonder now had I been given this option how things would have been. I don't dwell on it, I am 43 and know now that I can offer this Choice to my neices and nephews as well as other children. Thank you very much for bringing this important issue to light. Blessings to all, main point no matter what and or how you feel towards article, is that we keep Children Safe!
Load More Replies... Herb Eaversmells 8 years ago
I wonder how she feels about having her image and story plastered all over the internet?
Arty 8 years ago
I suppose there is no need to ask permission for that...
Load More Replies... Ana T. 8 years ago
i a mom and i think this is a good idea. children often are force to do thing that they dont want to do and just because they are children their opinion dont matter
Alusair Alustriel 8 years ago
I witnessed at a family meeting from my fiancees side how a granddaugther was forced to hug their grandparents and she did everything to wiggle out from their arms asap. If the 5 year old kid sees them twice a year, they are strangers to her, and I am positive she doesn't grasp fully the family relations idea yet. i felt very sorry for her and I am sure that the hugh-high five-hello-handshake option is way better than what I had to see.
Joseph Caliri 8 years ago
This article is a Huge eye opener. I was an abused child, had loving and caring parents, family and siblings. I wonder now had I been given this option how things would have been. I don't dwell on it, I am 43 and know now that I can offer this Choice to my neices and nephews as well as other children. Thank you very much for bringing this important issue to light. Blessings to all, main point no matter what and or how you feel towards article, is that we keep Children Safe!
Load More Replies...
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