Political Indoctrination

Ardentfrost · 04-23-2007, 11:22 AM

Some political indoctrination is to be understood. I grew up in a conservative household, and it certainly took me a while to think for myself on political issues. Some people never do think for themselves, and just vote how their parents taught them to vote.

HOWEVER, there is a point where political indoctrination reaches a new level. Check out the sample pages for this book:

Sample pages

I don't mean to pick on democrats here, it's just something I came across a few minutes ago.

I would be JUST as critical if the book was conservative or even libertarian in bias.

This is damn near brain washing of children whose parents get them this book.

I'm sure I'm opening the door to right and left bashing, and I really don't mean it that way.

DosEquis · 04-23-2007, 11:41 AM

I would say that I vote the way i do because of my parents, but not entirely because of the things they say but what we go through every time there is a republican administration in office. We have always been a blue collar union type family, and when the republican party is against the basic foundation of what you believe when it comes to "putting food on your family" it is hard to vote with them.

In a general sense i like the republican stance on guns, i like the old school republican stance on immigration (not that bush amnesty plan), and I am for a reduced welfare system that is cost affective, fair, and streamlined to save money. I believe in a system of self accountability but there should be assistance there for those who honestly need it.

Both parties have been brainwashed in to spending 500+ billion a year on the military industrial complex. I also think the military should only be used to defend ourselves. I can find exception in a place like darfur but only if there are many countries helping with soldiers, money, and supplies. Unilateral action is just not acceptable.

In regards to the book pages, i think the affects of it will be marginal. It looks to be on the reading level of a 6 year old. George Bush is already set in his ways and the others on his reading level have a long way to go before they have to vote.

04-23-2007, 11:57 AM

What is the difference between that book and children's religious books?

Scrum · 04-23-2007, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by 03 white zx3

What is the difference between that book and children's religious books?

I would say this is better.

I would rather my kid misunderstood political parties than think the Earth is only 6000 years old.

ballz2wallz · 04-23-2007, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by 03 white zx3

What is the difference between that book and children's religious books?

If you don't like religious books, and you think this is the same, I'm expecting some major bashing this book coming from you in the near future.

grembert · 04-23-2007, 01:49 PM

If anybody believes those sample pages about Democrats, they have a bigger problem than just not understanding political parties.

This would be a good place for some satire : Republicans know how to smack people around when they cause trouble, like Daddy does.

Linzyhop · 04-23-2007, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by 03 white zx3

What is the difference between that book and children's religious books?

same thing I thought of.

I don't know how many times I've heard parents tell their kids, because I said so, and not explain to them reasons behind things. I know it's easier to say "because I said so", but then you create a mindless "yes" child...

my religious awakening started when I was in catholic school when I was a kid and got in trouble for asking too many questions.

politically I didn't start on my more current view until I was living with my ex-boyfriend (fortunately and also unfortunately), who was SUPER political. the fights we used to get into. it caused me to become a lot more knowledgeable on certain topics......

I know now, if i vote, I make damned sure I know why I'm voting for whomever i'm voting for. no name recognition, general public consensus crap.

JaJae · 04-23-2007, 02:35 PM

They look a bit nutty to me.

I like the men in the business suits in the back with a sign saying "Admissions $160,000"

I think it's one thing to give someone a religious book, political books are on a slightly different scale.

AVengeance · 04-23-2007, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by grembert

This would be a good place for some satire : Republicans know how to smack people around when they cause trouble, like Daddy does.

AVengeance · 04-23-2007, 04:04 PM

That looks eerie to me the same way a religious children's book looks to an athiest. What's really gonna suck, though, is when teachers start reading this shit to kids. No way to ban it, since it's not "religious" (even though it is)

Ardentfrost · 04-23-2007, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by 03 white zx3

What is the difference between that book and children's religious books?

I think the biggest difference is that being a Democrat isn't a religion...

DosEquis · 04-23-2007, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by Ardentfrost

I think the biggest difference is that being a Democrat isn't a religion...

I believe the implication was more along the lines of brain washing at a young age than the content.

04-23-2007, 06:19 PM

Originally Posted by ballz2wallz

If you don't like religious books, and you think this is the same, I'm expecting some major bashing this book coming from you in the near future.

I personally don't care to be honest. Parents will teach their children their views whether it is through books like this or simply having them listen to conversations, bible lessons/camp, whatever. Books are only another tool to help them to do that.

Diamond Cross · 04-23-2007, 06:53 PM

It's when they start using these kind of books in school to indoctrinate all children in the classroom in complete disregards to parent's wishes that you should care, and it will happen.

RMNIXON · 04-23-2007, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by 03 white zx3

What is the difference between that book and children's religious books?

Are you suggesting they tell you how great Republican are?

That there are no deeply Christian Democrats?

I think you confuse values with pure political pandering.

RMNIXON · 04-23-2007, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by DosEquis

I believe the implication was more along the lines of brain washing at a young age than the content.

That is what got my attention. Not the left vs. right debate. How appropriate is it to give a political message to children of a small ages? There is enough time for politics. I bet the author does not have any kids and thinks it is perfectly fine to look at everything in terms of politics no matter what the age. Why not start as soon as they can read if not before? The site says part of the book proceeds will be donated to Democrat candidates.

04-23-2007, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by RMNIXON

Are you suggesting they tell you how great Republican are?

That there are no deeply Christian Democrats?

I think you confuse values with pure political pandering.

No offense, but wtf are you talking about? I was simply comparing political indoctrination to religious indoctrination. For those of you who are against this book, are you also against bible school on Sundays for children not old enough to make up their own minds?

Do I think the book is ridiculous? Absolutely. But do I find it offensive? Honestly? Not really. Would I find it offensive if it was supporting Republicans, Christianity, Buddhism etc? Nope. As I said before in this thread, parents always have and always will brainwash their children into believing what they believe.

I do agree with Diamond Cross though. I would not support such a book being brought into our schools.

RMNIXON · 04-23-2007, 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by 03 white zx3

No offense, but wtf are you talking about? I was simply comparing political indoctrination to religious indoctrination. For those of you who are against this book, are you also against bible school on Sundays for children not old enough to make up their own minds?

Do I think the book is ridiculous? Absolutely. But do I find it offensive? Honestly? Not really. Would I find it offensive if it was supporting Republicans, Christianity, Buddhism etc? Nope. As I said before in this thread, parents always have and always will brainwash their children into believing what they believe.

I do agree with Diamond Cross though. I would not support such a book being brought into our schools.

Regardless of whether you think Religion is brainwashing it is still a personal matter to have spiritual belief and to instill that faith in your children. That is one reason the establishment claus is so vital to our Nations History. We accept all Religions and even Christians have many varied political beliefs. Party politics is another matter. The first civics lesson should be that we are all Americans and are proud of our differences and our right to express them. We should not try to use kids to pit one political class against another. They will learn that soon enough. The writer is intitled to publish as he pleases, but I reserve the right to find it very offensive.

Ardentfrost · 04-24-2007, 12:08 AM

Who is offended by the book?

thomez · 04-24-2007, 12:12 AM

Originally Posted by Ardentfrost

Who is offended by the book?

rodents everywhere