BIRTHRIGHTS

by Richard Farson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1974

Sooner or later the movement for ""liberation"" of minority groups was bound to reach its reductio ad absurdum. Farson argues that currently kids are the most oppressed, discriminated against group in society -- ""segregated, ignored, impotent."" To remedy this social hypocrisy, he proposes that children, regardless of age, be endowed with ""full rights of citizenship"": give them the right to vote, to ""make binding agreements, sign mortgages and obtain credit."" Don't forget the right to work -- ""equal pay for equal work"" -- and to engage freely in sexual activities with peers and even, should they so choose, with adults. Farson pumps the analogy with the subjugation of blacks and women with an absolutely straight face. Currently a ""double standard"" prevails between the child and the adult, who is, let's face it ""the child's political enemy."" Architecture and design alone prove how little we think of them: why are supermarkets, theaters, kitchens and bathrooms scaled to adults? Every time a little person uses the toilet he must be ""desperately afraid that he will fall in and be washed away."" Ail this oppression in the name of protecting, educating and socializing the kid. Don't we realize that such arguments are ""paternalistic?"" Ignorant of psychology and anthropology alike, Farson claims that ""the potentialities of children seem to be limited only by cultural expectations."" Has he read Piaget? Erikson? It's quite a mind-blowing thought actually: little Johnny, age 5, buying out the entire contents of F. A. O. Schwarz on credit. Joining the army or being carted off to prison or the gas chamber because, after ali, special treatment would be insulting and discriminatory.

Pub Date: March 1, 1974

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1974

Categories: NONFICTION