Childhood in Journal

The Anthropology of, is an absolutely fascinating read. A bit difficult in that abhorrent crimes against humanity are reported as dry statistics. But also jaw dropping in scope.
I guess it brings me back to the realization that child abuse is the norm, and always has been.

My son and I walked around the neighborhood and I didn’t even realize school was in until I heard the bell and saw a whole lotta kids lining up at the elementary playground. My heart sank and my gut felt heavy as I watched them go from exuberant self expression to quiet, somber and pliant rows of desperation. This is how we break young minds. See how well they behave? They are grateful for the instruction they receive.
And I think, yes. The child slaves and prostitutes are happy to do their work, too. They are grateful for being left alive, and not buried alive; the fate of their siblings that they invariably witnessed at the hands of their own mother. Good children obey. Good children are useful. Good children do whatever they are told.