While there may be some inherent differences between men and women, ultimately the way we act is due to the way this society has been socialized. To change the way we socialize we must educate children from the beginning for peace. I completely disagree with Sally Thomas’s “Killer Instinct”. While it observes the tendencies for violence in children, specifically boys, it is apathetic in that it chooses to do nothing to change the socialization of children in our society. With the term “bullycides” entering our lexicon it is evident that children need to be educated for peace. Yet this can only be achieved by first educating the adults that are present in the lives of America’s children. (I say America’s children because I have little knowledge of how children act in other parts of the world.) This includes both parents and the administration and faculty of US schools. In the words of Amanda Paulson, “It’s the adults in the building that really need the training in how to respond effectively to bullying.” While adults are properly trained to effectively deal with violence and bullying in schools, the society as a whole needs to work towards a re-socialization of our youth – a socialization that emphasizes peace.
I agree with this post. The problem stems from a very young age, and much of it has to do with how the parent chooses to raise their child. If they let their children grow up and justify their actions as “boys will be boys” or “girls will be girls” this just further perpetuates the problem. Boys may not grow up to be aggressive if their parents confront this situation at an early age. It is true that they could pick up this behavior anywhere, such as school, considering that is where they will be spending the majority of their time, but parents are teachers could play a big role in who children are socialized. I agree that we can educate for peace, and that it starts with adults.