posted
Hmmm...the mother was passed out drunk on the couch...I don't see how this young man could possibly have gone so wrong with such a positive role model.
This story is sad for so many reasons.
Posts: 1480 | Registered: Dec 2004
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quote:Hmmm...the mother was passed out drunk on the couch...I don't see how this young man could possibly have gone so wrong with such a positive role model.
What makes you qualified to judge what kind of a role model the mother is because she was drunk in her own house (hearsay, by the way). It's still legal for a 45 year old to drink in their own residence, right? How about falling asleep on the couch -- that still legal?
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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quote:What makes you qualified to judge what kind of a role model the mother is because she was drunk in her own house (hearsay, by the way). It's still legal for a 45 year old to drink in their own residence, right? How about falling asleep on the couch -- that still legal?
The characterization of "passing out drunk" is much different than drinking in the privacy of ones own home and sleeping on the couch. Neither of these things excuses her son's actions, but they certainly call (into my mind) the kind of role model one presents as they drink themselves into an unconscious stupor.
Posts: 1480 | Registered: Dec 2004
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If I drink, I usually also sleep at some point later on that night. Would you characterize that 'passing out drunk?' What if she was just napping on the couch? Would you still blame the rape on the poor example she set for her sons, or would the kid then have to take responsibility for his actions?
I'm not saying she is or is not a bad role model, but rather that we don't have enough information to say with any certainty either way. And I find your conclusion-jumping reactionary and judgemental.
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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Role model, shmole model. He is responsible for his own actions, and playing "blame the parents" is particularly despicable in this case.
Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
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Your characterization of the woman, based on extremely limited knowledge, is in poor taste to say the least.
Posts: 17164 | Registered: Jun 2001
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posted
I wish the officer had said "'It's totally sickening is what it is'" instead of "sick."
The one implies some sort of excuse. Who knows, he might have one. But I think defaulting to that kind of judgment is damaging.
Posts: 26071 | Registered: Oct 2003
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posted
Alright folks...can we put away the pitchforks and torches? Haven't you guys heard the phrase "Many reasons, no excuses"? I'm not placing blame on the mother, just commenting on the way the article presented (misrepresented, slandered, 'insert inflammatory synonym here') the mothers questionable behaviour when the attack took place.
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posted
Actually, what you did what draw the assumption that the mother was a terrible role model and then use that assumption to excuse the son's behavior. I can't imagine why anyone would be upset about that. Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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quote: Actually, what you did what draw the assumption that the mother was a terrible role model and then use that assumption to excuse the son's behavior. I can't imagine why anyone would be upset about that.
When I read the article, the first thing I thought (after my emotional sick response and abhorrence of the rape) was, "what kind of role model is she?" The wording of "passed out drunk" vs "sleeping off alcohol" brings a very different mental image--for me.
I don't see how that reaction excuses anything. The imagery could be wrong--it is after all hearsay. After thinking about the age of the son, I am less skeptical of the mom's behavior.
Being passed out on a couch in front of a minor in your charge is bad in my mind, but he was 19.
Posts: 2445 | Registered: Oct 2004
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quote:Regardless - her alcohol consumption has nothing to do with his evil behavior.
No one can know this for sure, but I am sure that anyone who has known an alchoholic parent could probably provide numerous examples of how it impaired their ability to be a good parent and a good role model.
Posts: 1480 | Registered: Dec 2004
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quote:No one can know this for sure, but I am sure that anyone who has known an alchoholic parent could probably provide numerous examples of how it impaired their ability to be a good parent and a good role model.
The problem was (and remains) your assumption that one time passed out drunk* == alcoholic == terrible parent, when we have little evidence to link A to B or B to C.
quote:Too many people subscribe to tabula rasa. The kid was just a bad person.
You're probably right. I'm sure he just emerged in the world fully formed, with all thoughts and behaviours programmed in.
Posts: 1480 | Registered: Dec 2004
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quote:The problem was (and remains) your assumption that one time passed out drunk* == alcoholic == terrible parent, when we have little evidence to link A to B or B to C.
*That we know of.
You're right. I probably should've added the caveat that this woman is not a known alcoholic, and my last comment was more of a general statement.
Posts: 1480 | Registered: Dec 2004
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quote:Yes, because every person with the same upbringing turns into an incestuous rapist.
Of course they do...
You know, I was going to make a joke about how silly your statement was, but if I remember correctly (and I'll look for references) many rapists share some common themes that influenced them in the early part of their lives...I'll research and come back...
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