From being a full-time nanny during the summer, to helping my aunt raise her twin daughter, children have always been a passion of mine. The thought of whether or not to start a family when I am an adult has never even been a question that crossed my mind. As horrible as this may sound to others, I think its somewhat of a women’s’ job to get married and raise a family! So obviously to me, the idea of sterilization for humanity is not an option.
Bringing a child into the world is a huge responsibility that people should take seriously. Unfortunately, many times woman who give birth aren’t prepared to properly raise a child. This does definitely cause some concern but the vast majority of children are given the love they need to grow up and be happy, productive members of society. I’m pretty sure the last thing a person thinks of when bringing a child into the world is how miserable she or he will be or how much suffering the child will endure.
I think the point that humanity would no longer have to feel guilty about what we are doing to future generations is simply ridiculous. Yes the environment has recently taken a change for the worse, but that is no reason to stop bringing children into the world. Also, the last thing a person would think of when they are contemplating bringing a child into the world or not is how it would effect future generations and the environment on a global level. The next generation will just have a few more issues to deal with, nothing that’s impossible.
I agree that overpopulation is definitely a global problem and might start becoming a major issue in the near future, but it doesn’t mean we should completely just stop bringing children on the Earth. Although completely unrealistic, if anything I think the best option would be to only allow women who can properly support a child to get pregnant. This is not a jab to people who can’t financially support people whatsoever; I am simply saying that children need a healthy environment to be brought up in, loving parents or a loving parent, the opportunity for a good education, and good foundation for the rest of their life. But, of course, the question would be raised about who decides whether or not one can correctly care for a child. Also the idea that children of the next generation will be miserable and unhappy is simple foolish because I am the biggest advocate that people choose to be happy and choose live a fulfilling life.
In his article, Peter Singer made some legitimate points regarding global issues due to over population and climate change, but sterilization is an unrealistic option that should never even be considered. The fact that someone would actually take the time to write about the mere possibility of that is quite perplexing.
Just because it's a personal need for you to raise a family doesn't mean you need to generalize it and make it a requirement for all women.
ReplyDeleteThe way you introduced Singer's question makes it seem as though you never really considered it.
"I’m pretty sure the last thing a person thinks of when bringing a child into the world is how miserable she or he will be or how much suffering the child will endure." This is exactly his point -- that we should be thinking about this. So deal with whether or not we should be.
"Bringing a child into the world is a huge responsibility that people should take seriously." But who would disagree with this?
"Yes the environment has recently taken a change for the worse, but that is no reason to stop bringing children into the world." Why not? Obviously for Singer it is. You can't just dismiss his ideas out of hand. You have to amass evidence and show how he's wrong. You have to make rhetorical moves.
"Also, the last thing a person would think of when they are contemplating bringing a child into the world or not is how it would effect future generations and the environment on a global level." This is the second time you've stated what "is" rather than what "should be." It doesn't matter what "is," what Singer's trying to get to is what we "should" do.
Good concession with overpopulation. How would you define "properly support a child?" Does that mean the continent of Africa which can't measure up to middle-class American standards shouldn't be getting pregnant? Who will pay for contraceptives?