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Everybody Needs To See This Controversial Viral Meme About Children And Consent
Telling your child to hug or kiss a family friend or relative might seem like an innocent thing to do, but as this controversial meme points out, it could actually be giving your kids a dangerous message about the rules of consent.
“I am 5,” reads the meme’s message. “My body is my body. Don’t force me to kiss or hug.” It was posted on A Might Girl’s Facebook page alongside excerpts from an article titled “I don’t own my child’s body,” written by CNN writer and producer Katia Hetter. In it she argues that encouraging children to submit to unwanted affection is actually teaching them that their bodies do not belong to them, and that forcing them to touch people they don’t want to could actually leave them vulnerable to sexual abusers. The post has since been liked more than 88k times and shared by over 162k people. It’s also started a dialogue on what parents should and shouldn’t be teaching their children. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
More info: Facebook (h/t: 22words)
RELATED:
This controversial meme has gone viral for its important message about children and consent
The post was inspired Katia Hetter’s post on CNN titled “I don’t own my child’s body”
In it she argues that forcing kids to show unwanted affection is teaching them that their bodies don’t belong to them, which could leave them vulnerable to abuse
The meme has started a dialogue about children and consent
A number of people agreed with the post and shared their own opinions and stories
Other people had different opinions however
And some shared their belief in the “hug, handshake or high five” option. What do you think?
194Kviews
Share on Facebook What do you think ?
Herb Eaversmells 8 years ago
I wonder how she feels about having her image and story plastered all over the internet?
Arty 8 years ago
I suppose there is no need to ask permission for that...
Load More Replies...
Ana T. 8 years ago
i a mom and i think this is a good idea. children often are force to do thing that they dont want to do and just because they are children their opinion dont matter
Alusair Alustriel 8 years ago
I witnessed at a family meeting from my fiancees side how a granddaugther was forced to hug their grandparents and she did everything to wiggle out from their arms asap. If the 5 year old kid sees them twice a year, they are strangers to her, and I am positive she doesn't grasp fully the family relations idea yet. i felt very sorry for her and I am sure that the hugh-high five-hello-handshake option is way better than what I had to see.
Joseph Caliri 8 years ago
This article is a Huge eye opener. I was an abused child, had loving and caring parents, family and siblings. I wonder now had I been given this option how things would have been. I don't dwell on it, I am 43 and know now that I can offer this Choice to my neices and nephews as well as other children. Thank you very much for bringing this important issue to light. Blessings to all, main point no matter what and or how you feel towards article, is that we keep Children Safe!
Load More Replies... Anonymous Hobiest 8 years ago
For children within the Autism spectrum, this would be a cardinal rule. Our society ignores the needs of special children
Luca Plas 8 years ago
Though I do agree for some children with autism this is something important, but children with autism can also hate it if they are put on a label that seems to give people the right to decide things for them before even knowing them. I am especially saying this for parents of young autistic children who should always remember not to do things because their child has autism, but because that is what their child needs.
Load More Replies...
Cheslyn McKay 8 years ago
Love this article! Just recently my daughters great grandmother came over to our apartment and by the end my poor child was so distraught I felt so bad for her. Great grandma has no sense of boundaries even while my child was saying and eventually screaming no she continued making her give her kisses (I tried to tell her my daughter was saying no but ofc with old people they don't listen). My boyfriend returned later that evening from his job and asked how everything went so I explained everything. He then asked her if she enjoyed seeing great grandma to which she started to cry and scream watching our front door to see if she was coming back....my poor little girl is now scared of her and I don't blame her one bit! Affection must be earned...you can't expect my child to hug or kiss you when you've only seen her a total of 6 times in her life and don't even give her respect for her personal space. People think I'm wrong for giving her a choice but they're wrong for not understanding.
Frank Vallone III 8 years ago
I'm very sorry your daughter was scared like that.
Load More Replies...
Sandra Sanynka 8 years ago
I completely agree. I'm 29 and I suffer from social anxiaty desorder. For me it's two-sens feeling, because I hate the parents who tell their kids make a hug/kiss ME. I don't feel confortable with touching anybody, even the children, but I have to, because if I say no to the parents/kids I will look like heartless person
Lewis Macleod 8 years ago
You shouldn't have to feel like people will judge you for not wanting physical contact with other people. I'm sure if you just say that you would feel uncomfortable doing so to the parent or even child then they will understand as long as you're polite
Load More Replies...
Bobbi Newell 8 years ago
It's all about personal boundaries and comfort level. The mom states in her letter that she expects her daughter to be polite, and that she can high five or shake hands as an alternative. Adults have a say in their personal preferences; children should have the same opportunity.
Viviane Katz 8 years ago
I'm not a big hugger of little kids. I find workarounds. Example 1: If I wanted to be affectionate with my pre-school nephew, I would say, "Sucky aunt!" He would bent his head forward and I'd kiss the top. Example 2: My husband introduced me to a couple with a 5-year-old daughter. I shook hands with the parent, then held out my hand to their daughter. She looked daggers at me for a few seconds, while hugging her toy dog closer. So I shook hands with the toy dog and said, "He gives a paw! Does he do other tricks."
Lori Thompson 8 years ago
I'd like a sign that says, "I'm 53 and my body is my body. Don't force me to hug, kiss, or handshake." I have an aunt that STILL kisses me on the lips! I am a germaphobe and have always had a very large personal bubble. Mom says that, even as a baby, I wasn't much of a snuggler. My daughter is like me, and it means so much to receive a true hug from her. We respect each others' wishes. There are so many more ways to show acknowledgement and love than by touching. Fist bumps with strangers and friends, a flower or small gift for friends and family, and a smile for everyone.
Herb Eaversmells 8 years ago
I wonder how she feels about having her image and story plastered all over the internet?
Arty 8 years ago
I suppose there is no need to ask permission for that...
Load More Replies... Ana T. 8 years ago
i a mom and i think this is a good idea. children often are force to do thing that they dont want to do and just because they are children their opinion dont matter
Alusair Alustriel 8 years ago
I witnessed at a family meeting from my fiancees side how a granddaugther was forced to hug their grandparents and she did everything to wiggle out from their arms asap. If the 5 year old kid sees them twice a year, they are strangers to her, and I am positive she doesn't grasp fully the family relations idea yet. i felt very sorry for her and I am sure that the hugh-high five-hello-handshake option is way better than what I had to see.
Joseph Caliri 8 years ago
This article is a Huge eye opener. I was an abused child, had loving and caring parents, family and siblings. I wonder now had I been given this option how things would have been. I don't dwell on it, I am 43 and know now that I can offer this Choice to my neices and nephews as well as other children. Thank you very much for bringing this important issue to light. Blessings to all, main point no matter what and or how you feel towards article, is that we keep Children Safe!
Load More Replies... Anonymous Hobiest 8 years ago
For children within the Autism spectrum, this would be a cardinal rule. Our society ignores the needs of special children
Luca Plas 8 years ago
Though I do agree for some children with autism this is something important, but children with autism can also hate it if they are put on a label that seems to give people the right to decide things for them before even knowing them. I am especially saying this for parents of young autistic children who should always remember not to do things because their child has autism, but because that is what their child needs.
Load More Replies... Cheslyn McKay 8 years ago
Love this article! Just recently my daughters great grandmother came over to our apartment and by the end my poor child was so distraught I felt so bad for her. Great grandma has no sense of boundaries even while my child was saying and eventually screaming no she continued making her give her kisses (I tried to tell her my daughter was saying no but ofc with old people they don't listen). My boyfriend returned later that evening from his job and asked how everything went so I explained everything. He then asked her if she enjoyed seeing great grandma to which she started to cry and scream watching our front door to see if she was coming back....my poor little girl is now scared of her and I don't blame her one bit! Affection must be earned...you can't expect my child to hug or kiss you when you've only seen her a total of 6 times in her life and don't even give her respect for her personal space. People think I'm wrong for giving her a choice but they're wrong for not understanding.
Frank Vallone III 8 years ago
I'm very sorry your daughter was scared like that.
Load More Replies... Sandra Sanynka 8 years ago
I completely agree. I'm 29 and I suffer from social anxiaty desorder. For me it's two-sens feeling, because I hate the parents who tell their kids make a hug/kiss ME. I don't feel confortable with touching anybody, even the children, but I have to, because if I say no to the parents/kids I will look like heartless person
Lewis Macleod 8 years ago
You shouldn't have to feel like people will judge you for not wanting physical contact with other people. I'm sure if you just say that you would feel uncomfortable doing so to the parent or even child then they will understand as long as you're polite
Load More Replies... Bobbi Newell 8 years ago
It's all about personal boundaries and comfort level. The mom states in her letter that she expects her daughter to be polite, and that she can high five or shake hands as an alternative. Adults have a say in their personal preferences; children should have the same opportunity.
Viviane Katz 8 years ago
I'm not a big hugger of little kids. I find workarounds. Example 1: If I wanted to be affectionate with my pre-school nephew, I would say, "Sucky aunt!" He would bent his head forward and I'd kiss the top. Example 2: My husband introduced me to a couple with a 5-year-old daughter. I shook hands with the parent, then held out my hand to their daughter. She looked daggers at me for a few seconds, while hugging her toy dog closer. So I shook hands with the toy dog and said, "He gives a paw! Does he do other tricks."
Lori Thompson 8 years ago
I'd like a sign that says, "I'm 53 and my body is my body. Don't force me to hug, kiss, or handshake." I have an aunt that STILL kisses me on the lips! I am a germaphobe and have always had a very large personal bubble. Mom says that, even as a baby, I wasn't much of a snuggler. My daughter is like me, and it means so much to receive a true hug from her. We respect each others' wishes. There are so many more ways to show acknowledgement and love than by touching. Fist bumps with strangers and friends, a flower or small gift for friends and family, and a smile for everyone.
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