Just catching up on my Lactnets and not sure this is the place for my
post but it does indirectly affect our discussion on breastfeeding and
culture so:

Cathy B. wrote:
>the thing that really strikes me is that "we" (American
>culture, at least - can't speak as well to other industrialized countries)
>seem to have lost our grip on the concept of "accepting the consequences" or
>taking responsibility for the things we do, have done, and seem to be
>continuing to do. We're happy to point the finger at easy access to deadly
>weapons, at violent video games and movies and TV shows, at the decline of
>the American family, even at the "brain chemistry of teen violence"

This is a very interesting comment.  I cannot believe the impact this
senseless act (Columbine shootings)has had on me recently.  I think I
might even have actual "shock" from it (but many of our kids don't, they
are immune to the shock having been desensitized by videos, TV,  music
and the daily paper).  As I struggle with the reality of it, I begin to
question.  I am listening closely to differing opinions on "why" it
happened.  The conclusions I am drawing are scary to me because they
shake the foundation of my current belief system.  I am beginning to
question my position at WIC and many other things that I might do because
they seem to help others.  This will sound harsh to those used to
thinking the way I do (used to?) but hear me through and think about it.
Maybe we shouldn't be so quick to help others!  Let me explain.  Our
culture has become so "feel good",  so politically correct, so afraid to
offend, afraid to "hurt self esteem", so accepting of indiscretions that
we have made the consequences not too bad to accept.  Ask yourself what
exactly is the consequence of not getting an education (Bill Gates and
many others seem to be doing just fine), what exactly is the consequence
of having a baby while your still a teenager (don't worry we'll help you
out with food and formula, even with housing), what is the consequence of
choosing not to breastfeed (no problem just use ABM it's almost the same
thing).  No one really "pays" for their mistakes anymore in a way that
makes them feel sorry for what they have done.
I don't know what the answer is here, so please no flames. I''m not an
eloquent "poster" as many of you here are. I'm just trying to make sense
of our society.  I'm not sure returning to a 50's mentality where women
went away if they got pregnant and gave up their babies to women in more
stable situations or better able to care for them is the answer.  But one
thing I know for sure: what we are doing isn't working either.  Our
society is no less violent than before.  What exactly are all the
programs we support supposed to do?  They seem to be supporting
irresponsiblity instead of responsiblility.
If my thinking has gone astray, then please PLEASE someone help to get me
back on track, but for me right now this line of thinking is starting to
make a lot of sense.

Warmly, Ilene Fabisch, Brockton, MA
"Each day is a blank canvas waiting for our unique brushstrokes to create
a masterpiece."

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