I have often seen videos of children who are taught the ways of the military at a very young age. In these videos children are seen with guns in hand looking "straight-faced," without emotion, their appearance so uniform, almost robot-like, especially when they all wear the same clothes (uniform). Of course in very poor countries their attire may not be uniform, they may not form a straight line when they march or perform for their superiors, but they are all outfitted with a gun. Can children really understand the concept of death? Would they be able to tell between anger and self-defence? Recently I saw a video clip (local TV news) of children uniformly dressed, standing in very straight lines, with guns in hand.
It is a good thing to get children involved in group activity as the cadets do since it is good for their mental well-being when their actions are approved and applauded by the adults around them. But is it necessary to place guns in the hands of these very impressionable minds? Guns which can only kill and/or injure? Alcoholic beverages, pornographic material, dangerous situations, all these we keep far away from our children. So why would an organisation such as the cadets place guns in the hands of these very impressionable children?
J Smith
Gran Couva
Via e-mail