Protecting Innocence

From the day the we’re born and earlier, we know our world to be violent. A newborn screaming to be held, or a child from getting stung by a bee, are obviously not “innocent” in this respect. Viewing a horror movie for the first time, we’re not just being made aware of a new level of agony or terror. We’re tapping into that which is buried deep within our emotional memory. If forgetful naivety defines innocence, then adults are often more “innocent” than anyone, having forgotten how intensely they felt the world as children and with a jovial appreciation of many things they used to find fearsome.

Instead, childhood innocence is the sense that in the end, justice will prevail. That our suffering is never truly unbearable, and that we’re allowed to forget because the monsters have been vanquished. Of course, many do not have the privilege of enjoying an innocent childhood such as this.

Our happiness and integrity rely not just on avoiding harsh realities until we’re “old enough” to handle them (which usually only means we’re insensitive enough to shrug them off,) they rely on standing a fighting chance.

Those overwhelmed by witnessing violence experience what is known as ‘compassion fatigue’ or ‘secondary traumatic stress’ which results in impaired empathy.

Paternalism

Children suffer a lot by adults’ “compassionate, caregiving” oppression and violence.

Gender Disappointment

It’s common for parents to desire their baby to be a certain gender and feel disappointed when they “don’t get what they want”.