The Editor,
Re. ““Children should run (and bounce) all our power plants” (Opinions, The Tri-City News, Oct. 6).
I was reading this column by Andy Prest when he described “most kids as both incredibly competitive and dumb.” I was shocked that a father would describe kids this way. Yes, I know this article is supposed to be funny but the word “dumb” describing most kids’ energetic selves to me was dumb to use, especially from a dad.
I am not a parent but, with my nephew and nieces, I see kids as curious, energetic, exploring adventurers who love being kids and spending time with their families.
Even if the article is meant to be funny or sarcastic, Mr. Prest could have used a more positive word to describe kids’ energy levels in place of the word “dumb.” This would bring so much more to the article and won’t leave readers like me shocked and disgusted.
When writing next time for The Tri-City News, Mr. Prest should keep in mind that some kids also read this paper and wouldn’t appreciate his description of them.
Furthermore, I think articles like this should not be published when they have this negative tone towards kids, especially in a community newspaper that constantly publicizes activities and festivals for kids and their families to participate in. Children need positive reinforcement, love, kindness, encouragement and so much more than what this article proposes: child labour.
Yes, “children are the future” — not to heat your home, Mr. Prest, but to change the world into a more positive one.
Lara AbulHusn, Coquitlam
