Why is it that we as Americans will look down on young people that have children prior to marriage, and disparage them with the term "Single parent".

If we look closer at the reality of factual history, over 50% of marriages end in divorce. Aren't the children of such same situations living in a "Single parent household"? Continuing, if someone is a widow or widower, with children, they too are single parents. Lastly, if you adopt a child and are unmarried, or even estranged from your spouse, that again is a single parent situation.

The fact older single parent situations far out number younger single parent situation, so why do we as a society look down on our younger adults?

[can you see the hidden racism]

keme hit it on the head ......i agree

Ummmmmmm Keme,

Aren't you technically a "single parent"?

I thought the very same question when I read Keme's reply. And I disagree with what he wrote because he's blatantly biased.

Originally posted by JT_A
[can you see the hidden racism]

You ask some great questions and back your opinions up with very solid arguments. To answer this question, I would have to say no, I don't see "hidden racism" based on what you described. What your thesis might allude to, however, is possibly age and class discrimination.

imho

Data on Black single parents: Table 2
http://www.iusb.edu/~cdiverse/ebcr.pdf

Public policies promoting marriage may not benefit all children,Cornell social policy expert finds in study
http://www.human.cornell.edu/alumni/news/faculty/singpar.cfm

Through the eyes of one single mother:
http://www.africana.com/archive/columns/bl_voices_01.asp

The second article is just another example of how those who don't want Black families to prosper...

I also challenge that black children do just as well in single parent homes whereas white children do better in two-parent homes. This study runs contrary to both logic, and my personal observations as a teacher & counselor in the black community. Programs such as welfare and the effects of slavery have served to promote fatherlessness in the African American community. Which in turn break downs the african american family; as well as ensures poverty, and high crime. Fatherlessness is not unique to black people. Blacks in Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean do not have the rate of fatherlessness that we have in America. We as a community need to examine why that is, and we also have to wonder why so many sources are telling us that it is okay for black women to be single parents (when it is considered to be a tragedy for women of other races).

Panafrica,

I agree wholeheartedly...and the Black women are beginning to believe the hype.

That doesn't answer the question. *lol*

I can see it boo I can see it fa sho!!!!

I think people will always believe that the next generation will be worse than the first. It's a common stereotype. And it always seems worse when it really isn't.

I have a niece thats the same age as me. She could tell me she lost her virginity and I would look down upon it subconsicously, already knowing I did the same thing. Its not something I'm proud of but I can't help it.

I think most of society does the same thing.

:heart: :heart: PLAY :heart: :heart: