Biased News Media-44th Annual March for Life

[OreoRosies86]

First, there was plenty of media coverage. I see articles from a number of sources on Google News. Was there as much as there was for the women's march? No. Is that unexpected? Not really - it was a much smaller event.

Second, to paraphrase from a meme I've seen multiple times - how interesting is a march of total hypocrites - people who pretend that the lives of 4 cell embryos are more important than the lives of refugees? Not very. Don't really care if the news I read doesn't have too much to say about it. If you want your anti-choice, anti-anyone who isn't a WASP news, feel free to read Breitbart.

I believe it was something like "If you believe this (a cluste of cells) has more right to life than this (picture of a refugee child) you're going to have to stop pretending your concerns are religious."

It will be a cold day in hell before the government gets involved with my reproductive system and an even colder one when a pro lifer is able to effectively shame me for it.

Yuuuup. For many it is about control, not religion. It's about controlling women under the guise of religion. And F being shamed. No way no how.

If you adamantly oppose abortion, you should personally finance the resulting babies. If you vote against safe abortion options for women, you must in turn forfeit your comfortable life for the "rights" of the unborn who would not exist without the mothers in question. If that's your cause and belief, you should have no trouble putting your money where your mouth is. You will also be expected to put your life further on hold to be available for feedings, diaper changes, transportation etc. And wait until all those kids need to go to college! They are out in the world now and will need proper jobs so they can support the next generation. Trouble is, I don't see any takers!

 

[AnnaH]

It seems I'm expected to personally on my own support hundreds of thousands of children each year and also support Planned Parenthood abortions.
What is everyone else going to do?

 

[Sphene]

I thought all this had been ironed out on the dang marches in the 60s 70s 80s 90s etc. now some male fossil is again trying to tell women what to do with their bodies bad enough he’s running the country

Women have rights each one should decide for them what suits their life - I say no to the resurrection of back street abortionists putting a woman's lives at risk

The body often ejects foetuses at period time so what’s the difference popping a pill etc.

 

[House Cat]

It seems I'm expected to personally on my own support hundreds of thousands of children each year and also support Planned Parenthood abortions.
What is everyone else going to do?

http://intersectproject.org/faith-a...n-defunded-planned-parenthood-ended-abortion/
Here is a good read for you. My best friend is the only pro-lifer that I know who actively does anything about her belief. She works at the local pregnancy crisis center. There, they provide support services FOR YEARS to the women who decide to keep their children. The services are financial, diapers, food, clothes, counseling, school, and job placement. She has gone into homes to help young girls tell their parents that they are pregnant. This job is taxing and (for her) rewarding, but it is never picketing in front of the abortion clinic.

She started by volunteering her time and it turned into a paying gig. Here's the thing, she believed in what she was doing. She believed in pro LIFE, not pro BIRTH.

I see a whole lotta pro lifers that want to tell women that they are the devil for wanting control over their bodies, but I really don't see them doing much more than judging us.


Yes, I do believe that if you want to be pro life, you'd better be ready to put your money where your mouth is and that is definitely to include taking in unwanted babies and foster children.

 

[Tekate]

Photos of the very large, under-reported prolife march.
No one could control who marched in the women's march, but the sponsors refused to partner with prolife groups. Their right as the organizers, but a mistake, imo.


http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/27/march-life-2017-photos-washington-dcs-pro-life-rally/

Brietbart is a hate site.

 

[OreoRosies86]

Photos of the very large, under-reported prolife march.
No one could control who marched in the women's march, but the sponsors refused to partner with prolife groups. Their right as the organizers, but a mistake, imo.


http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/27/march-life-2017-photos-washington-dcs-pro-life-rally/

Brietbart is a hate site.

That link made my blood boil. I hope those people get a clue sooner rather than later.

 

[Tekate]

It seems I'm expected to personally on my own support hundreds of thousands of children each year and also support Planned Parenthood abortions.
What is everyone else going to do?

http://intersectproject.org/faith-a...n-defunded-planned-parenthood-ended-abortion/
Here is a good read for you. My best friend is the only pro-lifer that I know who actively does anything about her belief. She works at the local pregnancy crisis center. There, they provide support services FOR YEARS to the women who decide to keep their children. The services are financial, diapers, food, clothes, counseling, school, and job placement. She has gone into homes to help young girls tell their parents that they are pregnant. This job is taxing and (for her) rewarding, but it is never picketing in front of the abortion clinic.

She started by volunteering her time and it turned into a paying gig. Here's the thing, she believed in what she was doing. She believed in pro LIFE, not pro BIRTH.

I see a whole lotta pro lifers that want to tell women that they are the devil for wanting control over their bodies, but I really don't see them doing much more than judging us.


Yes, I do believe that if you want to be pro life, you'd better be ready to put your money where your mouth is and that is definitely to include taking in unwanted babies and foster children.

Thank you for the pointer - a true 'christian' thinking this whole issue through, not someone who talks but doesn't adopt. I found being a mother of babies very hard.. not many women may say this, but I felt overwhelmed, tired, inexperienced, afraid, happy, and self doubting, two was my limit (also my age).. I love my sons to the ends of the universe, I chose to have them. If I had more I am sure I would have loved them just as much, but I would have become less..

 

[the_mother_thing]

Thank you for the pointer - a true 'christian' thinking this whole issue through, not someone who talks but doesn't adopt. I found being a mother of babies very hard.. not many women may say this, but I felt overwhelmed, tired, inexperienced, afraid, happy, and self doubting, two was my limit (also my age).. I love my sons to the ends of the universe, I chose to have them. If I had more I am sure I would have loved them just as much, but I would have become less..

I can agree and relate that being a mother is NOT easy, and can at times be all of the things you said - especially when doing so solo (I know). And I genuinely applaud people (like two of my cousins) who self-assessed their own capabilities and desires, as well as concern for the future, and made (what I consider) a responsible decision to not have any children at all.

At the same time and for the same reasons, I don't think it's fair to suggest that because someone doesn't believe in abortion for whatever reason, that the same person should then adopt. These are two different issues entirely. For the same reasons someone might choose to terminate a pregnancy, someone else might decide to not have nor adopt any children.

Religion isn't the only reason some oppose abortion. I have non-religious friends who simply feel the (surgical) procedure is barbaric.

 

[AnnaH]

It seems I'm expected to personally on my own support hundreds of thousands of children each year and also support Planned Parenthood abortions.
What is everyone else going to do?

http://intersectproject.org/faith-a...n-defunded-planned-parenthood-ended-abortion/
Here is a good read for you. My best friend is the only pro-lifer that I know who actively does anything about her belief. She works at the local pregnancy crisis center. There, they provide support services FOR YEARS to the women who decide to keep their children. The services are financial, diapers, food, clothes, counseling, school, and job placement. She has gone into homes to help young girls tell their parents that they are pregnant. This job is taxing and (for her) rewarding, but it is never picketing in front of the abortion clinic.

She started by volunteering her time and it turned into a paying gig. Here's the thing, she believed in what she was doing. She believed in pro LIFE, not pro BIRTH.

I see a whole lotta pro lifers that want to tell women that they are the devil for wanting control over their bodies, but I really don't see them doing much more than judging us.


Yes, I do believe that if you want to be pro life, you'd better be ready to put your money where your mouth is and that is definitely to include taking in unwanted babies and foster children.

My experience is quite different from yours, HC. I know many, many prolife people who are involved with and support pregnancy centers as you describe. I, myself, and family members have been involved with centers in three different cities. I have not adopted or fostered but know many who do.
Very unfair that you assume that all I do is post a little online.

 

[AnnaH]

Photos of the very large, under-reported prolife march.
No one could control who marched in the women's march, but the sponsors refused to partner with prolife groups. Their right as the organizers, but a mistake, imo.


http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/27/march-life-2017-photos-washington-dcs-pro-life-rally/

Brietbart is a hate site.

I don't read Brietbart. I looked for photos to post. As I stated, there was no propaganda in what I posted. You are making something out of nothing. The NYT, etc. didn't have photos unless they were several pages down on google and I doubt it.

 

[AnnaH]

Photos of the very large, under-reported prolife march.
No one could control who marched in the women's march, but the sponsors refused to partner with prolife groups. Their right as the organizers, but a mistake, imo.


http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/27/march-life-2017-photos-washington-dcs-pro-life-rally/

Brietbart is a hate site.

That link made my blood boil. I hope those people get a clue sooner rather than later.

As stated, I don't read Brietbart. It's just photos, not an opinion piece. Or is it really the photos boiling your blood?

 

[OreoRosies86]

Many of the religiously affiliated "pregnancy crisis centers" are designed to guilt and coerce women without resources into keep their babies. They will lie about ultrasounds to make them believe the fetuses are further developed than scientifically possible for their date of conception. They will offer money, they will type things like "Hi mommy!" on the ultrasounds of undecided women. There is no real counseling that isn't coming from a biblical standpoint.

And as far as the old "PP was started to purge an entire race of people" argument, the Catholic Church has a lot to answer to in terms of what they have done to young mothers.

I speak only as a former Catholic, as I have not been affiliated with any other form of religion. And as someone who has volunteered with PP, I would be very curious to know which centers you have volunteered at.

 

[House Cat]

It seems I'm expected to personally on my own support hundreds of thousands of children each year and also support Planned Parenthood abortions.
What is everyone else going to do?

http://intersectproject.org/faith-a...n-defunded-planned-parenthood-ended-abortion/
Here is a good read for you. My best friend is the only pro-lifer that I know who actively does anything about her belief. She works at the local pregnancy crisis center. There, they provide support services FOR YEARS to the women who decide to keep their children. The services are financial, diapers, food, clothes, counseling, school, and job placement. She has gone into homes to help young girls tell their parents that they are pregnant. This job is taxing and (for her) rewarding, but it is never picketing in front of the abortion clinic.

She started by volunteering her time and it turned into a paying gig. Here's the thing, she believed in what she was doing. She believed in pro LIFE, not pro BIRTH.

I see a whole lotta pro lifers that want to tell women that they are the devil for wanting control over their bodies, but I really don't see them doing much more than judging us.


Yes, I do believe that if you want to be pro life, you'd better be ready to put your money where your mouth is and that is definitely to include taking in unwanted babies and foster children.

My experience is quite different from yours, HC. I know many, many prolife people who are involved with and support pregnancy centers as you describe. I, myself, and family members have been involved with centers in three different cities. I have not adopted or fostered but know many who do.
Very unfair that you assume that all I do is post a little online.

Who said that?



I said if you want to make abortion illegal and you want to vote for politicians who will make birth control scarce, then it is up to you to deal with the consequences. Personally, I am sick and tired of living in a world (already) where the right is voting in ways that are far and away from my beliefs but I have to live with the consequences that their lack of foresight produces! Millions of unwanted babies per year! That is what prolife without proper birth control will produce.

Better start adding on some rooms. That's the good Christian thing to do!

 

[House Cat]

Many of the religiously affiliated "pregnancy crisis centers" are designed to guilt and coerce women without resources into keep their babies. They will lie about ultrasounds to make them believe the fetuses are further developed than scientifically possible for their date of conception. They will offer money, they will type things like "Hi mommy!" on the ultrasounds of undecided women. There is no real counseling that isn't coming from a biblical standpoint.

And as far as the old "PP was started to purge an entire race of people" argument, the Catholic Church has a lot to answer to in terms of what they have done to young mothers.

I speak only as a former Catholic, as I have not been affiliated with any other form of religion. And as someone who has volunteered with PP, I would be very curious to know which centers you have volunteered at.

Elliot,

Have you personally seen this from the pregnancy centers? I believed this what what they were all about too until I saw what my friend was doing. The one she is working for isn't affiliated with the Catholic Church.

There is a lot of propaganda spreading both ways...I believe. We should be aware of that.

 

[OreoRosies86]

I'm hardly spreading propaganda. I don't hurl accusations without thought. I believe having grown up in the church, you can't really understand unless you went through it.

But the answer is yes, to the ultrasound misinformation and the offering of money. And a documentary you might find interesting is "12th and Delaware."

Catholic high school was an experience.

 

[House Cat]

I'm hardly spreading propaganda. I don't hurl accusations without thought. I believe having grown up in the church, you can't really understand unless you went through it.

But the answer is yes. And a documentary you might find interesting is "12th and Delaware."

Elliot, I did grow up Catholic.

I'm sorry to assume that what you were saying was propaganda because it is so different from my experience. I should make room for all sorts of experiences in this world.

ETA: I intentionally failed the entrance exam for Catholic High School. I couldn't do it anymore.

 

[OreoRosies86]

Catholic experiences definitely vary. Mine was very intense.

 

[House Cat]

Catholic experiences definitely vary. Mine was very intense.

I'm sorry Elliot. Big hugs.

 

[missy]

I'm hardly spreading propaganda. I don't hurl accusations without thought. I believe having grown up in the church, you can't really understand unless you went through it.

But the answer is yes, to the ultrasound misinformation and the offering of money. And a documentary you might find interesting is "12th and Delaware."

Catholic high school was an experience.

I'm sorry Elliot. Big (((hugs))) from me too. My dh likes to joke (to make what he is feeling about it less intense) that he is a recovering Catholic. He endured Catholic school in the 60's so you might be able to understand what he went through was not pleasant. The nuns roughed the kids up often. Grabbed them by the ties and hit them etc. Amazing what went on (and still does in many religions) in the name of being a good [insert religious institution here].

 

[the_mother_thing]

I respect what those who " grew up Catholic" were exposed to; I also was raised Catholic (church, not school), albeit what appears a slightly different/later generation. My mother & her siblings also went to Catholic school for part of their education, and I recall hearing the stories of having nuns crack rulers on students knuckles and even an incident where one student's hands were placed in a window sill and the window slammed down on them. I don't recall what these incidents were in response to, and it doesn't matter. My cousin also attended a Catholic school, and her stories - while still advocating a strict adherence to the faith - did not carry any incidents of mistreatment that she noted. And now, knowing others who practice Catholicism today, there continually seems to be an evolving attitude and direction in the church from its controversial past.

My point simply being - while not excusing the actions from past years - it would appear that "times and practices" are changing, and I don't think it's quite fair to project the attitudes and actions of the past onto those who choose to practice the faith today.

 

[missy]

I respect what those who " grew up Catholic" were exposed to; I also was raised Catholic (church, not school), albeit what appears a slightly different/later generation. My mother & her siblings also went to Catholic school for part of their education, and I recall hearing the stories of having nuns crack rulers on students knuckles and even an incident where one student's hands were placed in a window sill and the window slammed down on them. I don't recall what these incidents were in response to, and it doesn't matter. My cousin also attended a Catholic school, and her stories - while still advocating a strict adherence to the faith - did not carry any incidents of mistreatment that she noted. And now, knowing others who practice Catholicism today, there continually seems to be an evolving attitude and direction in the church from its controversial past.

My point simply being - while not excusing the actions from past years - it would appear that "times and practices" are changing, and I don't think it's quite fair to project the attitudes and actions of the past onto those who choose to practice the faith today.

Yes, I agree with this JoCoJenn but it is important not to forget the recent past in order for it not to happen again. Don't you agree? It was still quite recently these practices were occurring.

And while I am discussing this it has been a sore point with me and perhaps I am too sensitive but when people start using terms like being a true Christian, a good Christian or that is very Christian of you it slightly irritates me. And that is perhaps my problem alone but just sharing how it makes me feel. Not trying to control anyone and let's face it these terms are used all over and every day. To me it just rings a bit of moral and ethical superiority that the Christian religions feel it has over every other religion. When the term good Christian is used (IMO) it sounds like Christians are claiming sole possession of the highest moral authority. It's the Christian thing to do.

And please I don't want to offend anyone practicing the Christian religion with what I wrote. I respect and love many people of the Christian faith and that is the last thing I want to do-offend anyone. I just wanted to share my thoughts and interested if you don't mind sharing how you feel about this. As I wrote I am probably being too sensitive but this is how those terms make me feel. Like the Christian religions have the exclusive rights to good, moral and ethical behavior.

 

[Tekate]

Thank you for the pointer - a true 'christian' thinking this whole issue through, not someone who talks but doesn't adopt. I found being a mother of babies very hard.. not many women may say this, but I felt overwhelmed, tired, inexperienced, afraid, happy, and self doubting, two was my limit (also my age).. I love my sons to the ends of the universe, I chose to have them. If I had more I am sure I would have loved them just as much, but I would have become less..

I can agree and relate that being a mother is NOT easy, and can at times be all of the things you said - especially when doing so solo (I know). And I genuinely applaud people (like two of my cousins) who self-assessed their own capabilities and desires, as well as concern for the future, and made (what I consider) a responsible decision to not have any children at all.

At the same time and for the same reasons, I don't think it's fair to suggest that because someone doesn't believe in abortion for whatever reason, that the same person should then adopt. These are two different issues entirely. For the same reasons someone might choose to terminate a pregnancy, someone else might decide to not have nor adopt any children.

Religion isn't the only reason some oppose abortion. I have non-religious friends who simply feel the (surgical) procedure is barbaric.

I'm not sure I can get on board on the 'barbaric' procedure. If they are non religious why would they find the procedure barbaric.. unless you believe in the sanctity of life under 'god' or 'christian' values.

I'm not religious, I support abortion. I recognize the difference between cells, zygotes and human babies.

I would never have had an abortion if I had gotten pregnant a 3rd time, I would have had the baby but as I said, I would have been less.

If you stand against a woman's right to choose what she can do with her body, with her choice in life then one must stand and take the baby of women who just cannot have that cell/zygote for their own personal reasons. As people have said, then a person is probirth, not prolife.

So what is fair. You force a woman, under duress, to endure a pregnancy and birth, then she has a baby, and where are the proflifers? who's going to help her? Are we going to enact laws that force men to marry women and support their baby? Never allowed to divorce? Are we going to set up institutions where women who were forced to carry a fetus they did not want? these institutions will provide day-care? health for the baby and mother? the cost of raising a child in 2016 was estimated to be 245,000$ ....

Jo, rich people will always be able to get abortions, just fly over to England. Poor people, not so easy.. Are we going to check why a woman is going to countries that have safe abortion to ensure she isnt going to be having an abortion on her vacation?

In 1971 I had a friend who did go to England for her abortion btw so I know this to be true.

Yes there are people who don't regret their decision to have their baby and there are people who regret having children.

 

[Tekate]

I respect what those who " grew up Catholic" were exposed to; I also was raised Catholic (church, not school), albeit what appears a slightly different/later generation. My mother & her siblings also went to Catholic school for part of their education, and I recall hearing the stories of having nuns crack rulers on students knuckles and even an incident where one student's hands were placed in a window sill and the window slammed down on them. I don't recall what these incidents were in response to, and it doesn't matter. My cousin also attended a Catholic school, and her stories - while still advocating a strict adherence to the faith - did not carry any incidents of mistreatment that she noted. And now, knowing others who practice Catholicism today, there continually seems to be an evolving attitude and direction in the church from its controversial past.

I think that is difficult to do due to the fact that it's a male dominated group. Until they allow women priests and families it's going to be tainted.

 

[Tekate]

Catholic experiences definitely vary. Mine was very intense.

Elliot, mine were horrific. There were some nuns good, but many were horrible. And priests? I could tell you a story that would make your back crawl..being hit was a trip to Atlantic City with these masochists.

 

[the_mother_thing]

Yes, I agree with this JoCoJenn but it is important not to forget the recent past in order for it not to happen again. Don't you agree? It was still quite recently these practices were occurring.

And while I am discussing this it has been a sore point with me and perhaps I am too sensitive but when people start using terms like being a true Christian, a good Christian or that is very Christian of you it slightly irritates me. And that is perhaps my problem alone but just sharing how it makes me feel. Not trying to control anyone and let's face it these terms are used all over and every day. To me it just rings a bit of moral and ethical superiority that the Christian religions feel it has over every other religion. When the term good Christian is used (IMO) it sounds like Christians are claiming sole possession of the highest moral authority. It's the Christian thing to do.

And please I don't want to offend anyone practicing the Christian religion with what I wrote. I respect and love many people of the Christian faith and that is the last thing I want to do-offend anyone. I just wanted to share my thoughts and interested if you don't mind sharing how you feel about this. As I wrote I am probably being too sensitive but this is how those terms make me feel. Like the Christian religions have the exclusive rights to good, moral and ethical behavior.

I do agree we should not forget the past, but learn from it.

I also agree with your feelings on those phrases. I don't personally see or hear much 'self-promotion' in that way; rather, what I usually come across is non-Christians/believers casting those terms onto others in defense of causes, such as being pro-choice. "If you're such a good Christian, why don't you ..." types of statements. You're right - no one religion or non-religion has the market cornered on morals and/or 'good behavior'.

I think that is difficult to do due to the fact that it's a male dominated group. Until they allow women priests and families it's going to be tainted.

Perhaps, but (related to my thoughts in the 'constitutional' thread) - much like the pro-choice movement doesn't want Catholics determining when life begins or if abortion should be legal - is it right to demand a faith adopt what non-practicing Catholics should believe or do in regard to its leadership? Since I am no longer part of that faith, I don't know exactly what is or isn't going on in the church; just bits & pieces I hear. But if Catholics are in an uproar about it, it's for them to address with the church, or choose a different faith, I would think.

With regard to the 'barbaric' reference, it's not about the "sanctity" of life from a religious perspective; just their thoughts around the procedure, what they believe to be a life, and find objectionable in terminating it. It's not my opinion so I cannot fairly or fully represent it. I was sharing that there are non-believers who do not support the procedure.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Many of the religiously affiliated "pregnancy crisis centers" are designed to guilt and coerce women without resources into keep their babies. They will lie about ultrasounds to make them believe the fetuses are further developed than scientifically possible for their date of conception. They will offer money, they will type things like "Hi mommy!" on the ultrasounds of undecided women. There is no real counseling that isn't coming from a biblical standpoint.

And as far as the old "PP was started to purge an entire race of people" argument, the Catholic Church has a lot to answer to in terms of what they have done to young mothers.

I speak only as a former Catholic, as I have not been affiliated with any other form of religion. And as someone who has volunteered with PP, I would be very curious to know which centers you have volunteered at.

Elliot,

Have you personally seen this from the pregnancy centers? I believed this what what they were all about too until I saw what my friend was doing. The one she is working for isn't affiliated with the Catholic Church.

There is a lot of propaganda spreading both ways...I believe. We should be aware of that.

I know someone who just went to get an abortion and was given the treatment Elliot described at a center. She thought she was going in for the first counseling appointment to schedule an abortion and they made her get an ultrasound and tried to convince her to keep the baby. She was very distraught and went to PP after that experience. I am sure many centers are very caring but unfortunately some still guilt and coerce.

ETA: This happened a month ago.

 

[ruby59]

I respect what those who " grew up Catholic" were exposed to; I also was raised Catholic (church, not school), albeit what appears a slightly different/later generation. My mother & her siblings also went to Catholic school for part of their education, and I recall hearing the stories of having nuns crack rulers on students knuckles and even an incident where one student's hands were placed in a window sill and the window slammed down on them. I don't recall what these incidents were in response to, and it doesn't matter. My cousin also attended a Catholic school, and her stories - while still advocating a strict adherence to the faith - did not carry any incidents of mistreatment that she noted. And now, knowing others who practice Catholicism today, there continually seems to be an evolving attitude and direction in the church from its controversial past.

My point simply being - while not excusing the actions from past years - it would appear that "times and practices" are changing, and I don't think it's quite fair to project the attitudes and actions of the past onto those who choose to practice the faith today.

Yes, I agree with this JoCoJenn but it is important not to forget the recent past in order for it not to happen again. Don't you agree? It was still quite recently these practices were occurring.

And while I am discussing this it has been a sore point with me and perhaps I am too sensitive but when people start using terms like being a true Christian, a good Christian or that is very Christian of you it slightly irritates me. And that is perhaps my problem alone but just sharing how it makes me feel. Not trying to control anyone and let's face it these terms are used all over and every day. To me it just rings a bit of moral and ethical superiority that the Christian religions feel it has over every other religion. When the term good Christian is used (IMO) it sounds like Christians are claiming sole possession of the highest moral authority. It's the Christian thing to do.

And please I don't want to offend anyone practicing the Christian religion with what I wrote. I respect and love many people of the Christian faith and that is the last thing I want to do-offend anyone. I just wanted to share my thoughts and interested if you don't mind sharing how you feel about this. As I wrote I am probably being too sensitive but this is how those terms make me feel. Like the Christian religions have the exclusive rights to good, moral and ethical behavior.

And to be fair, recognize this as isolated situations not universal occurrences.

My husband's family is Catholic. They all went to Catholic schools, and none suffered this kind of abuse.

 

[missy]

I respect what those who " grew up Catholic" were exposed to; I also was raised Catholic (church, not school), albeit what appears a slightly different/later generation. My mother & her siblings also went to Catholic school for part of their education, and I recall hearing the stories of having nuns crack rulers on students knuckles and even an incident where one student's hands were placed in a window sill and the window slammed down on them. I don't recall what these incidents were in response to, and it doesn't matter. My cousin also attended a Catholic school, and her stories - while still advocating a strict adherence to the faith - did not carry any incidents of mistreatment that she noted. And now, knowing others who practice Catholicism today, there continually seems to be an evolving attitude and direction in the church from its controversial past.

My point simply being - while not excusing the actions from past years - it would appear that "times and practices" are changing, and I don't think it's quite fair to project the attitudes and actions of the past onto those who choose to practice the faith today.

Yes, I agree with this JoCoJenn but it is important not to forget the recent past in order for it not to happen again. Don't you agree? It was still quite recently these practices were occurring.



And to be fair, recognize this as isolated situations not universal occurrences.

My husband's family is Catholic. They all went to Catholic schools, and none suffered this kind of abuse.

Well I don't know the statistics but according to my friends (and my dh) who attended catholic school in the 1960s and 70s it was happening to all of them. Corporal punishment and verbal abuse. I went to a public school during these decades and we never experienced this but my friends who attended private Catholic school certainly did. So it seems as if at least in the Northeast if one attended Catholic school during these decades hitting the children etc was not an isolated situation.

http://www.newsweek.com/what-catholic-school-taught-me-about-violence-77657

 

[ruby59]

I respect what those who " grew up Catholic" were exposed to; I also was raised Catholic (church, not school), albeit what appears a slightly different/later generation. My mother & her siblings also went to Catholic school for part of their education, and I recall hearing the stories of having nuns crack rulers on students knuckles and even an incident where one student's hands were placed in a window sill and the window slammed down on them. I don't recall what these incidents were in response to, and it doesn't matter. My cousin also attended a Catholic school, and her stories - while still advocating a strict adherence to the faith - did not carry any incidents of mistreatment that she noted. And now, knowing others who practice Catholicism today, there continually seems to be an evolving attitude and direction in the church from its controversial past.

My point simply being - while not excusing the actions from past years - it would appear that "times and practices" are changing, and I don't think it's quite fair to project the attitudes and actions of the past onto those who choose to practice the faith today.

Yes, I agree with this JoCoJenn but it is important not to forget the recent past in order for it not to happen again. Don't you agree? It was still quite recently these practices were occurring.



And to be fair, recognize this as isolated situations not universal occurrences.

My husband's family is Catholic. They all went to Catholic schools, and none suffered this kind of abuse.

Well I don't know the statistics but according to my friends (and my dh) who attended catholic school in the 1960s and 70s it was happening to all of them. Corporal punishment and verbal abuse. I went to a public school during these decades and we never experienced this but my friends who attended private Catholic school certainly did. So it seems as if at least in the Northeast if one attended Catholic school during these decades hitting the children etc was not an isolated situation.

http://www.newsweek.com/what-catholic-school-taught-me-about-violence-77657

As you know, I am from Rhode Island. A state in the Northeast and one that is very Catholic.

My husband comes from a very large, Catholic family. They attended various Catholic schools in my State from Kindergarten right through high school. And all the stories I have heard over the last 35+ years were positive - even from my husband, who is bordering on agnostic.

 

[missy]

I respect what those who " grew up Catholic" were exposed to; I also was raised Catholic (church, not school), albeit what appears a slightly different/later generation. My mother & her siblings also went to Catholic school for part of their education, and I recall hearing the stories of having nuns crack rulers on students knuckles and even an incident where one student's hands were placed in a window sill and the window slammed down on them. I don't recall what these incidents were in response to, and it doesn't matter. My cousin also attended a Catholic school, and her stories - while still advocating a strict adherence to the faith - did not carry any incidents of mistreatment that she noted. And now, knowing others who practice Catholicism today, there continually seems to be an evolving attitude and direction in the church from its controversial past.

My point simply being - while not excusing the actions from past years - it would appear that "times and practices" are changing, and I don't think it's quite fair to project the attitudes and actions of the past onto those who choose to practice the faith today.

Yes, I agree with this JoCoJenn but it is important not to forget the recent past in order for it not to happen again. Don't you agree? It was still quite recently these practices were occurring.



And to be fair, recognize this as isolated situations not universal occurrences.

My husband's family is Catholic. They all went to Catholic schools, and none suffered this kind of abuse.

Well I don't know the statistics but according to my friends (and my dh) who attended catholic school in the 1960s and 70s it was happening to all of them. Corporal punishment and verbal abuse. I went to a public school during these decades and we never experienced this but my friends who attended private Catholic school certainly did. So it seems as if at least in the Northeast if one attended Catholic school during these decades hitting the children etc was not an isolated situation.

http://www.newsweek.com/what-catholic-school-taught-me-about-violence-77657

As you know, I am from Rhode Island. A state in the Northeast and one that is very Catholic.

My husband comes from a very large, Catholic family. They attended various Catholic schools in my State from Kindergarten right through high school. And all the stories I have heard over the last 35+ years were positive - even from my husband, who is bordering on agnostic.

Ruby, first of all I had no clue as to where you are from so no I didn't know you are from Rhode Island. Second of all that is your dh's experience and I am sharing my dh's experience and all our friends experience with Catholic school abuse in the 60s and 70s. It existed and it was unfortunately not an isolated occurrence from what I have heard personally. I wish it had been.