We have previously discussed the issues surrounding decisions to raise children according to their non-biological sex at a young age. Now, a Massachusetts couple has decided that their five-year-old daughter must be a boy and has decided to raise the child a such. I will readily admit that I am not an expert in this field, but as a parent of four I find such a decision to be highly troubling and premature. A five-year-old child seems far far too early to make such an extreme change. Indeed, this determination was made a year earlier.
The child is now called Jack Lemay rather than Mia Lemay. The change occurred after, at age four, the parents took the child to a family therapy team which concluded that the four-year-old was transgender.
The mother, Mimi, insisted that what she saw as a “psychological burden that I don’t think anyone should have to deal with, especially not my child.” She said that the child began early on saying that she liked boy things and saying that she was a boy. The father, Joe, said that “he was showing real signs of a lot of shame and self-hatred.” Now, as Jacob, they say that the child is thriving.
They are indeed the parents and must act according to their best judgment for their child. However, as a friend, I would have strongly discouraged such a change at such an early age.
What do you think?
Source: CBS
Nick, just saw your comment @ 10:34. BINGO! I too only skimmed over the comments, but I didn’t see your point mentioned nearly enough.
Two words – child abuse. Look, we all can learn more about the transgender issue and be more understanding, no doubt about it. But we are talking about a 5 year old!!! A 5 YEAR OLD!!!!
I can’t believe that this is even a debatable issue, much less that some are accepting (and even praising) the parents on this. This is completely bonkers. What other decisions should we let our 5 year olds make?
My younger brother used to like to wear my Mom’s high heels, and he did and we all laughed when he did. We still joke with him today about it. But he got over it. We certainly didn’t say, “hey, try on this dress too!” I know this is an oversimplistic and unfair comparison, but jeesh. The kid is 5!!!!! How can the parents be so sure this isn’t a phase. I have a 2 and 4 year old, girl and boy. They have gone through some phases that I was happy they got over. Some lasted longer than others. Some are ongoing. But let them play out before you encourage this type of behavior!! Five years old!!! Unbelievable.
Juris – my brother liked wearing my mother’s shoes and then moved up to her clothes. He never grew out of the phase. He liked being a transvestite.
Nick,
Jenner is one who needs to look at spoiled selfish self in mirror. Jenner is proud, full of pride. He will fight for crumbs of savings.
I know this is all not very PC. That’s because PC must be destroyed, before it destroys us.
Jenner may not have been drinking, texting, etc. during the crash. But, was he putting on any makeup?
Lawless, Looks like Jenner is going to have to man up on this one. He and the Kardashian whores may have a corporate shield, protecting their whore house. But, I’m sure they still do have some substantial personal assets. None of those assets being intellectual.
Interesting side note on transgender treatment. Bruce Jenner makes many news appearances with talking heads about going from man to woman. Meantime:
Bruce Jenner ‘could face financial ruin if sued by family of widow killed in horror crash because his insurance policy only goes up to $250,000’
• Bruce Jenner only had insurance coverage up to $250,000, a source says
• This means he could be ‘financially destroyed’ if accused in civil lawsuit
• ‘The sky’s the limit with what a jury could award,’ one attorney remarked
• Jenner allegedly rear-ended widow Kim Howe’s Lexus earlier this month
• Ms Howe then struck and killed by a Hummer on Pacific Coast Highway
• He was reportedly travelling between 46 and 47mph when started braking
• Car’s black box said to show vehicle was travelling 38mph at time of impact
• Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is still investigating cause of tragedy
• Police sources say he is unlikely to be prosecuted by the Sheriff because he wasn’t drinking, speeding or texting at the time of the fatal crash
David, We need more of BFM and less of others. And, good to see you back as well.
I have skimmed the comments, reading the ones of substance. The salient point that this child is ONLY 5 YEARS OLD seems to be virtually ignored. That fact is in the title and ignored by those who think this is just fine.
The kid at least thinks or feels–and maybe knows–he is a boy right now and wants to be treated as such, so do that. If he chooses to be treated as a girl tomorrow, then do that.
This is only “controversial” for two reasons: (1) it is uncommon; and (2) simple-minded people (not intended as an insult) have difficulty processing that which is uncommon.
The human species is complex and ever-evolving. No one is being harmed here. Move on.
If they raise the kid as a boy: perhaps when the Muslims take over they wont kidnap her and rape her. Of course with those Muslim ISIS guys you don’t really know who they will rape or pillage. Stop immigration now! If we had a candidate with that as his/her platform then I would support him/her or it.
Maybe all newborns should just be called “it” and not be called girl or boy.
David: You go with science when it fits your bias. The history of your participation inthis forum has produced a legacy of twisted logic
nettle wrote: “You go with science when it fits your bias.”
No, when empirical data contradicts my bias, I adjust my understanding of the data. A proper philosophy and understanding never ignores data but accounts for all of them. What appears to be twisted logic to you is simply a result of your acceptance of false premises as well as your ignoring data that does not fit your preconceived viewpoints. You can test this easily by pointing out a situation where you think that I cling to bias in spite of science. What would likely happen next is that I would expose unproven assumptions or false premises on your part. Logic cannot be twisted. Logic simply works, but logic relies upon assumptions or premises that are either valid or not. Most people do not do the intellectual work necessary to identify and test the assumptions and premises used in their thinking.
@apieceofblueksy
Very astute and insightful.
And ditto re: Squeeky.
Nick: You were absolutely correct, the commentary did indeed devolve quickly; and it got no further than the last sentence of your leading comment before doing so. Your next few comments appear to be an effort to ensure that the commentary will indeed be as substantive as a late night barroom “debate”.
You sweepingly dismiss Mr. Hart as “naive” without bothering to point out the naivete in his comment. You denigrate the conversation and the blog overall by describing parents as A-holes who should be required to obtain a license in order to have children, a curious position for a libertarian.
Between your pot-shots and your potty mouth, your uninteresting self-aggrandizing statements, and your various irrelevant comments, many of incite discord among other commenters, you have done your best to ensure that this forum becomes a small, mean, and ugly example of pointless argument rather than a meaningful exchange of ideas. You may not be alone in this, but you are surely among the most prominent. For someone who craves attention, you have earned a very curious reputation. Congratulations!
Children are HIGHLY impressionable. When I was a four/five I thought I was a “angel fairy that rescued ponies”. All it took was one adult to agree with me (in jest) to firm up my convictions. I still don’t believe that I belong in this world.
I have an 11 year old who thought he was a train on Thomas the tank engine’s rails for about a year when prior to first grade. He would get angry if anyone challenged the notion.
It’s evil to sexualize our children. Maybe there’s one in a million that strongly believe that they are another gender. However, I honestly believe that supporting their fantasies for the moment will hurt them in the long run. Let them run the gamete of self exploration with out the adult “AH HA, see she/he is this”. Self exploration is part of self acceptance and realization. Anything prior to 21 is probably not going to be permanent.
Children are still developing into what they will become. What if they child changes it’s mind in a year? With all of the energy put into reassignment by the adults the child will feel compelled to be what the adults supported.
My parents thought I was artistic and put me in art and design school at university, I fake it until I nearly got kicked out of school due to poor grades and hatred of the field. I was 17.
No matter what kind of “proof” and examples people want to force at us, making assumed personality assignments on our kids with trap them into a paradigm that will come back to haunt them. These kids will be the suicides of tomorrows. This is a result of self hatred of the SOME OF THE extreme LGBT that will translate onto our children. I hope I’m wrong with that, but wait 10 years.
Max-1,
Quick question. Do you post more comments on JT’s blog or JMG, Joe My God blog?
They’re from Massachusetts. ‘Nuff said.
Wadewilliams is/was ….. (fill in the dots since he has never made any indication that he has done anything but make fun of what other people do or have accomplished).
BTW ad hominem at 12:01am
bfm
I never thought of myself as an animal… what about you?
“I never thought of myself as an animal… what about you?”
Not me. Most of my male classmates and I were too busy making the world safe by pretending to blow up all of this nations enemies. But I distinctly recall a precocious girl in third grade who did a lot of cantering on the play ground. I can’t remember if I ever actually heard her whinny.
And in those early years there was another girl who was totally fascinated with earth worms. I am embarrassed to admit that my class mates and I made up names for her and ridiculed her interest.
I long ago lost track of those two. But I know that those particular 2nd and 3rd grade classes as a group did better than just OK. If I had to bet I would put money on those two girls. I would be very surprised if they did not come through the tails of childhood and become very productive adults.
If it needs to be said, I think many of us here agree that all children need the space to explore and find their true selves and the freedom later to live that self. The question is how adults can best facilitate that journey.
bigfatmike wrote: “I think many of us here agree that all children need the space to explore and find their true selves and the freedom later to live that self. The question is how adults can best facilitate that journey.”
Excellent summary for this thread.
apieceofblueksy
doesn’t it seem like it would be easier to change someone’s mind to fit their body than to attempt to change their body to fit their mind?
= = =
You mean a head transplant…?
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/head-transplant-man-will-be-attached-to-new-body-in-under-an-hour-and-aim-is-immortality-doctor-says-10198982.html