If Christians are using their children as props in political theater, then the OP should start a thread entitled “The wonderful Christian culture.” It doesn’t matter that the political theater is not supported by all Christians, or that it is not an accurate reflection of Christian culture in general. You know, just like he did here with Hispanic.
Foul language in general, or from kids?
Jes’ wondering, since I know you consider swearing appropriate in some cases.
Disgusting.
“The wonderful Hispanic culture…”
Nice. And I mean that sarcastically. Great title for a debate. If the mods do change that ridiculous title, I hope they add the edit in brackets, and leave the original one there. “Debate”, my ass.
Oh, this really is a debate? My position, then: I didn’t watch the video, but I agree that Hispanic culture is wonderful.
Seconded. I live a stone’s throw from East LA, and I love it. I’ve never had any problem with Latinos as a group and they’ve never had any problem with me. Los Angeles would be a completely different city (down to the name) without them, and IMO a lesser one.
Just to be clear, the language was English, but it was dubbed. It was not actually the kids speaking. Probably to get around having a 6-year-old actually say “fuck”. Having said that, the kids state that they were born in the US and are citizens, so most likely they speak English as well as any kids their age.
And I’d be willing bet any amount that your kids speak at least one word of Spanish. 
The ad is funny and I feel no concern for the OP’s concerns.
Parents tolerating kids saying it in social settings. Kids running around stub toe and say “damn” I have no issue with. Step in a fire ant nest and say “oh shit!” no issue with. But casual swearing in conversation when you are out and about reflects poorly, imo, of child rearing skills. Eventually that child might be looking for a job and if he is swearing as a child I wonder what other social norms/mores that this child has failed to internalize. Ever since I have had kids my thoughts on acceptable language and imagery with regards to appropriateness for audience has been much more on the when in doubt be more conservative side.
With regards to adults swearing. My favorite comedies are raunchy like Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle so I don’t have a problem with profanity in general. I think it can be a poor reflection depending on the audience you are communicating with. So, generally I try to keep my dialogue in professional company, social company, and even online company slightly to the more restrained side of language use.
I mean if I write “Hillary Clinton is a bitch, don’t vote for her” is that going to convince a single person? No. It might actually be counterproductive because it gives evidence to those who may be on the fence that the supporters of the opposition are misogynists. How would that help?
I do advocate for very liberal policies with regards to what people should be able to express. I don’t think it’s the role of government or other institutions to dictate thought, speech, or press. I think it’s vital that the concept of individual, intrinsic, human rights is promoted. I think it’s vital that that concept is promoted above any other. Even above rights to equality of outcome and to some degree life. Because those freedoms enable society to flourish at a high level.
Sorry for the rambles, it’s sort of complex.
Cliff notes: I think kids swearing, especially in front of adults or out in public is a symptom of a style of parenting that does the children a grave disservice.
The idea–promoted more by magellan than by you–that encouraging your children to swear is “child abuse” is ludicrous. My own kids I teach the difference between public and private speech, and I guarandamntee you that kids growing up in minority households in the US learn to codeswitch. In this case, the kids are swearing intentionally, for a very specific purpose. It’s bizarre that anyone can get worked up about this.
Instead of one adult-one vote, we need to administer blood tests to determine the voter’s level of resentment. Perhaps a specific type of norepinephrine metric, which, at higher levels, will be accorded higher voting power.
Of course, in practice we already have this. It’s called civil war.
It wouldn’t be enough for Christians to be using their children as props, they’d have to be using them in a way that advocates for something that has to do with Christians specifically. As opposed to an issue, like say gun control or abortion, which is much broader.
The group I think it will have the largest effect on is Independent Hispanics. Particularly parents who embrace the American dream, and America, and want it for their kids. I think they’d be angry that this video was made, as it doesn’t portray Hispanics well, as it attempts to speak for them. It’s crass, shows bad parenting, and exploits children. Now, not everyone will agree with those assessments, but I’m sure some will.
You mean like the people who made the video? Watch it again, and you’ll find that between all those four-letters words, the vid makes a big deal out of the fact that these kids are Americans, that they love America, that they love the Constitution - etc., etc.
I doubt they’re Independents.
“I can’t believe those other Hispanics portray Hispanics like me so poorly! I’ll show them–I’m going to vote for Trump, who portrays Hispanics like me so much better!”
Is this what you’re expecting?
But you don’t doubt that they “embrace the American dream, and America, and want it for their kids”?
Anyway, how do you figure that outrage over this video among Independent Hispanic will lead them towards supporting Mr. Trump?
- “Swearing children in a political ad? What an outrage!”
- ???
- “Trump 2016!”
What is step 2?
Step 2 is the assessment of what they really want in life for themselves and their children. Is that picture more closely aligned with the things that Trump stands for—success, jobs, the rule of law—or more aligned with people who exploit children and put foul language into their mouths in order to stupidly make a political point?
I think quite a few will come out on the side of what Trump stands for as opposed to crass points made in a disgusting video. It’s also true that not all Hispanics agree with the left on border policies. Many people who came here legally see no reason to reward those who broke the law to get here.
Also, here’s what Rubio had to say about the video:
Also, I think plenty of Hispanics, Independent and otherwise, would like policies in place to avoid stuff like this happening:
I think the major disagreement will be on what Trump stands for. I doubt more than a very small percentage think he stands for “success, jobs, the rule of law”… based on his very low favorables with Hispanics, I think to many of them he may stand for bigotry and buffoonery.
Please tell me you’re joking.