text; behavioral triggers

[restingstitchface]

[The message begins with snapshots of the library Crane haunts this morning. Its tables are brimming with waste paper, sandwich wrappers and boxes, a couple of empty sodas. Every shelf is a jumble of books, two or three dropping loose when extracted from the pile.

Unable to infect children with his ill temper for their mess, he elicits the most surly and passive-aggressive response possible by proverbially shaking his middle-aged fist at the network.]

Children should be banned from libraries.

[That's it. That's the rant.]

Comments

[exceptionalthief]

It might help to stay out of the children's section?

[restingstitchface]

I can't help it. Have you seen some of this?

[exceptionalthief]

No, I make it a point to avoid any areas where the book titles are likely to start with 'The Cat in the Hat did something or other.'

Make a complaint to the librarian?

[drivesadesk]

I think it's a good thing that kids are still reading books.

[restingstitchface]

You ever considered how hard it is to complain to someone when you've done it several times before?

[restingstitchface]

Yes, except I happen to think squalor is the wrong way to go about it.

[drivesadesk]

Well, someone just has to teach them a better way, then.

[exceptionalthief]

On the contrary, I'd imagine it would get easier. All that practice, you know.

[It might be slightly apparent he's not being as serious as Crane seems to be.]

[restingstitchface]

You say certainly. You obviously haven't dealt with her stupidity enough that apathy is the only recourse for someone so charming and articulate as you.

[If that's the case, Crane's choosing to ignore it.]

[restingstitchface]

If you ask me, that's the job of their parents. Who, incidentally, are nowhere to be seen. Of course.

[drivesadesk]

Yeah, the parents should definitely be watching them, but that's not the kids' fault.

[restingstitchface]

No, but decisions made are entirely their own.

[drivesadesk]

They're kids, you can't expect them to make good decisions. Some of them wander off into back rooms of stores when there's clearly an 'employees only' sign and end up in a room with alien lizard people. That's why you have to show them what they should be doing.

text

[hellosirs]

[ WOW.

WOW.

This literal child is going to be sticking to text for this, he has Opinions!! ]

I can understand being frustrated by the mess, but that seems pretty counter-intuitive towards kids learning things, and also very rude.

text

[beyourzoomer]

And adults shouldn't be assholes.

[And yet, that's been her experience overall, with most actual adults.]

voice

[halfblaked]

Well, as the parent of a rather well-behaved boy...

I'm quite certain if we keep children from libraries, we can hardly instill a life-long love of learning without them being allowed in.

text;

[notgood]

Oh yes, agreed.

While we're at it, I want them also banned from restaurants, cafes, and shopping plazas.

[inthequiet]

[ Oh you are in for it now buddy. ]

Ah yes, we should absolutely ban children from libraries. This has nothing at all to do with a shortage of library staff, underfunding, overcrowded schools or a lack of parental responsibility. No, it's the children who are wrong and they deserved to be banned from the one goddamn place that might give them an education (see: failing educational system) simply for being children.

Dick.

[restingstitchface]

Yes, but you know what's the problem with that? Being caught in the middle. It's best not to discipline a child when social protocol dictates that role belongs to their primary caregiver. Of course, society expects us to offer a hand; crucifying us when we don't. I've wised up to the game of helping everybody's work along long ago. I, for one, can happen to do without the bother of doing the boring work of boring people.

[restingstitchface]

I don't think so. It's not as if I'm suggesting their behavior is inborn and immutable. Simply that they should be removed from a public building if they cannot treat it with respect.

[restingstitchface]

You say defensively. Don't you realize how childish you sound?

[Smells like teenage spirit, this one.]

[restingstitchface]

I sincerely doubt that. Prohibition does increase fondness for the taboo, but a love of learning? Entirely independent of that. I specifically can attest putting books inside a locked closet does nothing to quench it.

[restingstitchface]

Well, I was going to suggest "start small", but going all in is so much more exciting. I mean, it's abysmal businesses are permitted to market family-friendly diners, culinary disasters they are, as "restaurants".

[restingstitchface]

[Rude!]

Well, I'm glad you agree. Especially since there are more appropriate environs for encouraging the education of children. Like schools.

[notgood]

[Surely this guy isn't being serious right now, so he's rolling with it for a laugh.]

Catering to families in any manner is a horrendous business practice. We should shut down amusement and water parks additionally.

You know that saying; children should be seen, not heard. Let's take it a step farther- children shouldn't even be seen. Just lock them in their rooms until they're adults.