We wouldn't really know what's on. The TV really only gets used to watch DVDs from Netflix. Our daughters don't get to watch TV either, although we get them a movie from Netflix now and then. I wasn't allowed to watch TV while I was growing up. One of the things that impressed me when I first met my husband was that he didn't have cable and didn't watch TV.
I would hope that they never watch it. So far they don't. They are 21 and 18, so I don't think they probably ever will.
as a sport in unto itself, IMO there's nothing wrong with it and I don't think the violence is much worse than football or hockey. However, the "quality" of people I typically see both as competitors and hard-core fans tend to leave something to be desired...judging by their tatoos, many if not most are a bunch of gang-bangers and/or racists (of every color.) that would weigh heavily into my decision to allow a kid to watch.
So dnoodles, if someone has tattoos, they are automatically a gang-banger or racist? Both my arms are almost completely sleeved out and I am neither of those. No need to judge someone for their outward appearance, and just because their occupation is a fighter and have a lot of ink does not make them any of those. Do you know any of them personally? Half those guys put on a front for the camers to try and get into their opponent's head, so how can you judge the quality of people you don't even know?
Nope- I've got nothing against tats in general, just ones I know to have gang affiliation/racist imagery and connotation. I have been to a few fights in person, I've heard fans' comments, and as far as the competitors on TV are concerned; I read the tatted words, look at the symbols, and listen to their interviews... And let's just say it's my business to know what to look for in regards to gang activity. I don't assume people w/tats are anything. I just know what to look for- and I see a lot of that kind of thing in the MMA community. Not most, but enough to give me pause when considering how much a kid should be exposed to it.
With all of the great things you can do with your kids I can't imagine why any one would want to watch MMA fighting or any fighting for that matter, with them. There are these old things out there called books, give them a try, they just might get some thing good out of one or two of them.
I grew up watching boxing with my grandpa. I really got into around 8 and actually followed it and understood. I've always loved it martial arts and have great respect for it. I've grown up playing violent games and having guns in the house. I've never been in a fight, I never played with my grandpa's guns when no one was looking, and I've never tortured animals. It's all how your brought up. If your kids are curious answer their questions and introduce them to the sport.
That's exactly what I mean. Seriously, how violent is football and people obsess over it? Won't be long before we see someone die on a football field. Difference is, football is popular with everyone, not just the 18-34 yr old demographic like MMA is. I am not disagreeing that MMA isn't violent, but the intent and sport are not nearly as malicious as they are perceived to be.
And children don't have the ability to process that. Many adults don't either. No parent should expose a child to MMA in my opinion. There are far too many more productive activities for the father that has a little ambition.
I used to fight mma and I dont even watch it anymore. I like watching nature and science shows with my kids, particularly my son. My son does wrestle a bit and takes brazilian jiu jitsu to learn self defense and discipline. I dont want him to just sit and watch mma without any real life context. Like my father I have some naturally aggressive parts of my personality that I have worked hard on suppressing....I dont want my son to think brawling in a cage is normal without context. That is just me. I also played football for 17 yrs and after one season of him playing football I became very afraid he would hurt his head over time so I pulled the plug on football. I think I am getting soft as I age. :-)
Brett I don't blame you for feeling that way. I loved playing football too but my body paid the price for it.
My body is also paying the price. I dont want him beaten down like me. Soccer, bball, and martial arts right now. He likes it.
