On this day, National Sovereignty & Children’s Day in Turkey, as I sit listening to CSNY Teach Your Children, I think about this country I now live in and the way children are honored here. My mind has many pictures stored away of examples of that. On the metro, for instance, returning Sunday from the airport, I watched as complete strangers showered attention on one child after another, the smiles, the rubbing of hair, the laughter and delight and even participation into the world of a child that united all these people from station to station on the long ride back to Aliağa. It filled me with so many mixed emotions at their communal love and of my own solitary existence. And there I was, reminded in practice by those people on the train, what this holiday is all about.
I remember a time in America growing up when there was an innocence in children’s eyes, when the world was not a hostile, fearful place with potential predators lurking around any corner, behind trees, slipping razor blades into apples on Halloween, poisoning over the counter drugs at pharmacies, luring children to basements and isolated houses to perform their dark, tormented fantasies. So much of what is written now in the US is about abuse in all its forms: sexual, substance, bullying in schoolyards, harassment in the workplace, in schools, racial and ethnic prejudice, diseased minds working their damage on women, the elderly, people of color, and children, especially children, the most vulnerable of all society.
That is not to say this society is perfect, nor is any society perfect for that matter, but there is a difference here in regards to children that I see on a daily basis. Parents who devote so much attention toward their children which is often neglected by their American counterparts who favor TV as a babysitter and substitute parent too often. And it’s not just parents, but people in general, at parks, cafes, on the street, playgrounds, where adults of all ages and varying circumstances are attentive toward children, and not just Turkish children, but this generosity of spirit extends to the many Syrian children of refugees here, and other foreign nationalities. It is a joy to behold and now, on this holiday, I, too, will venture out on this chilly but sunny day to the park in town, to the seaside, and watch as children are once again the center of attention in this, my Turkish life.
Leonard Durso 
… And I understand that an american child can sue his parents and majority of the aged are not cared for by their children. 😦
True in both cases.
Awesome post!! I believe there is a lot to be said with the old days when one parent worked and the other stayed home to take care of and raise the kids!
TV and video games rule the kids day instead of bike rides, playing games like basketball etc, awesome post my friend! Hugz Lisa and Bear
Thank you, Lisa. I appreciate your comment.
Very true. Abuse in all forms is becoming too popular. Excellent post!
Thank you, Bejamin. Glad you agree.
You’re welcome.
Yep. This stuff really needs to be said. Thank you.
Thank you for that comment.
I guess you did not grow up in New York City..
In Queens and Long Island. So why do you say that?
I know it’s not really relevant to this post, but just this morning I was reminded again about the Armenian massacre. How can we as humans be both so loving and so cruel…
History is filled with such acts. Thousands of years of civilization but we still haven’t overcome our basest emotions and fears.
An actual Children’s Day? I like the idea of that, as you’ve stated though, I don’t think America would ever have anything like it. Its really sad, looking out into the world and seeing such different and amazing events such as this. Yet, my country doesn’t even come close to celebrating anything like it.
Sad considering everyone over here says this is the finest and best country to live in lol.
There’s nothing wrong with the basic American character. Unfortunately, though, politicians and the media find wedges to split people apart.
Well said, and the problem is growing rapidly. I just recently started writing poetry because it is a humane act, when all I see any more is an increase in inhumanity. Keep writing and posting!
Thanks. Stay humane and believe in the good you will do via the old butterfly effect.