Counter-Culture Parenting Americans once expected parents to raise their children in accordance with the dominant cultural messages. Today parents who still have values need to raise their children in opposition to the culture. The chorus of cultural values was once full of ministers, teachers, neighbors and leaders. They demanded more conformity, but offered more support. Now the messengers are violent cartoon characters, rappers, and celebrities selling sneakers. That's what makes child-raising harder. It's not just that American families have less time with their kids; it's that we have to spend more of this time doing battle with our own culture. - by Ellen Goldman [source unknown] Home / Of General Interest