Racist? Yes. Bad Parents? Not Necessarily.

"WINNIPEG — A child custody battle begins Monday for two children whose parents are accused of teaching them that black people and other minorities deserve to die." http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/canada/2009/05/24/9554531.html

Truly, a horrible thing to teach a child but, should the child be taken out of the parents' custody? Maybe not. First off let me say that if the government decided that you can separate a family on the basis of racist teachings, families I know would likely be forced to go their separate ways.

"The boy’s father, meanwhile, is fighting back, saying the seizure of his children violates his freedom of conscience, belief and association under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms."

I do agree with that statement. As much as I do not like the views of these two parents and what they are teaching to their children, those freedoms apply to everyone. Racists have as much freedom of conscience, belief and association as the people who criticize them.

But what of the children? you ask, surely such an upbringing will make it impossible for them to function within society? Well not necessarily, it is possible, that like all children they could come to reject their parents beliefs. I have rejected some of my parents beliefs (I should point out that, no my parents are not racist, as you might have been pondering as you read that last sentence). Through friends, teachers, and other community figures these children could take on views different from their parents.

"The girl was also told by her mother not to have any non-white friends or she would not have a mother anymore"

This statement certainly brings up conflict with my last point. I am opposed to the family being separated but, wouldn't the children's rebellion to their parents' views lead to a possible family separation? Yes it would, but it would be the choice of the family, not the government. I do not believe the government can start breaking up families on the basis that the parents are teaching their children ideas not accepted by the majority of society.

For those of you who did read the article I posted you are probably wondering if I am going to get to the issues of drug and alcohol abuse. Don't worry.

"The couple is also accused of abusing drugs and alcohol, physically abusing each other and failing to provide adequate care for their kids"

Here is the issue that I believe should determine whether or not they can keep their children. The focus should be on how they are as parents and how they treat their children. I believe that discussing the issue of a racism is a waste of time, for the court that is. If the children aren't being adequately cared for then yes, perhaps removing from the parents' custody is the best decision. However, if the parents are simply racist, then no it is not the best decision.