European and American parents have different styles of parenting. One culture maintains the principle of "raising" kids while the other focuses on "protecting" them. Which is correct?
A short video comparing American and European parenting styles was aired and got viral on November 20. It received more than 11 million views since it was posted to Facebook.
The video, featured in Tree Hugger, showed how European parents set freedom to their kids, as they play outside unattended. Kids were riding their bikes to school and some parents also leave babies outside to sleep of which some are even left on city streets.
The footage later showed American parents putting their kids on leashes. There were news reports inserted depicting some parents getting arrested and spending time in jail for letting their kids play outside.
There was a total difference between American parenting and European parenting. The video somehow antagonized Americans and so U.S. media perpetuates fear through the video's relentless coverage. Some commented that it was biased and that the side of the Americans was exaggerated.
Violent comments were triggered primarily because of the final scene of the video where two adults were holding on to leashes, attached to two little kids. It said, "Sorry, they're a little bit feisty today." "No problem. She's friendly." Netizens reacted on how brutal it appeared to see kids being tied through leashes and go around their parents' legs like dogs.
Cultures differ, and parenting is no excuse for the variations. American parents' appeared to be unable to train their kids to function independently, but there are benefits at the style that American parents do, as Huffington Post featured. One of the best things that American parents create with their kids is love. American kids seem to have more ability to be more sensitive to people and become loving to everyone.
