What Does It Mean to 'Raise Good Humans'?
Exploring the concept of 'raising good humans' and its implications in the age of social media and parenting.
The Awkward Fit of Family Life on Social Media
In today's digital age, the internet has become a platform where people showcase various aspects of their lives. However, when it comes to parenting, the online portrayal of family life often seems contrived and uncool. Unlike other hobbies and lifestyles that can be easily translated into visual storytelling, raising children defies straightforward representation. The limited affordances of social media and the flatness of digital content fail to capture the true essence of what it means to be in a family.
This challenge has led to the rise of phrases like 'raise good humans' that attempt to encapsulate the complexities of parenting in a concise manner. However, the use of such phrases as branding tools for families on social media further highlights the disconnection between online representation and the true experience of family life. The aspiration to 'raise good humans' is often diluted and reduced to platitudes, lacking the depth and authenticity that art can evoke.
Moreover, phrases like 'raise good humans' can unintentionally carry a sinister undertone, implying the existence of 'bad humans' and potentially fueling divisiveness. This grandiose proclamation of raising good humans also raises questions about the humility and self-awareness required in portraying family life online. Drawing attention to oneself amidst billions of other parents can come across as false modesty or boastfulness.
The Romanticization and Oversimplification of Parenting
The phrase 'raise good humans' has gained popularity on social media, permeating the parenting internet. While the sentiment behind the phrase is universally understood and appreciated, its generality renders it somewhat meaningless. The complexity of child-rearing and the multitude of factors that shape a child's development cannot be condensed into a simple catchphrase.
Additionally, the phrase's use of 'humans' instead of 'children' creates an awkward dynamic, reminiscent of the cringe-worthy slang terms like 'doggo.' The choice of language inadvertently implies an interspecies conversation, further emphasizing the disconnect between the online world and the reality of raising a family.
Moreover, the ethos of 'raising good humans' can place undue pressure on parents, suggesting that their every action and decision will determine the outcome of their children's moral character. This oversimplification disregards the influence of external factors and the inherent growth and agency that children possess. While parents undoubtedly play a crucial role in their children's lives, they cannot control every aspect of their development.
The Nuance of Parenting and the Limits of Social Media
Social media platforms have constrained our ability to express nuanced emotions and thoughts regarding parenting. The pressure to curate a perfect image and the limited space for meaningful dialogue often lead to the reduction of complex experiences into simplistic phrases and captions.
It is important to acknowledge the limitations of social media in capturing the true essence of family life. While phrases like 'raising good humans' may seem appealing and aspirational, they fail to encompass the multifaceted nature of parenting. Ultimately, the goal should not be to raise 'good humans,' but rather to raise children who are loving and loved within their communities.
Recognizing the privilege and luck inherent in the parenting journey allows for a more realistic and honest perspective. Parenting is a continuous process of growth and learning, and no amount of online representation can fully grasp this complex reality.
