I'm not sure if anyone else was able to see, but on ESPN last (11/5/13) there was a "30 for 30" about child boxing in Thailand. Apparently its perfectly legal for children as young as two years of age to fight against other children. However, it is up to the child's discretion whether to participate or not so I suppose they do have some sort of say to an extent. However, I cant help but feel this is completely wrong on so many levels, and if this isn't commercializing a sport to make money I don't know what is. Thailand citizens are able to train these child boxers and citizens are ENCOURAGED to attend and even bet on these matches in an effort from their government to help boost the economy of the nation. The documentary said that the nation even went to lengths to find a loop hole in their nations child labor laws saying no child could work before age 14 over there, but since the children participate "on their own will" and as a way of "recreation" the government can get away with having the children participate and still making money on the bets and can compensate the children under the table if they wished to be compensated. Bottom line, I personally believe this is wrong and a terrible thing going on and cant believe no one has done anything to try and stop it. I will continue to look for a link or video to post on the matter, but the documentary just aired last night so its still very new, my apologies.
I did see this. I was totally shocked when i saw this. But i feel that is the kind of culture they live in. Bangkok is Bangkok these days and once Bangkok has you, you wont be found again. Its a crazy world out there.
I agree this is mind blowing. How is this even entertainment? Young children fighting each other is disturbing to even think about. I agree it should be stopped. These children aren't even allowed to work yet because of the child labor laws. Also I would have to say that it is corrupting the childhood of these kids.
Oh geez! Do they not care about these kids health? think about all the injuries that can disrupt a child's life and let alone this being seen by the mothers. The government is terrible in Thailand and for us or any other neighboring countries to do anything about it is just wrong. Is there health care that high tech for this to occur? If so, maybe i need to move to Thailand. Keep me posted Josh.
this is pretty unacceptable. However i am not surprised at all. This is the reason Thailand will never become much of a nation when they have their "future" fight each other. This is why America is the greatest country in the world. I just hope that we don't try to get involved in business that isnt ours. It is cool to tell them that isn't smart but dont physically do anything.
I agree with Matt on this, yes this is completely morally wrong, and makes Thailand look rediculous, but at the same time it isnt our business and we dont need to step and start anything.
There is so much research into how child brain development can be harmed and how things like watching TV can be detrimental to young children's brain development. With all this data and research available it’s obvious that Thailand doesn’t want to be respected as a country because they are not concerned with protecting their future.
What I find most despicable is that they are hiding behind the excuse that the child consented to do it. Anyone who has any dealing with children around the age of two knows that they are easy to manipulate and will do anything you want them to do if you just put it to them in the right way.
This is disturbing and absolutely terrible! Though I believe that the children don't think much of the fighting they're engaging in... I'm sure, due to the current state of the country and their culture, they've been socialized to believe that this is a great opportunity, and WANT to do this. It's purely cultural, which is why, here in America, we all find it appalling, and our young kids here would more than likely refuse the notion of boxing for money. But our economy is more stable than that of Thailand. Not a justification, but more of a rationalization. I think it's wrong, but I can see where this idea of child boxing has stemmed from.
I have not heard or seen this story but I can't say that I am entirely shocked. If anything this is another example portraying how everyone is viewed as a dollar amount rather than a component to a productive and meaningful society.
This is a different culture then what we live in. I feel in some ways that we have to respect that and let them do what they do. I feel that at the age of two that is too young but here in the states there are children that are doing martial arts by the age of five.
I'm not sure if anyone else was able to see, but on ESPN last (11/5/13) there was a "30 for 30" about child boxing in Thailand. Apparently its perfectly legal for children as young as two years of age to fight against other children. However, it is up to the child's discretion whether to participate or not so I suppose they do have some sort of say to an extent. However, I cant help but feel this is completely wrong on so many levels, and if this isn't commercializing a sport to make money I don't know what is. Thailand citizens are able to train these child boxers and citizens are ENCOURAGED to attend and even bet on these matches in an effort from their government to help boost the economy of the nation. The documentary said that the nation even went to lengths to find a loop hole in their nations child labor laws saying no child could work before age 14 over there, but since the children participate "on their own will" and as a way of "recreation" the government can get away with having the children participate and still making money on the bets and can compensate the children under the table if they wished to be compensated. Bottom line, I personally believe this is wrong and a terrible thing going on and cant believe no one has done anything to try and stop it. I will continue to look for a link or video to post on the matter, but the documentary just aired last night so its still very new, my apologies.
ReplyDeleteI did see this. I was totally shocked when i saw this. But i feel that is the kind of culture they live in. Bangkok is Bangkok these days and once Bangkok has you, you wont be found again. Its a crazy world out there.
DeleteI agree this is mind blowing. How is this even entertainment? Young children fighting each other is disturbing to even think about. I agree it should be stopped. These children aren't even allowed to work yet because of the child labor laws. Also I would have to say that it is corrupting the childhood of these kids.
ReplyDeleteOh geez!
ReplyDeleteDo they not care about these kids health? think about all the injuries that can disrupt a child's life and let alone this being seen by the mothers. The government is terrible in Thailand and for us or any other neighboring countries to do anything about it is just wrong. Is there health care that high tech for this to occur? If so, maybe i need to move to Thailand. Keep me posted Josh.
this is pretty unacceptable. However i am not surprised at all. This is the reason Thailand will never become much of a nation when they have their "future" fight each other. This is why America is the greatest country in the world. I just hope that we don't try to get involved in business that isnt ours. It is cool to tell them that isn't smart but dont physically do anything.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Matt on this, yes this is completely morally wrong, and makes Thailand look rediculous, but at the same time it isnt our business and we dont need to step and start anything.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much research into how child brain development can be harmed and how things like watching TV can be detrimental to young children's brain development. With all this data and research available it’s obvious that Thailand doesn’t want to be respected as a country because they are not concerned with protecting their future.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find most despicable is that they are hiding behind the excuse that the child consented to do it. Anyone who has any dealing with children around the age of two knows that they are easy to manipulate and will do anything you want them to do if you just put it to them in the right way.
This is disturbing and absolutely terrible! Though I believe that the children don't think much of the fighting they're engaging in... I'm sure, due to the current state of the country and their culture, they've been socialized to believe that this is a great opportunity, and WANT to do this. It's purely cultural, which is why, here in America, we all find it appalling, and our young kids here would more than likely refuse the notion of boxing for money. But our economy is more stable than that of Thailand. Not a justification, but more of a rationalization. I think it's wrong, but I can see where this idea of child boxing has stemmed from.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard or seen this story but I can't say that I am entirely shocked. If anything this is another example portraying how everyone is viewed as a dollar amount rather than a component to a productive and meaningful society.
ReplyDeleteThis is a different culture then what we live in. I feel in some ways that we have to respect that and let them do what they do. I feel that at the age of two that is too young but here in the states there are children that are doing martial arts by the age of five.
ReplyDelete