Essays 11 and 12 Summary and Analysis

Essay 11: Somebody's Baby

For the majority of Camille's fourth year, the family lived in Spain. Everyone in Spain, regardless of age or position, loves children. Camille was told she was pretty every day. There is a stronger sense of community in Spain and Europe in general than in the US, where a child is often viewed in terms of economics. There is no predictor on who will become a good parent. Suggestions that parenting should require a license are absurd. There will always be parents who don't measure up—who find parenting impossible. It is the responsibility of society to participate in the care of all children since they are the future. Although humans have the innate capacity to see the big picture and strive for the collective good, US society is sliding downhill to a "self" mentality...