the virgin daughters

[gina32]

anyone see it, what did you think?

[gina32]

pathetic

[Octavius]

I didn�t watch it � just saw an advert - but it was a bit of a mixed one really. I don�t really understand why we should insist that they do not commit themselves to saving their chastity, or that they are 'weird� and 'freaks'.

I accept that life is about experiences and that most of us need to kiss a few frogs or ducks before finding our prince or our swan, but who are we to tell them they should do the same? Should we not just respect their decision to abstain until their wedding day?

I know there was some point about 6 year old girls being told by their fathers they have to wait until they are married, but I think even I might be telling my daughter that at that age! By the time she gets to a suitable age or level of informed decision making, then I would be happy to trust her to make the right decision, whether that involves any shenanigans prior to marriage or not, and learn from those decisions whilst taking responsibility for her own life and future.

[Bbbananas]

Bit of a mixed one - but overall, a bit creepy. The father with the black rug on his head and the one that gazed adoringly at his daughter throughout the interview in particular were a bit suss.

Nothing wrong with a girl wanting to save her virginity until marriage, if that is her choice. But a purity parade and signing a contract is a bit weird.

[jno]

I think it's the public-announcement side of things that makes people wonder, Octavius. I always told jno jnr to mind his manners but I didn't expect him to join in any ceremonies where children by the dozen publicised their pledge to mind their manners.

[Bbbananas]

and what about the lad at university that hadn't even kissed a girl?

(mind you, he'd bug***ed at least 8 lads).

[Octavius]

Ah I see jno, can�t we just put that down to them being American and their patriotic need to be heard all the time?

[jno]

yes, that sounds fair enough, Octavius. But I suppose it'll catch on here eventually, just like you see people playing baseball in Regent's Park.

[Octavius]

jno, are you sure it wasn't rounders or softball that they pinched from us and made bigger? I used to play softball in RP quite a lot.

Anyhow, it would take a massive cultural shift for any of the UK hoi polloi to adopt the aproach of abstaining. My experiences in Romford, Chelmsford or Croydon show that this would probably last about 3 hours, starting with the taxi arriving.

[justmetoo]

I watched it and it made me feel very uneasy, it was creepy almost like the girls were brain-washed or something.....the Dad who watched his daughter throughout......creepy........

[gina32]

not even kissing until the wedding day??whats all that about, just goes to show that it doesnt always work as that girl went and got pregnant but she happy with her life now but upset with her mother and not being there.

[justmetoo]

yep too true

[gina32]

wonder if these parents really do know what they are doing??

[naomi24]

Encouraging little girls of 5 or 6 to make public declarations that they will remain virgins until they are married is ludicrous. They can't possibly understand what they're committing to. The whole concept came across as decidedly unhealthy, and appeared to be more about control than morals.

I felt so sorry for the girl who had become pregnant, and whose relationship with her parents had subsequently broken down. Loving and supportive parents? I don't think so. I'd call these fathers - and the mother of the 6 or 7 children who stood in line awaiting their father's blessing - unhinged control freaks.

[Octavius]

Isn't that like most Americans then naomi?!

[naomi24]

I wouldn't say that, Octavius. There are certainly some odd-balls out there, but I like the Americans I know, and I've liked most I've met - but maybe I don't mix in weird circles. :o)