parenthood

my parents raised me to live in the world as it is
as slimy and underhanded as it may be
they told me to strive for monetary success
because i can't change the world, they say
stocks and bonds
the car and the mortgage
these, i was told, were what i was to attain

should we be teaching our children how to achieve material status?
should we be teaching them how to adapt to an already cruel world
rather than strive to end said cruelty?

i'm afraid to bring children into this world
one with so much emphasis on the superficial
in which possessions, charm, athleticism and looks bring forth status
i'm afraid for these future generations
as i am for the rest of us.