I don't know about you, but I believe that I don't owe anyone anything. They say that the world doesn't owe you anything, and I believe that vice versa is also true. I don't owe my parents, family or society an obligation to live, nor do I owe an obligation to conform to their rules. If anything, my parents are indebted and have incurred a debt to me, as they ripped me from the void of nonexistence and brought me into this world without my consent
Actually, I do feel a kind of debt but, I resent it at the same time. I think my Dad probably was suicidal for a bit after my Mum died but I think he hang on for me. So in part, that's why I'm returning the favour. Also, other family members stepped in to raise me when my Mum died. My Grandparents pretty much gave up their golden years to take care of a 3 year old. Ok, that wasn't my fault but I did/do actually have people I feel gratitude towards. Most of them are dead now though, so I'm almost out of my obligation period.
As to being a productive little worker ant in society, I'm a rebel at heart but, not enough to go against my upbringing which was very focussed on the obligation to conform and a strong work ethic I suppose. I do it to a larger extent but I resent it again. Once my Dad goes though, I think I will be free to say f*ck this!
In principle though- I agree. I think it's morally questionable to birth a sentient creature here and expect it to perform its role in such a precarious world, knowing that certain things are pretty much inevitable: illness at some stage, taxes and the necessity to conform to this capitalist society and, death- most likely their deaths and other family deaths first and then, our own.
I think the world is set up so that in theory- we should be supported when we are young in education and medical care and again when we're old and we are expected to pay that back. We're effectively being groomed for a life of wage slavery. Some of us will be clever enough and lucky enough and well paid enough to do jobs we actually enjoy but, you have to wonder what percentage that actually is.
It's not an even playing field either. Why would someone who was neglected or even abused by society feel keen on contributing to it in adulthood?
I think expectation is pretty unfair really but I think it's something the younger generations are starting to question more. My Dad's generation- he's in his late 70's seemed much more likely to just comply. So- they likely imagined that we would too I suppose. They don't always even see it as complying. It's just 'the way it is' and all that. Like- they accept it without question and don't even seem to feel the same need to question even.
