Just as we have created a society in which it would be unthinkable to light up a cigarette in the Kennedy Center lobby, we can create a society where it is unthinkable that a child suffers abuse, fails in school, becomes delinquent, or faces teasing and bullying.

Just as we have created a society in which it would be unthinkable to light up a cigarette in the Kennedy Center lobby, we can create a society where it is unthinkable that a child suffers abuse, fails in school, becomes delinquent, or faces teasing and bullying.

(0 Reviews)

This quote from Anthony Biglan underscores the power of societal norms and collective responsibility in shaping behavior and promoting well-being. It highlights the profound influence that social environments have in establishing what behaviors are considered unacceptable, and how those standards can be leveraged to foster positive change. The comparison between the ingrained social unacceptability of smoking inside prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and the possibility of cultivating a society where child suffering—be it through abuse, educational failure, delinquency, or bullying—is equally unthinkable points to a critical insight: societal change begins with shifting cultural norms. When certain behaviors are deemed unacceptable, societal efforts, policies, and community efforts tend to converge to eliminate or reduce those behaviors. In this light, we can envisage a future—similar in structure to the laws and social expectations around smoking—that perceives child abuse and related harms as intolerable. Such transformation requires comprehensive strategies, including education, advocacy, and systems of support, emphasizing prevention and early intervention. Building a society where children's rights are protected and their well-being prioritized demands a collective commitment to change cultural perceptions and enforce protective norms. It involves not only policy reforms but also cultural shifts, education, and community engagement. Achieving this transformation isn't instant; it requires persistent efforts to recalibrate what society considers acceptable, fostering an environment that nurtures positive development and safeguards children’s dignity and future. Biglan’s message is a call to harness societal willpower—just as we've done with smoking—to create safe, supportive, and nurturing communities for every child.

Page views
1
Update
July 14, 2025

Rate the Quote

Add Comment & Review

User Reviews

Based on 0 reviews
5 Star
0
4 Star
0
3 Star
0
2 Star
0
1 Star
0
Add Comment & Review
We'll never share your email with anyone else.