Enders Game

Introductory Activity

Read the quotes and respond the prompt below.

Orson Scott Card states:
About todays children - children are a perpetual, self-renewing, underclass
helpless to escape from the decisions of adults until they become adults
themselves.
About himself as a child I felt like a person all along -- the same person that I am
today. I never felt that my emotions and desires were somehow less real than an
adults emotions or desires.
Activity
Complete a personal response to the above statements using the following
questions as guidelines:
1. Which statement resonates with you and why?
2. Do you agree/ disagree with Cards analysis of todays children? Explain your
answer.
3. Do you believe that todays teens feel more like the way Card felt or like he
feels children are treated today?
Your response should be at least 250 words, typed, and double-spaced (a full page).

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Introductory Activity

Seeing as Orson Scott Card was also a child during some part of his
life, it us understandable as to why he made these two statements. The
statement that resonated the most for me was when he said children are a
perpetual, self-renewing, underclass helpless to escape from the decisions of
adults until they become adults themselves. As depicted in our society
today, children are usually considered underclass, meaning that the
choices/decisions made by them are not necessarily taken into consideration.
I feel as though with todays society, children are seen as not being able to
make decisions without the consent of their parents beforehand.

I feel as though Cards analysis of todays children is correct due to the

fact that that is how most children feel. As with most cases, parents have the
final say-so in childrens decisions. One argument that is made is that
children arent as aware as adults are seeing that children are still
developing. In my opinion, life is led by personal experience and not handholding. Yes, parental guidance is needed but after a certain amount of
time, I believe children should be able to make decisions for themselves
without having to become a legal adult first.

In some ways, I feel as though children can relate to how Card felt as a
child. As depicted in todays society, saying no leads to a rebellious
childhood. There have been many studies on the topic but in reality, it isnt

Enders Game
Introductory Activity

valid. Other factors can also contribute to how children reacts. In my opinion,
it all depends on the childs determination and perseverance to accomplish
their goals.