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A Question Of Character
Prospect Magazine publishes an excellent essay by Richard Reeves on character.
It might be old-fashioned to talk about men of good character today, but Reeves, who is a director of think-tank Demos, as well as a scout leader, reckons there is something in Robert Baden-Powell's hope of instilling "some of the spirit of self-negation, self-discipline, sense of humour, responsibility, helpfulness to others, loyalty and patriotism which go to make 'character'" in his scouts.
Reeves admits much of what makes up character is "treacherous political terrain", not least because it is traditionally seen as something handed down from the upper classes to the lower orders. However, as he concludes, "Good societies need good people," so it may be a territory government needs to explore once again.
There is in the essay some worrying talk of "a strong liberal case for much earlier and more decisive state intervention in families where the parents are failing" - this may be well-meaning, but the present government needs little more encouragement to intervene in family life.
One might add, however, that it's startling to read lines like the following, from author Julia Margo, quoted approvingly in a progressive publication like Prospect:
"One of the key things about a family that works well is the in-built hierarchy... The ideal sort of family for character development is two adult parents and older siblings who are well behaved. Then there are opportunities for purposeful activities: a family holiday with joint activities, or regularly playing football in the park. Family mealtimes, and having meaningful conversations with parents, are particularly important."
Reeves adds,
"In other words, "traditional" families make the best character factories. Parental authority is important, especially when children are young. Taking part in traditional activities like Sunday lunch is not nostalgia, just good parenting. And of course, anyone concerned with character must be concerned with family breakdown. It is harder to be a good parent alone. Not impossible, of course. But it is a fact that divorce or separation is where individual freedom collides most dramatically with the collective need for our children to be well brought up. It is not obvious how public policy can help parents stay together. But at least some politicians are talking about it."
