The Thinking Muslim Is Modernity Destroying Childhood? With Ahmed Paul Keeler
Oct 4, 2024
Ahmed Paul Keeler, author of "Rethinking Islam and the West" and the upcoming "The Gazan Awakening," delves into the pressures modernity places on childhood. He discusses how the quest for progress often sidelines children's happiness, contrasting secular views with Islamic teachings on nurturing childhood. Keeler highlights the historical emergence of the teenager, critiques consumer culture's impact on youth, and advocates for reclaiming genuine childhood experiences. He also reflects on the challenges faced by today’s children, especially in conflict zones like Gaza.
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Importance of Childhood
- Childhood is crucial for development, with three key phases (0-7, 7-14, 14-21).
- These phases build upon each other, starting with sensory exploration and culminating in apprenticeship/adulthood.
The Magic of Early Childhood
- Children in the first seven years live fully in the present moment, experiencing the world directly through their senses.
- Their untethered imaginations allow them to turn ordinary objects into fantastical elements of play.
Consumerism's Impact on Childhood
- Modern society, driven by consumerism, has gradually encroached upon and redefined every aspect of life, including childhood.
- This shift, marked by the invention of the "teenager" in the 1950s, created a separate youth culture driven by consumerism.
