Among 20- and 30-somethings of a certain type – overeducated, non-Christian, urban, hip, politicized – there is a repugnant tendency to look down on people who have children. I think it’s definitely tied to a lack of common sense, a lack of chivalry, a lack of commitment, and a general lack of maturity. These folks somehow see themselves as being better than the “breeders”, and they’re more than willing to politicize the issue, moaning about overpopulation and carbon footprints while they’re at it. It’s completely asinine, for reasons I don’t have to explain to anyone on this thread.
I am 38 and childless, and just had a tubal ligation to ensure that I won’t have kids. I find that parents in whom I confide understand my motivations and understand that I am making a personal choice that reflects my deepest desires. On the other hand, the professionally childless react to my news as though I’ve done this somehow to support their “stance”, as though it was a political decision. It’s bizarre.
