Ouija for 11-Year olds?

monster • Dec 12, 2008 8:22 am
Is a Ouija board suitable entertainment for a group of 11-year old girls on a sleepover? Please explain your reasoning
Shawnee123 • Dec 12, 2008 8:32 am
11 year olds and Ouija? I can't think of a better application. It's just fun, but it gives a young person that little "what if it really works" scare that I think they'll find thrilling.

Of course, I love scary...are any of the girls particularly skittish? You might want to also supply a game of Connect 4 or something. :)
Chocolatl • Dec 12, 2008 8:45 am
I think it depends a lot on the girls and their parents. When my aunt was in middle school, she had a Ouija board. Both she and my grandmother later claimed that it had really worked and had unleashed a malevolent spirit into the house that took hours of prayer to get out, and swore never to let another board into the house ever again. When my grandmother saw that I had one as a middle schooler, she threw a fit and insisted that I get rid of it.

Depending on how many girls are at the sleepover, I'd check with their parents first to see if they consider it "good fun" or "the work of the devil."
Sundae • Dec 12, 2008 8:51 am
For me, it's meaningless. Ouija I mean, not the question.
Like Shawnee I think it provides a thrill.

But looking back on my childhood/ tweens I admit it was never sanctioned by an adult. I think that might have given it more weight in my mind - and I believed in it enough as it was (blame Elidor by Alan Garner).

The only time we managed to get a real response was when we were 14/15 and drinking a bottle of Peach Canei (a hideously sweet peach flavoured wine) between four of us. I can't remember the name of the spirit we called up, but he was about 14, Greek and was killed by a goat. At which point I laughed so hard I broke the connection (and nearly wet the carpet) and Jules was really cross because we were in her little sister's bedroom and she said the spirit might come back in the middle of the night, angry, to haunt her sister. Baaaaaaaa.

Anyway.

It also depends on the opinions of the other parents. A poster on here (Onyx Cougar I think) genuinely believed that a Ouija Board she had destroyed and put in the bin managed to regnerate and get back onto the shelf in her room. Apologies if I have over-stated, but that's what I remember of the story.
glatt • Dec 12, 2008 9:20 am
Only if it's cool with their parents. You could really ruffle some feathers by having the girls play it.

You are atheists, so it probably means nothing more than fun to you, but to a religious family, having their child practice what they might view as a competing religion could possibly cause offense.
sweetwater • Dec 12, 2008 9:37 am
I'm of the "it's not a toy, it's a tool" school, and believe few have enough skill, protection, and training to use a Ouija board safely. We 'played' with one at about that age and I still have misgivings over what happened then and afterward, and there are enough negative experiences following others' use that I vowed never to stay in a place where one is being employed.:2cents:
Beestie • Dec 12, 2008 10:12 am
If the girls think its fun and don't actually regard it as what it claims to be then its harmless regardless of what any of the adults think of it.

But why, of all things, would a Ouija board be the top choice for an eleven-year old sleepover.

I'm not as focused on whether or not its "appropriate" for the girls as much as I wonder about the agenda of the adult who is pushing the idea.
lumberjim • Dec 12, 2008 10:32 am
so, here I am NOT linking a page I found with that Harry Potter vibrating broom, because it would be in bad taste.
glatt • Dec 12, 2008 10:38 am
lumberjim;512935 wrote:
Harry Potter vibrating broom


That was awesome. I forgot about that one.
lookout123 • Dec 12, 2008 10:51 am
Brilliant LJ.

I agree with Glatt here. Proper respect for the other parents must be shown. While the host may believe it is just good fun, she must know that other parents might have differing views. She should ask the other parents if it is acceptable to them.
kerosene • Dec 12, 2008 10:53 am
When I was 9 and 10 I remember sleepovers where it inevitably came out on the table. I didn't really know what it was, but it wasn't something I was going to tell my parents about. I don't think we took it very seriously, though...all we wanted were the names of the boys we would someday marry. :blush:

It was wrong for me.
LabRat • Dec 12, 2008 10:56 am
Only if it's cool with their parents. You could really ruffle some feathers by having the girls play it.

You are atheists, so it probably means nothing more than fun to you, but to a religious family, having their child practice what they might view as a competing religion could possibly cause offense.


I wholeheartedly second Glatt.
lookout123 • Dec 12, 2008 10:59 am
LabRat;512946 wrote:
I wholeheartedly third Glatt.



*ahem* fixed.
wolf • Dec 12, 2008 11:05 am
Not the first, but an early rule of magick ...

Do not call up what ye cannot put down.

No like Ouija. Ouija bad.

Get them the kid version of Apples to Apples instead.

They'll love it.
lumberjim • Dec 12, 2008 11:14 am
case;512944 wrote:


It was wrong for me.

so far
Shawnee123 • Dec 12, 2008 11:57 am
Heh...my parents would have just laughed, knowing I could pretty much do my own sifting of reality vs fantasy. I forget how many people really think there is something to it, and therefore is the work of the debil.

I'm so glad my 'rents let me learn stuff on my own.
classicman • Dec 12, 2008 11:58 am
Its a friggin toy - let 'em play.
Shawnee123 • Dec 12, 2008 11:59 am
omg...call the papers: I AGREE WITH CLASSICMAN!!!!! ;) :)
lookout123 • Dec 12, 2008 12:02 pm
It's cuz you both played with the Ouija and the debil ate your brains.
Shawnee123 • Dec 12, 2008 12:03 pm
Then the debil said "Hallelujah that was goooooooooddddddd."
jinx • Dec 12, 2008 12:08 pm
I'm sorry, I can't even begin to take concerns about a Parker Bros board game seriously. People are nuts...

Here's Part 1 of Penn & Teller's Bullshit episode on Ouija (2&3 are related links)
[youtube]te38JDLNCGA[/youtube]
lookout123 • Dec 12, 2008 12:12 pm
That seem a bit disrespectful. You know Parker backwards is rekraP, right? Seems pretty straightforward to me.
SteveDallas • Dec 12, 2008 12:18 pm
I object to it, but not on religious grounds.

Any word with that many vowels in it is clearly Unamerican.

I recommend you give the girls a proper, patriotic American game to play. Like Monopoly.
glatt • Dec 12, 2008 12:22 pm
jinx;512995 wrote:
I'm sorry, I can't even begin to take concerns about a Parker Bros board game seriously. People are nuts...


Agreed, but wouldn't you be offended if another parent did something with your kid that you didn't approve of or that you actively opposed?
classicman • Dec 12, 2008 12:37 pm
Give them each a voodoo doll and a box of pins - let 'em go. They'll forget all about that weegee thing.
Pico and ME • Dec 12, 2008 12:40 pm
jinx;512995 wrote:
I'm sorry, I can't even begin to take concerns about a Parker Bros board game seriously. People are nuts...


I agree with you 100% Jinx. Even as a kid I thought this game was silly and totally useless as entertainment. It does however, give an excellent example of how the human mind can be tricked by group hysteria. Ah well...a part of the human condition we will NEVER escape.
jinx • Dec 12, 2008 12:41 pm
Agreed, but wouldn't you be offended if another parent did something with your kid that you didn't approve of or that you actively opposed?
Image Image Image
Yes, although I can't think of specifically what that would be... I went to church a few times as a kid because the family I slept over with did, even took communion once (although I understand now that's a no-no, my friend wanted me to try it), and wouldn't be offended if my kids did the same.

I'm not sure, but I think I'd leave it up to the kids to tell their parents/decided if they wanted to play etc... maybe ask the kids if they think their parents are ok with it.
Shawnee123 • Dec 12, 2008 12:43 pm
I'm not a parent so I'm going to say one more thing and then quit. ;)

"Hello? Oh hi Mr Sneebles. What? You're highly upset that I let your daughter play with the debil's game? Oh, I'm so sorry.

But, Mr Sneebles...it's a fucking piece of pressed cardboard with some shit picture of letters and such glued to the top and a piece of cheap plastic that is made in a fucking toy factory so bite me, Mr Sneebles.

Oh, you won't let my daughter play with Priscilla anymore? That's good, I don't want her around your stupidity anyway."

Then Mr Sneebles could sue me for everything I'm worth, which is nothing.

And probably why I'm not a parent.

:)
Flint • Dec 12, 2008 12:46 pm
glatt;513009 wrote:
Agreed, but wouldn't you be offended if another parent did something with your kid that you didn't approve of or that you actively opposed?

What, something like saying grace at dinner? Yeah, that never happens. Nobody ever tries to religiously indoctrinate children.

If I have to deal with living in this illogical world, then they can deal with my logical ideas (whenever they have the inconvenience to encounter them) without throwing an entitled hissy fit. In fact, I hope they have a problem, and want to talk to me about it. I'll be glad to have that discussion.

I actively reject the idea that we should tiptoe around people's stupid superstitious hogwashery. It only encourages them.
Shawnee123 • Dec 12, 2008 12:46 pm
Bravo, Flint.
Pico and ME • Dec 12, 2008 12:47 pm
@ Shawnee ----> LOL. And totally right, I'd be very wary of letting my child hang out with anyone whose parents really and truly worry about that game. Although, it would give them some necessary experience on how to deal with that sort.
Shawnee123 • Dec 12, 2008 12:49 pm
Pico and ME;513020 wrote:
I agree with you 100% Jinx. Even as a kid I thought this game was silly and totally useless as entertainment. It does however, give an excellent example of how the human mind can be tricked by group hysteria. Ah well...a part of the human condition we will NEVER escape.



OK, one more thing: ;)

I remember playing with my friends, my skepticism dialed up along with my curiosity of "what if" and subsequent fascination. One of my friends was so obviously guiding it I was quickly bored.

It's like group hypnosis at your friendly professional organization conference: there will ALWAYS be enough people who will play along.
Sundae • Dec 12, 2008 12:56 pm
You'd call your daughter Priscilla [snicker]
Debil done gone et your brains f'sho.
Shawnee123 • Dec 12, 2008 12:57 pm
LOL...no, read again, my daughter is unnamed. It's Priscilla Sneebles.

:lol2:

:lol2:
Sundae • Dec 12, 2008 12:59 pm
Aw, shoot....
LabRat • Dec 12, 2008 1:00 pm
Flint;513025 wrote:
In fact, I hope they have a problem, and want to talk to me about it. I'll be glad to have that discussion.

I actively reject the idea that we should tiptoe around people's stupid superstitious hogwashery. It only encourages them.



While I agree that I shouldn't have to tiptoe around other people's stupid ideas; which are stupid to me becasue I don't agree with them, but probably not stupid to other people that agree with them ;) ; I think this is an issue of respect.

It shows respect to to ask if they have a problem with it even if you don't agree with their answer. It also shows respect to save that activity for another time if all parents aren't 100% on board. [COLOR="White"]see what i did thar[/COLOR]
Juniper • Dec 12, 2008 1:05 pm
I voted "It's OK but..."

We have a Ouija - it's mine from my own little girl sleepover days. I let my daughter use it. Well, last summer she had this one friend sleepover, and the next day we got a call from her saying that she wasn't allowed to even *be friends* with my daughter any more, let alone come over to visit. Apparently her mother decided we were an evil influence. Which really sucks, because she was my daughter's 6th grade cheer coach and knows everybody. I expected (and I think received, to some degree, though in this town it's hard to tell) widespread snubbery.

Whatever. I was kind of mad at myself for not seeing that this might happen, but for heaven's sake, that's really overreacting.
Flint • Dec 12, 2008 1:06 pm
LabRat;513042 wrote:
While I agree that I shouldn't have to tiptoe around other people's stupid ideas; which are stupid to me becasue I don't agree with them, but probably not stupid to other people that agree with them ;) ; I think this is an issue of respect.

It shows respect to to ask if they have a problem with it even if you don't agree with their answer. It also shows respect to save that activity for another time if all parents aren't 100% on board. [COLOR="White"]see what i did thar[/COLOR]
I'm not going to live my life questioning every insignificant decision. We all have to draw the line somewhere. I am respectful to the degree that I am able to distinguish an issue which affects the social contract that I have with other civilized peoples.

I wouldn't tell them straight up that I think their beliefs are stupid, but I sure as hell will imply that I think so. I think they should know that. It gives them the information they need for future dealings with me. Why be dishonest?

I'm not going to be disrespectful, but I'm also not going to avoid difficult subjects just because one group of people has marked them off-limits. Honesty is respectful.

Juniper;513044 wrote:
...the next day we got a call from her saying that she wasn't allowed to even *be friends* with my daughter any more...
And this is how your kids can learn that some people are stupid and crazy.
Sundae • Dec 12, 2008 1:07 pm
Good words LabRat. I wouldn't take my niece & nephew to a Psychic Fair for example, because I know it would freak my sister out.

(Okay, okay, I wouldn't take them because 1, I'm not allowed to see them unsupervised because I am a Black Sheep, 2. because I think it's hogwash and 3. because I'm too cheap to pay the entrance fee - I'd rather spend the money on a beer for me)
Pico and ME • Dec 12, 2008 1:07 pm
@ Juniper: You got a letter A (of sorts) on ya now huh. THATS the scary stuff!
glatt • Dec 12, 2008 1:12 pm
Juniper;513044 wrote:
I voted "It's OK but..."

We have a Ouija - it's mine from my own little girl sleepover days. I let my daughter use it. Well, last summer she had this one friend sleepover, and the next day we got a call from her saying that she wasn't allowed to even *be friends* with my daughter any more, let alone come over to visit. Apparently her mother decided we were an evil influence. Which really sucks, because she was my daughter's 6th grade cheer coach and knows everybody. I expected (and I think received, to some degree, though in this town it's hard to tell) widespread snubbery.

Whatever. I was kind of mad at myself for not seeing that this might happen, but for heaven's sake, that's really overreacting.


Holy crap. I expected it to cause offense not ostracism.
lumberjim • Dec 12, 2008 1:14 pm
Once, my daughter had a sleep over and they played with the oija board. the very next day, one of the kids' parents came to my house and killed me. no[COLOR=White], I [/COLOR]lie.
Shawnee123 • Dec 12, 2008 1:18 pm
Fuck. What happened when you played Jumanji?
glatt • Dec 12, 2008 1:19 pm
lumberjim;513050 wrote:
Once, my daughter had a sleep over and they played with the oija board. the very next day, one of the kids' parents came to my house and killed me. no[COLOR=White], I [/COLOR]lie.


Shoulda logged in as ghost for that one.
Flint • Dec 12, 2008 1:20 pm
A scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it.
- Max Planck
Juniper • Dec 12, 2008 1:25 pm
Flint;513045 wrote:


And this is how your kids can learn that some people are stupid and crazy.


Yeah, no kidding. That's exactly what my daughter thought. "Wow, they're weird."

Didn't bother her much. She's got friends to spare without worrying about people who would reject her for that sort of thing. Especially when these girls do things that are much worse.

Got a letter A on me now, huh? Well, I told you I was an A student. ;)
Pico and ME • Dec 12, 2008 1:27 pm
Quote:
A scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it.
- Max Planck


__________________

Yeah, but its taking FOREVER!
LabRat • Dec 12, 2008 1:37 pm
Flint;513045 wrote:
I'm not going to be disrespectful, but I'm also not going to avoid difficult subjects just because one group of people has marked them off-limits. Honesty is respectful.



Please don't think I was calling you disrespectful, I was not at all.

It would drive us all insane if we worried about whether or not every little freaking thing we did might offend someone...for FSM's sake, that's what's gotten us into this freaking PC crazy world we are in right now.

My daughter is going to a sleepover party for a friend that she met through school, and is in our Daisy troop. I will ask what they plan on doing for the night when we drop her off. If there is anything I wish my daughter didn't participate in, I'll let them know, as well as tell my daughter WHY I don't want her to do it.

Should she come home and tell me they ended up doing whatever it was I didn't agree with, lets say, watched a horror movie (they are 6) and ate candy all night, so that she comes home exhausted and terrified to go to sleep that night, I would be pissed, (mostly because i have to spend the next 48 hours with a brat) but depending on the actual damage done I'm not sure how I would handle the situation. Ask me Monday :)


Edited to add, I really am pretty easy going, and I really doubt that there is anything that would happen that would bother me to the point of me not letting her go, or not letting her play with said friend after the fact. It's my responsibilty to explain to my daughter why I don't agree, why I don't want her to do whatever, and her responsibility to respect my wishes, or suffer the punishment if she chooses not to...
Sundae • Dec 12, 2008 1:45 pm
Party at my house!
Cocaine and knives!

LabRat's daughter's in - anyone else?

[kidding]
LabRat • Dec 12, 2008 1:45 pm
:lol:
classicman • Dec 12, 2008 2:06 pm
LOL @ SG. Very good!

Oh and I just PM'd you - lil lookout is in too, but don't tell his dad ;)
Shawnee123 • Dec 12, 2008 2:24 pm
What time should I drop off the nieces? :lol:
lumberjim • Dec 12, 2008 2:40 pm
glatt;513052 wrote:
Shoulda logged in as ghost for that one.


oh, you gotta highlight that text for it to be accurate.
Pie • Dec 12, 2008 4:26 pm
Flint;513045 wrote:
And this is how your kids can learn that some people are stupid and crazy.


Y'know, as a darkie, I expected that at some point in my life I would be subject to racism. I am 33, and I have yet to experience any such behavior of note. (Score one for race-relations in America!)

What I have experienced, from the time I was 5 till the present day, is religious bigotry. Ostracism, being dumped, being questioned on my right to:
[LIST=1]
[*]exist
[*]be a citizen
[*]claim to be a "good person"
[*]be successful
[*]et cetera[/LIST]I'm with Flint. I had to learn that lesson a long time ago; it was painful (my best friend never spoke to me again when she found out I was an Athiest) but a very necessary introduction to reality.

We elected a black man to the presidency; we will never elect an unbeliever.
Juniper • Dec 12, 2008 4:28 pm
Pie;513121 wrote:

We elected a black man to the presidency; we will never elect an unbeliever.


Um...there are some that argue that he IS an unbeliever. Or that he believes in something other than what he purports to believe in.

I dunno, myself. I'm just sayin'.

But I am really glad to hear you've never dealt personally with racism. Very glad.
Pie • Dec 12, 2008 4:39 pm
Juniper;513122 wrote:
Um...there are some that argue that he IS an unbeliever. Or that he believes in something other than what he purports to believe in.

But that's exactly it. I realize that many "believers" out there may just be paying lip-service to the conventions. But they don't stand up for their lack of belief, and that's just as bad. D'you really think Blaggie over in Chicago is a good, upstanding member of the Serbian Orthodox church? And yet his purported Christianity was important to getting elected.

Juniper;513122 wrote:
But I am really glad to hear you've never dealt personally with racism. Very glad.

Me too! :D
Shawnee123 • Dec 12, 2008 4:41 pm
Oh no you di'int say darkie. You crack me up Pie.

I think I alluded to that same general thing once: believing because you're supposed to believe or "just in case" isn't really believing anything at all.
HungLikeJesus • Dec 12, 2008 5:07 pm
I thought this thread was about Ojai, California
Aliantha • Dec 12, 2008 6:32 pm
I wouldn't want my kids playing with a Ouija board. They're not really in the general circulation of kids games here though, so I think it's probably different.

I just think about the first time Aden got one of those scarey 'pass this on or you'll die in 13 hours' emails and the consequences of it. (that was a year or more ago now though so I suppose things have changed, but he did recall it just a couple of days ago and say how scared he was when he got it)

So I don't know about it really, but right now if someone suggested it, I'd be wary, but I wouldn't stop the kids if they wanted to play.
dar512 • Dec 12, 2008 7:53 pm
I think you only need to worry if one of the girls' heads starts spinning around. I've heard that's a bad sign.
Flint • Dec 12, 2008 7:57 pm
That girl will make alot of money, later on, though. Have you ever had spinning head?
HungLikeJesus • Dec 12, 2008 8:09 pm
I'm wondering how many Cellar people were brought up this way - were your parents so involved in running your life as to tell you what to do and what not to do? Especially for something so minuscule as to direct what games you could play, what books you could read, what movies you could watch, who you could be friends with, when you had to be home, and so on?

That just seems like extreme micromanaging to me.
classicman • Dec 12, 2008 8:13 pm
I had a curfew, was supposed to only go to PG or G rated movies and there were very clear boundaries as to acceptable speech and behaviors - Yup, Abso-fuckin-lutely!
Flint • Dec 12, 2008 8:16 pm
HungLikeJesus;513197 wrote:
That just seems like extreme micromanaging to me.

And an excellent way to make sure your kids never learn anything.
Until they go to college and start injecting coke directly into their wang.
Pie • Dec 12, 2008 8:23 pm
Somethings were unbelievably strict (my curfew was 6pm), and others were very permissive (read any book I wanted to, no problem with bbses, etc.)
Generally, they wanted to protect me from people (especially boys!) and not from information.
monster • Dec 12, 2008 9:53 pm
Hmmm, interesting. thanks all so far.

So here's the deal..... i was working in the thrift store when a 1970s ouija board came in. I have a friend totally redoing her 1972 house in 1970s style. so it's a given I was going to buy it.

Now we were brought up in traditional UK style of Ouija = unknown devil worshipping thingy = bad and IIRC, I've never even seen a board IRL before. but we're unsupersticious atheists and i remembered that I'd seen it described as the "perfect sleepover game" somewhere, so i asked the assistant manager what she thought (she has a slightly older daughter and she said "perfect". Hebe saw it and was all like (;)) "awesome, can we play it at my party?... so i asked beest and he was all like "eeek ouja bad, no wait, it's nonsense, but people will burn crosses on our lawn.....

so I asked you lot. seeing as most of you are American so have a better idea of how it's perceived over here.
Pie • Dec 12, 2008 10:01 pm
So, what's the verdict?
classicman • Dec 12, 2008 10:05 pm
Its a kids game and no more. Do it!
monster • Dec 12, 2008 10:09 pm
Dunno, I have more pressing decisions to make. probably to ask parents as kids arrive, alongside the movie rating thing. or -given one set of parents- we might not bother and just site them all down in front of teletubbies. ...oh wait, no! There's Tinky Winky to consider.... :lol:
Clodfobble • Dec 12, 2008 11:28 pm
HungLikeJesus wrote:
I'm wondering how many Cellar people were brought up this way - were your parents so involved in running your life as to tell you what to do and what not to do? Especially for something so minuscule as to direct what games you could play, what books you could read, what movies you could watch, who you could be friends with, when you had to be home, and so on?

That just seems like extreme micromanaging to me.


Parenting a baby is 100% micromanaging, and that number ideally approaches zero by the time the kid is 18. But the whole time in between is a gray area that is going to involve a certain amount of restrictions on all the things you mentioned. Do you feel an 8-year-old should be able to go out at night as they please? Should a 4-year-old thumb through an incredibly violent and bloody graphic novel? The restrictions come down one by one over the years, but everything has to be tailored to the specific child. There was, for example, a television show just recently that we told the older kids they weren't allowed to watch, but not because we think we can keep them from the content--it's because those specific children have a problem with emulating what they see on TV. We have made it clear to them that when their behavior is not a problem, then we will know they are responsible enough to watch the show. In my opinion, they are too old to be acting the way they are, and it disappoints me to have to micromanage them in this particular way, but evidence has shown it's still necessary.

That kind of encapsulates what I grew up with, and what I try to practice with my children: you get as much responsibility as you can handle, and not more or less. Throwing them in the deep end to fend for themselves is just as irresponsible as fiercely sheltering them--in the Ouija board case, for example, if a child had shown a previous inability to handle "scary" things (say, having nightmares for days following a moderately suspenseful movie, or genuinely believing in ghosts or monsters,) then I would be hesitant to let them play. Not because it's "bad," but because that particular kid isn't ready for it.
monster • Dec 12, 2008 11:48 pm
Is a ouija board "scary" though? or only if you tell them it is? how many 11-year-olds have been told it is a scary thing?
Clodfobble • Dec 12, 2008 11:58 pm
*shrug* You "contact ghosts" with it, right? That's what we did with it when we were kids. I certainly would hope that my kid would have a better head on their shoulders by that age than to be scared of that sort of thing, but just earlier in this thread there were several people who mentioned being terrified of their first experiences with it.
Beest • Dec 13, 2008 1:12 am
I am a scientist, engineer and an atheist, I don't believe that people have a soul so logically there can't be ghosts or heaven or hell etc.

but...

I have just have a gut feeling that says no, :headshake
we did do it when I was a kid, and got messages.

At the very least it just seems dumb as a party game.

:yelsick:
DanaC • Dec 13, 2008 4:28 am
My friends and I used to play with ouija boards when I was at sixth form college. We did it most lunchtimes for about two months. We revelled in it and scared the shit out of ourselves regularly. One time, I ended up half convinced that an evil spirit (named Red) had followed me home (mum was away so I was alone in the house). That was less fun :P

In terms of childhood limitations, there weren't many that I recall. I had strict limits on how far I was allowed to stray from the house, and mum was never happy with me going off to fairgrounds with my friends (she had a fear of fairground abductions). But beyond that not much at all. I suppose there were a couple of tv programmes they didn't want me watching, but none that I wanted to see.

Books were pretty much ok. I only recall one time when mum didn't want me reading a book which had done the rounds of Dad my big brother and her. I was 12 at the time and the book was about a woman who'd been severely abused and developed a split personality (it was also made into a rather shocking film).

Telling me that the book was too old for me and that I wasn't allowed to read it was basically a guarantee that I would :P I waited until I had the house to myself for the afternoon, stole the book from mum's room (she was half way through it at the time) and read it in one session. It was brilliant, it totally gripped me and didn't disturb me. I still recall the feeling of slightly naughty luxury as I lay on our new sofa reading a forbidden book, my bare feet touching the velvety smooth velour. Yey. Must have got through a whole box of Rice Krispies as I read :)

I don't recall any other obvious examples. I daresay there were tv programmes that were switched over without me being aware at the time, and no doubt subjects that weren't discussed when i was there; but it was done with enough subtlety that I didn't notice. More noticable was the embarrassment factor of anything remotely sexual coming on tv when dad was in the room lol. But that was a wider family thing, rather than just me.

eta: It was a true story. The film was called Cybil but I can't recal if the book was also.
skysidhe • Dec 13, 2008 8:59 am
You mean I could have been playing Apples to Apples instead of the Ouija! I feel so cheated.

j/k but The Apples game does sound fun indeed!
SteveDallas • Dec 13, 2008 11:01 am
It is lots of fun.
wolf • Dec 13, 2008 11:38 am
skysidhe;513322 wrote:
You mean I could have been playing Apples to Apples instead of the Ouija! I feel so cheated.

j/k but The Apples game does sound fun indeed!


It is quite possibly the best group game in existence. Well, except for an orgy, but that's a whole different kind of party.
Ruminator • Dec 13, 2008 1:31 pm
Since none of us actually have a 100% true understanding of reality, (although we each like to think we do for the most part) and since there is a strong value placed upon a parent being the custodian of their children's upbringing; I would never make a potentially perceived "spiritual decision" for another parents child. I don't see this issue as one of legitimacy of the board, but rather mutual respect between human adults.

Although many here are atheists, there are also people here of different spiritual beliefs including witchcraft of probably different branches and schools. I know some into magic who are into the real serious stuff, and its not always just a bunch of rainbows and unicorns.

I would like to hear from them what they think any actual spiritual potential is from a Ouija board.
Flint • Dec 13, 2008 3:53 pm
Ruminator;513359 wrote:
...I would never make a potentially perceived "spiritual decision" for another parents child...
This statement made me think. And it brought about an idea of what the "heart of the matter" may be.

What is at issue is the judgment call regarding what is appropriate or not. Since it is logically impossible for each of us to cross-check our values with every other person we encounter; it is necessary for each of us to make countless of such judgment calls throughout the course of each day.

At stake here: something potentially perceived to be a spiritual matter. The known facts of the matter is that it is literally a piece of cardboard, produced and packaged by a toy manufacturer, for entertainment purposes. The judgment call is what to do when confronted with a situation where someone attaches a spiritual significance to this object.

Our tendancy towards tolerance of others and their belief systems tells us that we should respect that notion, even though we don't understand or agree with it. However, there is a larger perspective to take: how does society benefit, or not, by the behavior we passively encourage through our non-participation?

We have witnessed, throughout history, that rampant superstition is destructive to society. People kill black cats because they're afraid of witchcraft causing diseases, whereas the cats were controlling the rodent population and therefore disease runs like wildfire, bringing about a deadly pandemic. IGNORANCE IS DESTRUCTIVE.

By even entertaining the notion that a PIECE OF CARDBOARD may be a serious, supernatural phenomenon, we encourage in people those same backwards, superstitious belief systems. We are literally encouraging a destructive ignorance.

If someone holds ignorant beliefs, they need to be confronted and shamed. We all benefit when ignorance is opposed. This is not something that somebody else will do for you--it is YOUR responsibility. YOU are building the world that your children will inherit.

DO WE WANT ANOTHER "DARK AGE" OF IGNORANCE AND SUPERSTITION? [COLOR="White"]. . . [/COLOR]Don't just look the other way.
monster • Dec 13, 2008 6:26 pm
Well we went for not because beest is not comfortable with it, and I can't really see the entertainment value so felt no need to object to his objection. Thanks for the interesting discussion :)
ZenGum • Dec 13, 2008 7:05 pm
We should call him to confirm this, though.


What is the number of the Beest?
HungLikeJesus • Dec 13, 2008 7:17 pm
ZenGum;513419 wrote:
We should call him to confirm this, though.


What is the number of the Beest?


Here it is.
Goddit • Dec 13, 2008 7:30 pm
Absolutely not suitable. Indeed, not suitable for anyone. Think of it's purpose. Those who use it do so with a belief, no matter how jovial they regard that belief. Once one opens oneself up to evil, evil comes into your existence, it becomes real for oneself.
Suitable entertainment for 11 year old girls is hanging out, trying makeup for the first time, having slumber parties and all that general 'developing relationships' thing.
monster • Dec 13, 2008 7:41 pm
ZenGum;513419 wrote:
We should call him to confirm this, though.


What is the number of the Beest?


diameter or length?
Cloud • Dec 13, 2008 9:44 pm
I know very few of you will agree with me, but:

No. Ouija boards creep me the fuck out. It's my personal belief that there are Other Things Out There--call them spirits, angels, afrits, Thebans, or whatever. Non-human, we can't ascertain their purposes or even whether they are "good" or "evil" according to our norms. Why take the risk?

I don't think the average gaggle of 11 year old girls, or group of anybody, really, would be successful in contacting them through a bit of cardboard and plastic, but the tiny possibility still freaks me out.

So, no.
Bruce 9012 • Dec 13, 2008 11:19 pm
No Do Not alow not good
It's not a toy
ZenGum • Dec 14, 2008 12:51 am
:smack:

The only way to settle this question is with a seance.
Cloud • Dec 14, 2008 1:46 am
I suppose you think that's really silly. Perhaps it is. Nevertheless . . .
ZenGum • Dec 14, 2008 2:14 am
I was trying to be funny. Maybe this will work better:

Just meet the parents of the visiting kids as they arrive.
"We've got three activities lined up for the kids: freebasing crack, webcam strip-poker, and the ouija board. You may veto one."
Cicero • Dec 14, 2008 2:30 am
I thought it was only for 11 year olds. I guess I need to go back and read the rules.
bluecuracao • Dec 14, 2008 3:47 am
The really cool aspect of stuff like the ouija board, regardless of your beliefs of what may or may not really exist, is that it opens up your imagination. And that is just as important as thinking logically, if not more so.
Undertoad • Dec 14, 2008 4:31 am
The right answer is to play the game with the kids and ask the Ouija board what it thinks of itself. And direct the answer.

B - U - L - L - S - H - I - T
bluecuracao • Dec 14, 2008 4:36 am
That's no fun.
DanaC • Dec 14, 2008 5:12 am
Goddit;513430 wrote:
Suitable entertainment for 11 year old girls is hanging out, trying makeup for the first time, having slumber parties and all that general 'developing relationships' thing.


As somone currently looking closely at historical gender constructions, I find that a fascinating sentence.

*smiles* welcome to the Cellar, Goddit! Nice to meet you:)
skysidhe • Dec 14, 2008 10:51 am
Ruminator;513359 wrote:
Although many here are atheists, there are also people here of different spiritual beliefs including witchcraft of probably different branches and schools. I know some into magic who are into the real serious stuff, and its not always just a bunch of rainbows and unicorns.

I would like to hear from them what they think any actual spiritual potential is from a Ouija board.


Good question. Good point. I'd like to know too although I imagine them along with me are sitting on their principles.

Cicero;513521 wrote:
I thought it was only for 11 year olds. I guess I need to go back and read the rules.



good point and a funny as heck one too!
Happy Monkey • Dec 14, 2008 2:06 pm
Cloud;513468 wrote:
I don't think the average gaggle of 11 year old girls, or group of anybody, really, would be successful in contacting them through a bit of cardboard and plastic, but the tiny possibility still freaks me out.

So, no.
Likewise, one should never step on cracks, for the protection of maternal spines.
Cloud • Dec 14, 2008 2:11 pm
oh, absolutely!
Ruminator • Dec 14, 2008 4:37 pm
Monster, it wasn't for not at at all.

I very much enjoyed this mature adult discussion in all of its many nuances. :cool:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of this is not directed toward anyone in particular. :)

I thought it was only for 11 year olds.
Apparently not, there are apparently many adults using this "piece of cardboard" for ver real, and serious spiritual purposes.
I found these statements at Amazon.com.

author J. Edward Cornelius briefly discussed infamous occultist Aleister Crowley as well as shared information about the ouija board. Cornelius described Crowley as a brilliant but misunderstood magician, who believed the ouija board was probably "the most dangerous implement ever given into the hands of humanity."
According to Cornelius, the ouija board opens up portals to neutral entities called elementals. These entities work through the board to fulfill the desires (evil or good) of the people playing it, he explained. Cornelius also pointed out that the ouija board can open up a portal in each individual who uses it. After a while the person may no longer need the board to make contact with spirits, he said.
- Aleister Crowley no less!

It is appropriate that an important contribution to occult literature is to be found in a slim volume with an unassuming and quirky title.

The author presents sufficient theory and practice that will allow even a neophyte to access in a reasonably safe and suprisingly convenient manner the astral realms. Quite an accomplishment. But this is by no means only a book for beginners. Advanced practitioners (assuming they have an open mind) will find a great deal to ponder and benefit from in this volume. Anyone serious about magickal practice or even just magickal theory should acquire this book and consider its contents carefully. They will be well repaid for their efforts.

Aleister Crowley was the baddest of bad boys. He made great advancements in the magickal realm while sending shock waves through the clubby and largely ineffectual grade system of traditional occult fraternities, It is no small irony that the magickal orders that profess to be Thelemic are as full of pretentious poseurs as those that Crowley blasted with his extraordinary talent and application. I suspect that his book will not be well liked by those in authority in Crowleyian magickal orders. The author reveals too many secrets for comfort. I believe Crowley would have approved of this book that captures the spirit of authentic Thelemic magickal theory and practice.
This is an example of posts made about books relating to Ouija boards by practitioners of Ouija.

My points are twofold, one, that we when faced with a situation of which we know little should possibly lend an open ear to those who may be better informed.
Secondly, simply because we don't think something is true, or real; doesn't automatically it so.

Belittling something can make us feel more comfortable, safe, and secure; but are we actually?

The longer I live, the more I realize there is much that exists that I know little or nothing about.
sweetwater • Dec 14, 2008 7:09 pm
I think you said it much better than I could, Ruminator. My aversion to Ouija ("spirit") boards comes from personal experience, and I have had a longtime interest in the paranormal, but wish to remain merely an observer. But I'm curious - so I asked Dave Considine about them. His reasons and recommendations against them was good enough for me. I believe they can be dangerous. Not are, but can be. And I've had a sense of that danger. No thanks. For some of us, the unseen world is just unseen. Maybe there's a difference between people's sensitivities?
skysidhe • Dec 14, 2008 8:16 pm
Cicero;513521 wrote:
I thought it was only for 11 year olds. I guess I need to go back and read the rules.



skysidhe wrote:
good point and a funny as heck one too!



Meaning funny as in ironic since the target age is 8 to 11. I am not sure how fun 'pretending' to conjour up spirits is suppose to be. What if on the off chance something did happen?

Maybe Christains are right and maybe practicing witches are right. Maybe to this they would both agree.

I still think Wolf's idea of Apples to Apples sounds like alot more fun. * sigh * deprived child :mad:
ZenGum • Dec 14, 2008 8:24 pm
"I can call spirits from the vasty deep!"

"So can I, so can any man; but will they come when called?"
HungLikeJesus • Dec 14, 2008 8:32 pm
This thread leaves me speechless.
monster • Dec 14, 2008 9:12 pm
ZenGum;513682 wrote:
"I can call spirits from the vasty deep!"

"So can I, so can any man; but will they come when called?"


I can call spirits from the vasty deep!
But it has more effect when I ask the barkeep.
SteveDallas • Dec 14, 2008 9:16 pm
HungLikeJesus;513684 wrote:
This thread leaves me speechless.

I'll consult my Ouija board to see what you should be saying.
monster • Dec 14, 2008 9:58 pm
:lol:
Cloud • Dec 15, 2008 12:06 am
ha! about half of us think the other half is crazy!
sweetwater • Dec 15, 2008 5:04 am
Cloud;513728 wrote:
ha! about half of us think the other half is crazy!


Who'd a thunk it? :devil: ;) Though I just saw something much worse than a Ouija board - that huge caterpillar. Maybe we should let the 11 year olds play with them instead of buying stuff, eh?

[no, I don't know why caterpillars give me the creeps. Perhaps a bad experience in a previous life? :rolleyes: ]
Shawnee123 • Dec 15, 2008 10:04 am
I'd rather have 11 year old girls playing with a Ouija board than with Bratz dolls. Now THOSE are creepy!

Wow, I'm amazed at how many adults think there is something to Ouija. Not dissin' you; I certainly have some odd views on some things, but I just didn't expect it.
Pie • Dec 15, 2008 10:54 am
(What happens is some smart-ass kid like me directs the board for maximum freak-out of the nervous nellies involved... they never recover.) At least, that's how I did it when I was a kid. No, I'm not sorry, why do you ask?
:p
skysidhe • Dec 15, 2008 11:21 am
Shawnee123;513782 wrote:
I'd rather have 11 year old girls playing with a Ouija board than with Bratz dolls. Now THOSE are creepy!

Wow, I'm amazed at how many adults think there is something to Ouija. Not dissin' you; I certainly have some odd views on some things, but I just didn't expect it.


I'm not sure who you are responding to. Maybe the 8 other people that said 'no way'.

I don't understand why those who do not believe in ghosts would want their kids to pretend to talk to them nor would I understand why people who do believe in ghosts would want a small kid to meet one. Seems whacked either way.

There are so many fun games out there. I wonder what the allure is to Ouija?
SteveDallas • Dec 15, 2008 11:33 am
Pie;513788 wrote:
(What happens is some smart-ass kid like me directs the board for maximum freak-out of the nervous nellies involved... they never recover.) At least, that's how I did it when I was a kid. No, I'm not sorry, why do you ask?
:p

So what messages did you have the board cough up?
wolf • Dec 15, 2008 11:56 am
skysidhe;513794 wrote:
There are so many fun games out there. I wonder what the allure is to Ouija?



It's because of the potential for danger, like chanting "Bloody Mary" three times while standing in front of the bathroom mirror in the dark.

Which is what the girls will end up doing whether or not they get the Ouija Board.

It's slumber party tradition.
HungLikeJesus • Dec 15, 2008 11:58 am
skysidhe;513794 wrote:
...

I don't understand why those who do not believe in ghosts would want their kids to pretend to talk to them nor would I understand why people who do believe in ghosts would want a small kid to meet one. Seems whacked either way.

...


It's just like Santa Claus. Even parents who don't believe in Him still pretend He exists. Think about the children!
Shawnee123 • Dec 15, 2008 12:55 pm
skysidhe;513794 wrote:
I'm not sure who you are responding to. Maybe the 8 other people that said 'no way'.



I may be paranoid, but is there a tone there?

Yeah, I'm talking about adults who believe that you can contact ghosts through a board game. This is not commentary on whether or not ghosts exist: it's the ridiculous notion that a board game has even the slightest possibility of conjuring one up.

That's the beauty of it when you're a kid: just maybe, you think. Once I hit teenager I knew better.

As I said: for sheer creepiness, Bratz dolls are ten times creepier than a piece of cardboard. Big giant misshapen heads with impossibly giant eyeballs on a little plastic body: they look like those creepy Olsen twins. :lol2:
skysidhe • Dec 15, 2008 3:27 pm
wolf;513807 wrote:
It's because of the potential for danger, like chanting "Bloody Mary" three times while standing in front of the bathroom mirror in the dark.

Which is what the girls will end up doing whether or not they get the Ouija Board.

It's slumber party tradition.


Exactly, I played Ouija because my friends got ahold of one in the 5th grade. It was ilicit so therefore exciting.

I can't imagine a parent pulling one out and saying, "hey try to reach the dead would ya!" ;)


lol HLJ
Pie • Dec 15, 2008 3:39 pm
SteveDallas;513801 wrote:
So what messages did you have the board cough up?

Usually that someone (nobody liked) was going to die, or the boy of the month did/didn't really like them, or so-and-so's mom was going to have another kid (I got that one right)... And once, I predicted that the answer to the second question on the math test would be 4.5. I was wrong on that one. :eyebrow:
glatt • Dec 15, 2008 3:50 pm
skysidhe;513860 wrote:
I can't imagine a parent pulling one out and saying, "hey try to reach the dead would ya!" ;)


And yet that's exactly what this thread was about. A parent wondering if they should pull out a ouija board as a planned party activity for kids.

I played with them once or twice as a kid going over to friends' houses, but it was never the parent proposing we play the game. I figured out pretty quickly that you could push the thing around yourself to make it say what you wanted to. The game became who would push harder.

I played a lot of games that would get the parents in trouble if they were the ones who came up with them. "You show me yours, and I'll show you mine" is one that comes to mind. Oh, and "burn the stump out with gasoline" is another. "Launch the froggies" was a mean one. I think kids had a lot less supervision back then.
DanaC • Dec 15, 2008 5:26 pm
Actually, I'm pretty sure the first time I ever tried a ouija board it was a homemade affair that my bro knocked up and mum played along.

Mind you. Mum liked all that scary stuff. I remember after watching some alien movie or other, we (in this context 'we' almost always refers to me, my bro and mum) went alien hunting. Was well past midnight and the three of us and the dog bundled into the car to go driving about the country lanes on the outskirts of town. We were armed with torches, cheese spread sandwiches and a flask of hot tea (obviously....). I think I was probably about 10 or so.

That was such a fun night. We went down this one lane and it was pitch black, narrow and winding, the only light the two beams from the car; and all that did was cut a little way into the darkness. All of a sudden there's something in the road up ahead. No word of a lie it looked like a body. lol. was some black binliners blown half way into the road. The dog was going mental. Took us a few seconds and a slow approach to realise what it was:P

One brilliant thing about my mum: she really knew how to encourage flights of imaginations and total immersion in whatever fantasy we engaged in.


[eta] it might complete the picture if I add that the car in question was a tiny battered up Mini estate, with no heat. Just three of us and a dog and plumes of breath.
HungLikeJesus • Dec 15, 2008 5:31 pm
That's a beautiful image, Dana.
Aliantha • Dec 15, 2008 5:51 pm
In Australia we just go toad hunting.

The aliens aren't half as much fun here.
ZenGum • Dec 15, 2008 6:03 pm
In Australia we just go toad hunting.

The aliens aren't half as much fun here.



That's cause we packed them all off to Nauru :devil:

What do you us on the toads, Ali? 5 iron?

Sounds like Glatt had a fine childhood. Ever take on a giant bull-ant nest with home-made flamethrowers?

Dana, your mum is cool. And she brought tea and sandwiches. :lol:
Aliantha • Dec 15, 2008 6:06 pm
ZenGum;513931 wrote:
That's cause we packed them all off to Nauru :devil:

What do you us on the toads, Ali? 5 iron?




We usually use any old thing. Cricket wickets for the short kids. Old bats for the bigger ones. Golf clubs...even putters are ok.
ZenGum • Dec 15, 2008 6:18 pm
I knew a bloke who used an air pistol. He found that direct shots would deflect off their backs, but if he hit the ground just in front of them, the ricochet would strike under their chins and flip them over backwards.

This is of course cruel and callous. We are supposed to catch them, put them in a suitable container, and then place them in the fridge and then the freezer, thus causing a painless death. [COLOR="LemonChiffon"] And then when you belt them with a golf club, they explode.[/COLOR]
Aliantha • Dec 15, 2008 6:20 pm
When we were kids, some of the boys used to copper wire two toads together by the legs and throw them over the power lines.

The parents weren't impressed, but the boys thought they were pretty clever.
ZenGum • Dec 15, 2008 6:48 pm
What happened? If the wire only touches one power line, the toads would be safe from electrocution (bird-on-a-wire effect) but die a slow death of thirst and starvation. If the wire touches two power lines the current will flow across the wire, leaving the toads untouched.
Pretty clever my foot. No grasp of physics. Could also black out your own house and melt your ice-cream.
Aliantha • Dec 15, 2008 7:05 pm
Well, whichever way it went, they became an eyesore, and a nosesore too.

There's nothing worse than the stink of a rotting toad.
monster • Dec 15, 2008 9:35 pm
oooh, look... the poll results are spelling out the letter E. The spirits are trying to tell us something! but what?.......

E... E... E...


Elspode! Elspode is the answer.

now, what was the question?
SteveDallas • Dec 15, 2008 9:48 pm
It's telling you to invite Elspode for the birthday party.
Aliantha • Dec 15, 2008 9:52 pm
E is for Evil
HungLikeJesus • Dec 15, 2008 9:59 pm
E is for exorcist.
wolf • Dec 16, 2008 1:33 am
HungLikeJesus;513992 wrote:
E is for exorcist.


Done that. To a OUIJA board. Left a mark.
ZenGum • Dec 16, 2008 8:50 am
wolf;514057 wrote:
Done that. To a OUIJA board. Left a mark.


I'm curious for details.
Shawnee123 • Dec 16, 2008 8:52 am
After the commercial, we'll be talking with parents, educators, and licensed counselors to discuss the seemingly harmless Magic 8 Ball.

Magic 8 Ball: innocent fun or a portal to the devil? Next on Dr Phil.
SteveDallas • Dec 16, 2008 9:58 am
Shawnee123;514072 wrote:
innocent fun or a portal to the devil?

Why should those be considered mutually exclusive?
Shawnee123 • Dec 16, 2008 10:42 am
SteveDallas;514082 wrote:
Why should those be considered mutually exclusive?



[/thread]

:lol:
dar512 • Dec 16, 2008 12:21 pm
Aliantha;513923 wrote:
In Australia we just go toad hunting.

The aliens aren't half as much fun here.

Are they mostly Americans?
Cicero • Dec 16, 2008 12:31 pm
I played it with my friends when I was 10. And guess what? Nothing happened. Wooooo.

I don't take quotes from Aleister Crowley seriously. Not that people haven't also tried this before as well, and you are the first. I still don't. And if I were to talk to the people that have quoted Crowley today, I think I would also get a different answer from those people.
Trilby • Dec 16, 2008 1:39 pm
I think the Ouija works if you THINK it works. Like everything.
Clodfobble • Dec 16, 2008 1:41 pm
Kind of like how my kids think they can fly? :eyebrow:
Trilby • Dec 16, 2008 1:46 pm
Clodfobble;514141 wrote:
Kind of like how my kids think they can fly? :eyebrow:


Well, it works for me. BTW, I just went online and bought myself a ouija board All Because of this Thread!!
Cicero • Dec 16, 2008 1:55 pm
Good job. But those kinds of gifts should be on the list to Santa. :)
HungLikeJesus • Dec 16, 2008 1:59 pm
Clodfobble;514141 wrote:
Kind of like how my kids think they can fly? :eyebrow:


Your kids can fly.

Just not very well.
Pie • Dec 16, 2008 2:02 pm
Online ouija board. Ask away.

Stupid thing lies like a dog.
Shawnee123 • Dec 16, 2008 2:05 pm
Pie;514148 wrote:
Online ouija board. Ask away.

Stupid thing lies like a dog.


For god's sake DON'T LOOK AT IT. I did and a debil ate my brain.

Now, can someone tell me if the online Ouija board is more effective, less effective, or the same as the cardboard version, and why? :rolleyes:
Pie • Dec 16, 2008 2:08 pm
Define "effective".

[LIST]
[*] More accurate? Depends on the programming or the people moving the damn widget.
[*] Better for communicating with "spirits"? Exactly the same.
[*] Better entertainment? Subjective.[/LIST]
Shawnee123 • Dec 16, 2008 2:10 pm
Oh DUH Pie.

BETTER AT CONJURING SPIRITS. ;)

In your opinion, which is the same as mine, they are equally good at conjuring spirits.

I would like to hear what those folks who think a Ouija board has even a remote possibility of contacting spirits think, and why cardboard is a better ghost conjurer than the intrawebz.
Cicero • Dec 16, 2008 2:10 pm
Shawnee, it wasn't a devil eating your brain, it was my pre-death, evil spirit, that came by to swallow your soul, and to carry it in my fowl womb. And on to the 7th level of hell, to vomit it on a demon's new 3 piece suit. So the 7 demon daughters could unfold their master plan to steal your first born bebbe'. Makes sense? K?

BWUAHAHAHAAA! *evil grin*
Shawnee123 • Dec 16, 2008 2:11 pm
Sounds like a plan. :)
Trilby • Dec 16, 2008 2:12 pm
Look chickies--I bought MY soon-to-arrive ouija board precisely BECAUSE I have an insatiable need to play with fire. I will let you KNOW which devils I conjur and how successful they are. thanks for playing.
Trilby • Dec 16, 2008 2:14 pm
Shawnee123;514153 wrote:
I would like to hear what those folks who think a Ouija board has even a remote possibility of contacting spirits think, and why cardboard is a better ghost conjurer than the intrawebz.


Duh~! coz on the intrawebz you can pretend to be ANYBODY! The cardboard version knows it's YOU.
Shawnee123 • Dec 16, 2008 2:14 pm
Look, almost all the twisted brains hanging around in one thread. I LOVE it!

:lol:
Cicero • Dec 16, 2008 2:14 pm
I know how to party with the Ouija what can I say? ;)

But that brings me to the question: are wedgies suitable for 11 year olds?

Oh the indicator has swung to yes!! Wow!!!

You don't need a ouija to conjure a devil. I eat spicy food for the same effect, myself.
HungLikeJesus • Dec 16, 2008 2:20 pm
Oh, great. Reports are coming in - the entire Eastern Seaboard is alive with talk of incidents of paranormal activity. Alleged ghost sightings and related supernatural occurances have been reported across the entire Tri-State area.

I'm looking out my window at the Stay Puft Marshmallow man right now.
wolf • Dec 16, 2008 2:21 pm
HungLikeJesus;514162 wrote:
Oh, great. Reports are coming in - the entire Eastern Seaboard is alive with talk of incidents of paranormal activity. Alleged ghost sightings and related supernatural occurances have been reported across the entire Tri-State area.


Cats and dogs living together ... and something about a giant Twinkie.
SteveDallas • Dec 16, 2008 2:53 pm
Clodfobble;514141 wrote:
Kind of like how my kids think they can fly? :eyebrow:

When my son was 3-4ish he had a massive obsession with Mary Poppins. (And the Sound of Music to a lesser extent; I told Mrs. Dallas he was bound to be disappointed when he learned that Julie Andrews was way too old for him.) At the same time, he had a full-blown obsession with umbrellas. He couldn't pass an umbrella display in a store without pitching a massive fit to be allowed to get one. We eventually "solved" this by buying up 18" umbrellas at the dollar store, so he'd always have his own umbrella.

But the Mary Poppins <-> umbrella connection was obvious. We were worried he'd decide to hop off the stairs so he could fly with the umbrella.

Shawnee123;514150 wrote:
a debil ate my brain.

You sure about that? Maybe it was just Krampus?
LabRat • Dec 16, 2008 3:13 pm
Pie;514148 wrote:
Online ouija board. Ask away.

Stupid thing lies like a dog.



we'll see if it's right...
Trilby • Dec 16, 2008 3:14 pm
Hey, my Ouija board is gonna glow in the dark, beeeyotches!

I asked that stupid online thing why does my back hurt and it answered NO. Dumbass thing.
Shawnee123 • Dec 16, 2008 3:33 pm
Yabbut, Labrat's question yielded the answer 9 inches. Maybe it gets the answer right, but the answer is to the wrong question? ;)

It is weird though, that it knew she was looking for a number.


Now I'm scared.:mg:
SteveDallas • Dec 16, 2008 3:37 pm
Shawnee123;514194 wrote:
Yabbut, Labrat's question yielded the answer 9 inches

Actually, it just answered "9"--with no units specified. It might 9 feet or 9 nanometers or, for that matter, 9 days.
Pie • Dec 16, 2008 3:38 pm
I'm going with 9 fathoms -- 54 feet.
SteveDallas • Dec 16, 2008 3:42 pm
That would work!
LabRat • Dec 16, 2008 3:46 pm
Pie;514197 wrote:
I'm going with 9 fathoms -- 54 feet.


Shit.

Better hit the store on the way home tonight then...
Shawnee123 • Dec 16, 2008 3:46 pm
SteveDallas;514195 wrote:
Actually, it just answered "9"--with no units specified. It might 9 feet or 9 nanometers or, for that matter, 9 days.


Ahem. Yeah, I knew that. That was why the 9 was italicized. However, any other explanation did not fit my double entendre. So there...hmmph. :right:

;)
Pie • Dec 16, 2008 3:52 pm
Shawnee123;514194 wrote:
It is weird though, that it knew she was looking for a number.
Now I'm scared.:mg:

<serious>It just twigged on the phrase "how much". Easy enough to program a short list of "quantifier" type questions, etc. Then hook it up to a random number generator. </ly>
Shawnee123 • Dec 16, 2008 3:56 pm
Liar. Thems ghosts in them webz.

Seriously, that makes sense. I'm not very bright. :)
lookout123 • Dec 16, 2008 3:57 pm
but it's labrat. probably every question she asks can be answered with a 9. How does the game know that? scary.
Sundae • Dec 16, 2008 4:02 pm
Hot damn, I'm a believer!

Where will I find love? - Near
When will I find love? - Very Soon
How much love will I find? - 1

No threesomes for me then!

What is Sundae Girl? - unclear (pretty harsh!)
so I tried
What is TW - may be later [sic]
monster • Dec 16, 2008 4:06 pm
So when Bri's board arrives we could have a Ouija session in chat and see what the cellar ghosties have to say. I bet ghostoflumberjim'll show.
Sundae • Dec 16, 2008 4:08 pm
I remember when LumberJim died.
Now it's Cicero.
The board will tell us who is next to go.

(s'okay - online ouija says A Stranger, so it's a noob)
Aliantha • Dec 16, 2008 4:28 pm
dar512;514113 wrote:
Are they mostly Americans?


Nope. We have people immigrating here in vast numbers from more Asian countries than western although I think (not certain) that the majority of western immigrants come from the UK (except from NZ and the Pacific Islands, but they mostly keep their NZ citizenship and become 'permanent residents' of Australia instead. At least that means they can't vote I suppose.)

We don't hit them with golf clubs though. They already whinge enough as it is. ;)
Shawnee123 • Dec 16, 2008 4:29 pm
Maybe it means someone who is stranger than all the rest of us.

Been nice knowing you!
Undertoad • Dec 16, 2008 4:36 pm
[youtube]XY31P7sLJho[/youtube]

Monty Python covered the use of the occult by the Police. The Ouija board bit, which I think of every time I see this sketch, is at about 3:00.
Trilby • Dec 16, 2008 5:30 pm
I see the seeds of Harry Potter up there, toad.
Cicero • Dec 16, 2008 5:49 pm
It makes me think of "evil". Like these guys. Pure evil....

[youtube]tPLWbTh9_Nk[/youtube]


The uh, puppies of pergatory.
Elspode • Dec 16, 2008 6:02 pm
Ouija is a divination tool. Divination tools are not inherently good or bad by themselves, but one can make a pretty good argument for why 11 year olds shouldn't be doing divination.

If anyone wants more of a diatribe on all of this, PM me, 'cause I don't want anyone here to think I'm wacky, nor do I wish to bore anyone.
SteveDallas • Dec 16, 2008 6:06 pm
Elspode;514323 wrote:
[list][*]I don't want anyone here to think I'm wacky[*]nor do I wish to bore anyone.[/list]

Never stopped me before.
Cicero • Dec 16, 2008 6:11 pm
Maybe kids are better equipped to handle divination than adults? Maybe the fact that they have an excuse for not being able to determine what's real and what isn't, makes them all the better for it.

You guys sound so caustic about it. 11 year olds don't conjure evil(not your average one anyway). Adults do. All the symptoms and evidence are inside this thread.
Pie • Dec 16, 2008 6:15 pm
Cicero;514329 wrote:
You guys sound so caustic about it. 11 year olds don't conjure evil(not your average one anyway). Adults do. All the symptoms and evidence are inside this thread.


Pie;513788 wrote:
What happens is some smart-ass like me directs the board for maximum freak-out of the nervous nellies involved... they never recover. No, I'm not sorry, why do you ask?


Am I evil???
:rtfm::devil:


Oh, goodie!
Trilby • Dec 16, 2008 6:30 pm
Cicero;514329 wrote:
11 year olds don't conjure evil(not your average one anyway).


And this makes it really obvious that you have not raised a child, average or otherwise.
Cicero • Dec 16, 2008 6:35 pm
I am sorry, most evil manifestations are caused by adults. It happens to be the internal manifesting in the world that causes the actual demons, and most adults are guilty of this kind of projection. Pinch Pinch, poke poke.

Btw: Masturbation is evil too. You are all going to hell you demons. :)

Hey Pie. You actually sound the most sensible here. That equals good. ;)
Trilby • Dec 16, 2008 6:37 pm
cic---do you NEVER watch horror movies? HUH? it's ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS the CHILD!



(always)
Trilby • Dec 16, 2008 6:38 pm
(in some cases it's the "children" but you get where I'm going with this)
Cicero • Dec 16, 2008 6:42 pm
S u b l i m a t i o n. You can project all the evil you want in the world, but the fact that you think your kids are just as capable, says a lot. Rowr kitty Kat!

The fact that you have a monster inside that has grown because of abuse, as a natural and normal adult, is one thing.

But to suppose that someone as young, is capable of sublimating the evil you can, is another thing eniterly. What are you protecting them from? Cultivating a relationship with an invisible friend that they like to play with?
Trilby • Dec 16, 2008 6:51 pm
Wow. I was just messing around with the whole 'conjure evil' 'evil child' thing as a cultural joke exchange. I wasn't being serious. I guess that must have not computed somewhere over the internets. I am usually speaking with at least half of a forked tongue here and when I am NOT, when I am being serious, most people here can read that. Not you, though.

The fact that you missed the intended fun give and take of the exchange says, indeed, a lot about you.
Cicero • Dec 16, 2008 6:55 pm
I wasn't even talking to you specifically. It was more at spode and others that fear a ouija in the hands of children.

Yes, I get the evil children, horror movie joke.

My posts were little ships passing your posts in the night. Which doesn't say shit about me other than the fact that I was using your responses to lump statements so I wouldn't be double posting, as it took awhile to reach a point in the thread. Like leap frog.

Yes I temporarily missed the fun, DAMIEN. ;)
Trilby • Dec 16, 2008 7:08 pm
Cicero;514347 wrote:
S u b l i m a t i o n. You can project all the evil you want in the world, but the fact that you think your kids are just as capable, says a lot. Rowr kitty Kat!


Ok. So that wasn't directed at my post? Ok.
Elspode • Dec 16, 2008 8:09 pm
I've raised kids.

I didn't say that Ouija automatically inferred evil.

Divination is a functional tool, much the same as psychoanalysis is a functional tool.
lumberjim • Dec 16, 2008 8:23 pm
Brianna;514356 wrote:

The fact that you missed the intended fun give and take of the exchange says, indeed, a lot about you.

are you referring to this?
Cicero • Dec 16, 2008 8:51 pm
lol! That's part of the real fun I meant to mention(but forgot of course). lol!

I was referring to this :):

http://cellar.org/showpost.php?p=514318&postcount=12

Why can't I just troll without people kicking up a fuss? Jeeezuz!

(Kind of like how you conveniently miss all the encouraging posts of mine in other threads.)
monster • Dec 16, 2008 9:42 pm
I think you both need referring to this :rolleyes:
Aliantha • Dec 16, 2008 9:43 pm
I think the point some people are making, and certainly one I'd think about is that if the spiritual world exists (and I believe it does) then a child of 11 isn't capable of determining what they might be 'conjuring' in which case, a ouija could be very dangerous.

That being said, I personally don't believe too many people would have the right kind of power to use a ouija for its intended purpose.
glatt • Dec 16, 2008 10:18 pm
Not sure if kids can be evil? Ask Freckle Face Frankenstein, the girl who lived in the house behind ours. I didn't come up with that name (I think) but I sure didn't put a stop to it either. And I considered myself one of the good kids.

Ever read Lord of the Flies? Kids are more evil than most adults. They haven't learned empathy yet.
Ruminator • Dec 16, 2008 10:55 pm
People who are deeply involved with the occult claim that there are "generational spiritual advantages" passed on in family lines. Advantages of the type that exist around, and are available to even children.
I've ran across the claim more than once.

I'm thinking that attending a psychic fair could introduce anyone here to those who know more than this, and possibly people who themselves got involved as children.
I'm not recommending it though.


Good point about empathy glatt.
.
Sundae • Dec 17, 2008 9:24 am
glatt;514417 wrote:
Not sure if kids can be evil? Ask Freckle Face Frankenstein, the girl who lived in the house behind ours.

You're right, she does sound evil.
Shawnee123 • Dec 17, 2008 9:30 am
Shawnee123;514153 wrote:
Oh DUH Pie.

BETTER AT CONJURING SPIRITS. ;)

In your opinion, which is the same as mine, they are equally good at conjuring spirits.

I would like to hear what those folks who think a Ouija board has even a remote possibility of contacting spirits think, and why cardboard is a better ghost conjurer than the intrawebz.


Elspode;514323 wrote:
Ouija is a divination tool. Divination tools are not inherently good or bad by themselves, but one can make a pretty good argument for why 11 year olds shouldn't be doing divination.

If anyone wants more of a diatribe on all of this, PM me, 'cause I don't want anyone here to think I'm wacky, nor do I wish to bore anyone.


Please spode, with all due respect...tell me what you think of the online Ouija and how that is or is not the same as evil cardboard.

I imagine that most people would laugh at the online version...but I don't see how they can do that yet still think the cardboard version has a possibility of conjuring spirits.
Pie • Dec 17, 2008 9:42 am
To come to 'Spode's defense, the online version is moved solely by the program that runs on their server. Its answer is determined by its programming + a random number stream.

The cardboard version is controlled by the "human element".

Thus if you believe that humans have the power to do supernatural things, the cardboard version is far, far scarier. :worried:
Shawnee123 • Dec 17, 2008 11:12 am
I see what you're saying. That makes sense.

OK, I'll get off my cardboard vs webz thingy.

Thanks :)
Trilby • Dec 17, 2008 11:20 am
You beeeyotches are gonna be sorry when I get my glow-in-the-dark Ouija board (already named Capn' Howdy) to find out how you turn out in life!
Shawnee123 • Dec 17, 2008 11:36 am
Oh darlin' that story has been told!

And it's not a good one.
Trilby • Dec 17, 2008 12:54 pm
You're not done yet, Shawnee
Shawnee123 • Dec 17, 2008 1:02 pm
Let me know what the Ouija Glow says then, k? :)
Cicero • Dec 17, 2008 4:38 pm
If you know anything about ouija, you know it comes from within. Unless you are stuck in a 60's seance with Madame Freak Freud.
Happy Monkey • Dec 17, 2008 6:52 pm
It works the same way as dowsing- either outright manipulation by a participant, or subconscious ideomotor effect.
Ruminator • Dec 17, 2008 10:36 pm
Dowsing, ever personally seen or done it? There are apparently more than one way to do it.

I saw it done for a water drain pipe, didn't believe it, and was told to do it myself which I did.
It worked- I don't know how... but it worked.
The form we used was two lengths of wire coat hanger each about 12" long. They were each bent at a right angle giving a 2" handle and about a 10" piece running out from each hand. When I walked overtop of the ceramic drain pipe in my yard, the two 10" lengths of wire crossed each other making an X as I looked down at them.
The pipe was buried about 4 ft. underground which we had to dig up so we could replace it. It was the contractor I'd hired who asked me for the coat hanger pieces to locate the drainpipe.
The best I could figure is that there must be some kind of electrical, magnetic field conveyed through the main house drain that it picks up inside the house.
But still, I was walking upright with my hands about 4ft. above ground level making the pipe around 8 ft. below the hanger pieces... cool stuff that has to have a scientific explantion, I just don't know it. :cool:

Anyone have a scientific explanation for me? I would enjoy learning about it.
HungLikeJesus • Dec 17, 2008 10:40 pm
I find things like that fascinating, Ruminator.
Ruminator • Dec 17, 2008 11:31 pm
Me too HLJ. ;) :cool:
Undertoad • Dec 18, 2008 12:14 am
If you can successfully dowse in a scientifically-controlled experiment, you can win $1,000,000 from the James Randi Foundation. Dowsing is one of the things they have experimented for. So far nobody has won.
SteveDallas • Dec 18, 2008 11:05 am
Well now I suppose that depends on your definition of "scientific" and your definition of "controlled," doesn't it?
Happy Monkey • Dec 18, 2008 1:15 pm
The definition is, essentially, "double blind". If neither the dowser nor any of the observers that the dowser can see know where the water is, then neither do the rods.
Undertoad • Dec 18, 2008 2:43 pm
methodology for a test they did in Aus is described on this page
Ruminator • Dec 18, 2008 4:07 pm
Since I didn't know where our house drainpipe was, how did that happen to me?
I've always thought that my occasion was a different explanation than regular dowsing.
Undertoad • Dec 18, 2008 4:20 pm
Probability combined with cause and effect. The fact that you or anybody dowsed over that area and there happened to be a pipe there are unconnected. The fact that there was a pipe there makes you believe you found it; but some percentage of the time there would be a pipe, even if a Cellar monkey just picked a random location.

There are other possible explanations, such as:
-- somebody played a trick on you and you didn't know it;
-- you subconsciously knew where the pipe was; perhaps you heard rushing water but didn't connect it to drainage;
-- you subconsciously picked a good location for a pipe (in the middle of the house, not by the side where there are no bathrooms, etc);
-- explanations that we don't know, can't think of offhand, but are credible;
-- or, dowsing works in some individuals, and somehow all of humanity through all of time has not yet worked out how, and why it can't be reproduced and tested-for under controlled conditions. I would say that's very improbable. But there's a chance, so we have to list it.
Shawnee123 • Dec 18, 2008 4:22 pm
You posted at 4:20, about water pipes. Coincidence? I think not. ;)
glatt • Dec 18, 2008 5:12 pm
Ruminator;514877 wrote:
Since I didn't know where our house drainpipe was, how did that happen to me?
I've always thought that my occasion was a different explanation than regular dowsing.


The ground has settled slightly where our water pipes come into the house. The ditch that was dug all those years ago was then back filled in with fluffy dirt that compacted a little over time. Perhaps you had less of a dip in your yard, but there was one there. Who knows?
Flint • Dec 18, 2008 5:47 pm
I would add that it's possible you smelled it, to some degree not conciously discernible.
Aliantha • Dec 18, 2008 5:48 pm
You smelt it you dealt it!
Trilby • Dec 18, 2008 7:23 pm
Got my board beeeeyotches!


all you all is gonna pay!

*madly divinates*
skysidhe • Dec 18, 2008 7:42 pm
those don't work as a divination tool bri

I mean it dosn't work by making any sense at all.







.....although your head may turn in circles and you might barf green pea soup tho :vomit:
HungLikeJesus • Dec 18, 2008 8:05 pm
Brianna;514928 wrote:
Got my board beeeeyotches!


all you all is gonna pay!

*madly divinates*


Good. I have some questions that need answers.
Sundae • Dec 19, 2008 6:16 am
I concur.
You have questions to answer young lady.
Trilby • Dec 19, 2008 6:25 am
skysidhe;514939 wrote:
those don't work as a divination tool bri


how is it that everyone here is a ouija expert? Just saying.


Ok. ASK MADAME WYRD-O UR Q's!
Griff • Dec 19, 2008 6:53 am
Leonard Nimoy did a dowsing episode on his PBS show years ago. *de-bunked*
Trilby • Dec 19, 2008 8:16 am
Griff;515051 wrote:
Leonard Nimoy did a dowsing episode on his PBS show years ago. *de-bunked*


My sources say: YES!

The system works!
Shawnee123 • Dec 19, 2008 8:53 am
Wellllllllllllllll...

What's it say?
Trilby • Dec 19, 2008 9:15 am
It says that while I, Brianna, will be getting TONS of sex this year (mainly from dashing professors who will beg me to read my papers again and again and again) you guys are shite out of luck.

I'll keep trying.
Shawnee123 • Dec 19, 2008 9:16 am
Brianna;515082 wrote:
It says that while I, Brianna, will be getting TONS of sex this year (mainly from dashing professors who will beg me to read my papers again and again and again) you guys are shite out of luck.

I'll keep trying.


And that is different from my current existence...how? :p

I thought it was a predictor, not a "this is how much you suck RFN" tool.
Trilby • Dec 19, 2008 9:21 am
Shawnee123;515083 wrote:
And that is different from my current existence...how? :p

I thought it was a predictor, not a "this is how much you suck RFN" tool.


Just drunk on my own power, Shawnee. Pay no mind.

BTW, I've a pal you've been beating up on. How about giving her a break? She's really funny, witty, cool and very good lookin (even as a manga!) What's your problem?
Shawnee123 • Dec 19, 2008 9:24 am
She's pathetic, that's what. (puts up dukes...put 'em up, put 'em up.)

Self deprecating humor as a defense mechanism. Ask Ouija if that's healthy. ;)
Trilby • Dec 19, 2008 9:29 am
Ouija is certain is unhealthy. Ouija has been in therapy a long, looong time. Ouija knows. Must talk kind and good to self. If mean to self---who will be nice?
Shawnee123 • Dec 19, 2008 10:08 am
So I went to online Ouija, and asked: should I be nicer to myself? It said "yes." I then wrote "why?" and it said "maybe later." I said "why later?" and it replied "maybe later."

I said "listen you piece of crap. Should I kick your butt?" and it said YES!

I argue with a Ouija board. What other proof do you need? :lol:
skysidhe • Dec 19, 2008 12:33 pm
Brianna;515044 wrote:
how is it that everyone here is a ouija expert? Just saying.


Ok. ASK MADAME WYRD-O UR Q's!


I am not an expert. Just talking and having fun like everyone else.

wtf....this was not a serious post I was teasing about the exorcist thing.

I guess my dimply grin and the twinkle in my eye got lost in translation. What a surprise.
Cicero • Dec 19, 2008 12:39 pm
Shawnee123;515100 wrote:
So I went to online Ouija, and asked: should I be nicer to myself? It said "yes." I then wrote "why?" and it said "maybe later." I said "why later?" and it replied "maybe later."

I said "listen you piece of crap. Should I kick your butt?" and it said YES!

I argue with a Ouija board. What other proof do you need? :lol:


It's all probably true shawnee! I think I should kick it's butt too, and I am probably right. :D

Just as long as me and the Ouija are on the same page, we're alright.

I can't wait until Bri receives her Ouija. I'm going to start asking it questions and make it answer her. :)
Trilby • Dec 19, 2008 2:01 pm
oh, sky. I was just kiddin around. I'm a dork.

I gots my board, Cic. Ask! Ask!
Cicero • Dec 19, 2008 2:15 pm
Ok I just asked. What does it say?
Shawnee123 • Dec 19, 2008 2:16 pm
Let's see...it says "WTF did you just ask ya numnut?"

:lol2:
Cicero • Dec 19, 2008 2:18 pm
I'm still waiting....:)
Trilby • Dec 19, 2008 2:28 pm
the spirits tell me you think with a forked tongue and they refuse to answer. Moody spirits! :ghost:
Trilby • Dec 19, 2008 2:29 pm
P.S. I'm taking my ouija board and going home if this is the way you guys are going to be!

*huffs off with a prance*
Cicero • Dec 19, 2008 2:32 pm
My tongue is actually more of a spork. http://www.w-trek.com/images/spork1.bmp
But if that is how you choose to answer an easy question, then no more for you!

:D

Someone has definitely been into the spirits again. :)
Trilby • Dec 19, 2008 2:34 pm
What do you mean how I choose to answer? It's the board!
Shawnee123 • Dec 19, 2008 2:44 pm
Sporked tongue...lol.

OH mighty Ouija: will I ever find my Prince Disarming?
Cicero • Dec 19, 2008 3:14 pm
I'm the real devil- the sporked tongued devil. Now that's evil. :)
Cloud • Dec 19, 2008 3:27 pm
I actually know some people with forked tongues.

but sporked tongues--that's only after eating after Taco Bell.
Trilby • Dec 19, 2008 3:47 pm
Cloud;515235 wrote:
...sporked tongues--that's only after eating after Taco Bell.



Taco Bell gives me a sporked butt.
HungLikeJesus • Dec 19, 2008 3:49 pm
I wondered if monster expected this thread to get 300 replies.
classicman • Dec 19, 2008 4:24 pm
Brianna;515194 wrote:
P.M.S.
I'm taking my ouija board and going home if this is the way you guys are going to be!
*huffs off with a prance*


fixed that for ya
Sundae • Dec 19, 2008 4:49 pm
classicman;515246 wrote:
Brianna wrote:
P.M.S.
I'm taking my ouija board and going home if this is the way you guys are going to be!

*huffs off with Prince*

Fixed that for ya.
Goddit • Dec 19, 2008 7:33 pm
Hi DanaC,

Yes. I should have gone easy on the 'is' . No reason why boys can't potter about with cosmetics in a 'historically gender constructed' girl-like manner! But in my experience, the majority of boys left to their own devices don't tinker with make up! I have to admit though that I find it fascinating to hear girls talk about Star Wars!
Goddit • Dec 19, 2008 7:41 pm
Clodfobble,
Sound advice indeed. Exactly how I believe children should be reared. The easiest thing is to let them make mistakes on the assumption they will learn. But 30 is too late to learn one should have been made go to school (high school). My niece is currently learning this as a result of laisse faire parenting.
DanaC • Dec 19, 2008 9:42 pm
lol, fair point Goddit.

What interested me, though, were the gender roles we have constructed for women in our culture, and how visible that is in what we consider suitable entertainment for 11 year old girls. *Smiles*



[eta] you all do realise I'm going to be even more of a pain on the gender stuff than usual right? It's an inevitable consequence of my dissertation research.
monster • Dec 19, 2008 11:29 pm
HungLikeJesus;515242 wrote:
I wondered if monster expected this thread to get 300 replies.


Hell yeah -the Ouija board told me it would ;)