+168 Just because someone can be arguably a bad influence doesn't mean they are a bad person, or that their actions are influencing yours, or that you shouldn't be allowed to hang out with them, amirite?

by Anonymous 13 years ago

Exactly. Almost nothing angers me more than parents telling their children not to hang out with someone because he's a bad influence. Maybe the kid /is/ a bad influence, but perhaps the parent's kid is an equally good influence. If "good" kids are only permitted to associate with other "good" kids, then their goodness is practically for naught. The epitome of goodness is helping others, e.g. the "bad" kids. If anything, "good" kids should be encouraged to hang out with "bad" kids to be a good influence. I know this comment is all jumbled up and rather ramble-y; sorry, I sometimes have trouble organizing and writing down my thoughts.

by Anonymous 13 years ago