Do you think a child prodigy should be banned from performing in public as it constitutes child labour???

Question

Playing the guitar isn't exactly labour, don't you think?

i think its a shame.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080812/ap_on_en_mu/blues_kid

Answer 1

No i think they should be allowed to show their talents without being exploited like in the case of the chinese girl who had to sing behind a screen whilst another girl took all the fame and credit because her looks were deemed more acceptable.

Answer 2

definately not. I think that if the child has been given a gift such as that then they should showcase their rare and amazing talent. Where would the world be if beethoven at the age of four had simply shyed away in his room because it was "politically incorrect" to play in public? If the child wants to display their abilites then nothing should stand in the way of their passion.

Answer 3

Yes. You can't have one rule for guitar players and another for those who enjoy sewing. It has to be a level playing field.

Answer 4

I think its sad when parents push and push their kids to be famous etc. If the kid enjoys it then its ok but how can you tell if a kid really likes it or if hes just trying to please his parents? hmmm

Answer 5

I agree with Droo. A bar is no place for an 8 year old. I think banning him from playing in bars and taverns was a good thing to do. He can still play festivals and showcase his talents in more age appropriate areas.

I don't see why anyone would think this is a bad thing.

Answer 6

playing in public, is just that, playing.

Answer 7

The story is about American State Law.  There are rules about child "labor" and about children working in bars.

In the UK, an 8 year old is allowed to give public performances, but there is a limit on how many hours a week.  Pay normally goes into a trust fund.  There used to be a law about children on licensed premises but it's been repealed.

Answer 8

As long as kids do not perform in bars, it is not of a sexual nature and they keep to the law regarding how long they are allowed to work etc. I don't see the problem.  There are many kids who work in films and theatres - if we banned this there would be no Billy Elliott, many kids programmes, pantomimes or musicals like Annie (ok, take it back, red headed brats who screech should be banned full stop and not just when performing!)

Answer 9

Yes I'd agree with you, as long as it doesn't affect his studies . Once he leaves school, he'll have all the time he wants to play in bars and whatever.

Answer 10

I think there is a difference between child labour and exploitation. Don't you think?

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Answer 11

A total ban nor the opposite are healthy.

And it really depends on the child.

Pushing the child is not good though.

Answer 12

The kid seems to love his music, and I applaud him for wanting to share it.

Many child prodigies have performed in public from an early age without any ill effect, and I don't suppose this one will prove any different.

Answer 13

GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT.

He can play in public, he just can't play in bars for money because that is work and work is for adults. An 8-year-old should not have to stand around drunk adults, many of whom may be smoking. He can still sell albums, play in festivals and get lots of TV coverage around the world. He's going to be OK.

But maybe we should throw out those laws and let children make running shoes for pennies?

Answer 14

BANNED

Answer 15

NO. Children/Adults should be encouraged to show and use their talents. I only think it is wrong if the child had no access to education or is dealing with hazardous machinery or chemicals or working long hours.