She's Growing A Conscience

I am a supporter of pirated discs, this may bother you so I might as well clarify that this early. About 3 years ago, I started buying VHS tapes from a video store that was phasing out this format. The titles, of course, were all original and I had quite a good selection for children. Just a few months after that, I spotted a movie CD sale in the other video store, so I began stacking up on that as well, given that I had the spare change in my wallet. Again--- Lilo & Stitch, Sleeping Beauty, the Aladdin series, even Titanic--- I wanted my daughter to really enjoy viewing these flicks.

We went to Manila the same year and I fancied a DVD player that was a bit pricey but seemingly worth it. There wasn't a lot of cash left, so we took a chance in shopping for pirated discs at the Shaw Boulevard overpass. When we got back to Laoag City, I met my pirated disc dealer, and up to now, she is a very good friend. Good enough for me to give her Christmas gifts even if she is a Moslem.

My family has less than a hundred VHS's now, less than 200 CD's... but over 500 pieces of DVD's--- the 500+ all pirated. I could defend my preference in strong points, but I suppose my daughter made a stronger point to me a few hours ago when we talked about the issue.

"What is pirated?"

I reminded myself that this is not her most difficult question. "It's when somebody takes and copies something without asking permission from the owner."

"So, it's stealing?"

Edu Manzano and Bong Revilla have called me a thief for buying pirated discs, and now it's my daughter's turn. "Some people say it is stealing. I don't."

"Oh, I don't want pirated if it's stealing,"

"Okay, but that means you can't buy DVD's with me anymore because I will continue to buy pirated discs."

My 5 year old lightened up, "Well, okay, I'll buy if you buy."

"No, you don't have to," I saved my explanations. "One day, you will have your own money and you can choose what you want to buy. You don't have to do what I do. It's okay not to like pirated, okay?"

It's not easy explaining lifestyle choices to kids knowing that even some adults don't comprehend these things yet. The world is becoming more complicated, but we have to trust that the new generation has what it takes to handle the life they will soon call their own. Mysteries have a way of unfurling, and parents don't always have to sugar-coat or block the unappealing. Most of all, parents should know better than expect kids to turn out just like them.

"When I grow up and get my own money," she beamed, "I'm going to buy you stuff."