Hi Billy T...
I'm glad my post proved topical for you.
Interesting view point there regarding the pool table btw.
What I meant by the pub once being a family affair in the UK was that many local pubs were kid friendly so parents and children would attend together like having a family outing. The revolution I mentioned was that today, to my knowledge, that doesn't happen any more and I can't help but notice the huge drinkers the youth, especially from London, are today.
My idea previous post is how repression tends to foster a habit whereas healthy exposure gets people used to something as commonplace. Desensitisation to the information, I guess you could call it. If someone tells us they are gay, these days we can accept that information just fine because after so much media coverage, it's no big deal. Sometimes we might encounter someone who is a complete stranger to karaoke and they are left in awe when they discover that we, just ordinary persons, can grace a stage while they break into a cold sweat at the mere thought of doing something so daring. We often can read their stories on the main page of this site. Soon though, like us, they get to be old hands at it and while many still get nervous, they have quelled their fears enough to grace that stage with their own presence whenever they feel inclined. So, if children are exposed to people having alcohol in a responsible manner, in a safe environment AND hearing about the negative side effects of alcohol intake at school or wherever, I imagine they are learning that in controlled circumstances, alcohol is just an ordinary part of life and just fine, leaving them with a balanced view which will influence their own opinions as they mature which in turn will affect their habits. I haven't met many alcoholics (to my knowledge) but I would be interested to find out how they came to drink in the first place before becoming addicted.
BillyT, You are spot on about safety being first and foremost on the list of must haves of a child-friendly venue. Obviously parents must keep an eye on their children but I certainly don't like the idea of someone heavily under the influence with violent tendencies being anywhere in the vicinity of children - whether in public or at a friend's place or at home - and I would hope the staff exercise caution when serving their patrons at these venues regarding that.
I know one young mother here who checked out a venue on her own before taking her children along another time and I think that is a commendable practice. Taking the kids along to test drive a venue is not worth the risk of harm coming to them directly or indirectly because of harm coming to you. I don't care how addicted to karaoke you are. Don't do it. Check it out solo first just to be sure everything is good before you take them along. We could all assume that parents would do that anyway but we'd be wrong. I guarantee there is some parent / guardian reading this post right now thinking, 'THAT'S a good idea! I should do that.'
Sorry to rant but I am a strong believer in children being protected from harm. What constitutes harm I may have different opinions on from others (I mean banning your children from watching F-R-I-E-N-D-S??? Gimme a break! I KNOW someone who did that!!!) but physical danger from violence should be considered harm in anyone's book, surely? ;)
We've heard Tom's tales of karaoke horror, you've seen a few incidents yourself most likely unless you either don't get out much, are incredibly unobservant or just plain lucky. Children should be protected from violence as best as possible (with the exception of a spank for naughty behaviour - and ONLY a spank, NOT a beating. I think stupidity of the people who can't tell the difference for that occurring is to blame).
I feel child friendliness at karaoke is a great thing for families but only if proper security measures are in effect.
Submitted by Johnny Burrows on 15-10-2007

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