The Kids Aren't Comedians

Bob Cook is a contributor to Forbes, among other news outlets.  He submitted an editorial for their online Sports & Leisure section which was published on February 11, 2017, entitled, "Is There A Place For Trash-Talking In Youth Sports?"

In the piece, Cook compares the practices of "trash-talking" (or "chirping" as it can also be known) to what amounts to the methods of insult comics used during performances in comedy clubs.  Further, he began to opine about the loss of "good trash-talking kids" as our society moves on through time, providing reasons as to why we are failing to raise good trash-talking kids.  He cites the suggestion that parents need to stop trash-talking so that the kids can have a chance to "practice their art."

The fact that Bob Cook is a parent makes me feel sorry for his kids.

How can a grown man with any sort of conscience or sense of ethics actually endorse trash-talking, especially at the youth level?  Is he actually endorsing the idea of letting 7-year-olds hurl insults at each other so as to learn bad habits and make completely misguided decisions about priorities and what actually matters in life?  If I were a rich man, I'd probably start a trust fund to cover the co-pays his children will have while seeking therapy for the rest of their lives.

I doubt Bob Cook will ever read this entry into the blog.  But I'll take solace in the fact that I'll probably never have to come across this guy in my life and travels.