cult of motchka: Selling AA to children

Too Young

I was scandalized when I first saw the AA comic book "Too Young".

Like most AA members and ex-members, I did not know that the GSO was actively "carrying the message" to adolescents.

The idea that AA's GSO wants to help hard drinking children doesn't surprise me.

The organization has proven itself to be very broadminded when it comes to drawing all types into the AA fold. But the organization stubbornly refuses to address the many harms that can befall vulnerable members. The fact that the organization is utterly unwilling to initiate any measures to protect young members from harm is unconscionable.

AA is not a safe place for anyone, let alone minors.

It doesn't seem possible that anyone could still be unaware of the many incidents of sexual abuse, violence, and even murder that have been committed upon AA members by other AA members.

Please feel free to look at my posts having to do with the13th step.

I'm sure the GSO pamphlet "Too Young" and others aimed at teenagers and pre-teens was designed with the best of intentions.

It is nevertheless false advertising, and has serious potential to result in harm to underage drinkers naive enough to swallow its message of sweetness and light.

If you care at all about the welfare of children, you can understand why "You don't have to tell anyone you're here" is not the best message to send them when trying to entice them into an unsupervised room full of God only knows what kind of people.

All of my other objections to the 12 step programs apply.

Does AA really think it's a good idea to instill a sense of powerlessness in a 13 year old?

Does the sponsor of a child expect them to "find their part" in any abuses they may have suffered?

Is it such a fine idea to teach children that a weakness for alcohol means that they are more selfish and self-centered than the rest of humanity?

Is it appropriate to tell a child, who may be only be experimenting with drinking, that they suffer from a spiritual malady and the cunning, baffling, and deadly disease of Alcoholism?

Teenage drinking is a big problem, and I'm not saying itshould be ignored.

What I am saying is that no parent who cared about their underage child would permit them to attend AA without an escort, or turn a blind eye if they found out that their child was going to AA meetings without their knowledge.