I was forced to be a child star. It was never my dream or my idea (wilwheaton.net)

Article summary

The author, a former child star, recounts how they were forced into acting by their mother at the age of seven, despite their repeated pleas to stop. The author's mother has denied these claims, saying it was the author's idea to become an actor. The author argues that their mother's denial is a lie and that she is trying to protect her own image. The author shares their story to highlight the exploitation and abuse that can occur in the entertainment industry.

Main themes

• child exploitation
• parental abuse
• entertainment industry ethics
• informed consent
• childhood autonomy
• exploitation in the entertainment industry

What commenters say

• Forcing children into acting or other careers can be a form of exploitation and abuse, and parents should prioritize their children's well-being over their own ambitions.
• Children cannot give informed consent to participate in activities with long-term ramifications, such as acting or working in the entertainment industry.
• Some people believe that teaching children skills like programming or music can be beneficial, as long as it is done in a way that respects their autonomy and does not involve exploitation.
• Others argue that any form of coercion or pressure on children to participate in activities can be harmful and that children should be allowed to make their own choices.
• The entertainment industry has a history of exploiting and abusing child stars, and this problem is not limited to the past.
• Some people think that the concept of child stars will seem absurd and barbaric in the future, similar to child labor.
• There is a fine line between teaching children skills and forcing them to pursue a particular career or activity, and parents should be careful not to cross it.