Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Dad Sells Son's Christmas Present After Dope Incident


Well, is this a case of a responsible parent demonstrating that there are consequences for his son's actions, or a case of a little greed when the reselling if the video game nets over $9000?

A Canadian dad finally found a rare copy of the Nintendo game, Guitar Hero III, on eBay for $90. He couldn't wait to give it to his son for Christmas. Alas, Dad comes home early one day to find his gamer son smoking a little of the weed with a couple other ne'er-do-well kids in the back yard.

So Dad, as a consequence, puts the sought-after game back on eBay and allegedly got a bid of $9100. Certainly a good business decision, it seems. But.... the debate now is whether he should have so publicly shamed his son (if indeed his son was awash in ignominy).

First, shouldn't it be the parent's responsibility to have a serious consequence for a serious violation? He could not have known what the Guitar Hero game could have brought at auction, so I think his windfall is just that. He taught his son a lesson that illegal activity will not be tolerated and certainly won't be rewarded. As a bonus, if the money comes through, he will have padded his bank account a little in the process of teaching this life lesson.

So my friends, does the punishment fit the crime? Is this in fact a crime in your eyes? Is shaming such a bad thing? How would you have handled this?

2 comments:

Jeff said...

I believe you are comparing apples to oranges. The punishment was that the son didn't receive the game he wanted so badly. The unintended "windfall" was a totally separate issue. While the Dad DID profit from a bad situation, that was never the original intent, and he should not feel bad (did he ever feel bad?) Take the money (assuming the sale goes through) and use it; maybe for a little father-son bonding?

Anonymous said...

I think the decision not to give the son the game was right on. I am so tired of hearing "threats" from parents followed up by ever purchase, gift, item, etc tthey give their kids. Entitlement is the workd that comes to min. So I smoked some weed - I am still entitled to a present... No way. I say bravo Dad well done. The fact that the Dad makes money off the deal is only going to benefit the son... can you say college fund?