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TechnographOpinion: Child prodigies are people too
By Alan Xiang
Posted: 9/24/04 Section: Opinions
Eventually, normal people catch up to the young standouts who peaked early. They become nothing more than one of many talented individuals. In a classic study that tracked the lives of 1,500 child prodigies, none of them went on to win a Nobel prize. Two intelligent students who did not meet the criteria of "child prodigy" at the time of the experiment, however, would go on to achieve that honor.
The result is that the same people who once adored these child prodigies become indifferent to them. Oftentimes, these people will even detest the ex-child-star for achieving fame with marginal talent (compared to other adults). This flip-flop damages the psyche of the ex-child star.
Police recently arrested Edward Furlong and Macauley Culkin. Furlong, of Terminator 2, attempted to free lobsters from a supermarket while heavily intoxicated. Culkin, of Home Alone, had a controlled dangerous substance without a valid prescription and marijuana in his car.
To be fair, not all ex-child stars become unscrupulous drug addicts. Some do go on to be well-balanced adults after they pass their peak of celebrity. "Contrary to popular belief, I've never been to rehab," Culkin said.
The conventional trend is for parents to push their children to grow up quicker by replacing playtime with music lessons, soccer practice and private tutors. But if being a childhood success has little correlation to adult success, what's the point of ruining childhood?
Alan Xiang is a sophomore in engineering. His column runs alternate Fridays. He can be reached at opinions@dailyillini.com.
The result is that the same people who once adored these child prodigies become indifferent to them. Oftentimes, these people will even detest the ex-child-star for achieving fame with marginal talent (compared to other adults). This flip-flop damages the psyche of the ex-child star.
Police recently arrested Edward Furlong and Macauley Culkin. Furlong, of Terminator 2, attempted to free lobsters from a supermarket while heavily intoxicated. Culkin, of Home Alone, had a controlled dangerous substance without a valid prescription and marijuana in his car.
To be fair, not all ex-child stars become unscrupulous drug addicts. Some do go on to be well-balanced adults after they pass their peak of celebrity. "Contrary to popular belief, I've never been to rehab," Culkin said.
The conventional trend is for parents to push their children to grow up quicker by replacing playtime with music lessons, soccer practice and private tutors. But if being a childhood success has little correlation to adult success, what's the point of ruining childhood?
Alan Xiang is a sophomore in engineering. His column runs alternate Fridays. He can be reached at opinions@dailyillini.com.
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