Years back, I had traveled to my hometown and on one certain day, two of my cousins and myself were going back home from where we had gone to get something when this guy called out and said hello. I did not know him. None of us did, but we had seen him around.
We hadn't even thought to reply when one of my big cousins whom I hadn't seen anywhere around earlier said, "Don't talk to him. His father is a killer. He killed somebody." I saw the guys face fall a little, but then, they all began to laugh about it, and I continued on my way. I would confirm later that it happened and was no joke.
In this guy's case, and from that occurrence, I knew that he probably wasn't faulted for his father's wrong. His father most likely suffered the consequences of his actions alone. But look at it like this, I don't know his name neither do I know the exact house and compound that he comes from in the village but whenever I see him, all I remember him by is that his dad unalived someone. I hope you see where I am going with this. He may not have suffered direct consequences, but the stigma lives with him.
Now, let's imagine that his dad is unruly and is a psychopath and he, the guy, is cool-headed and disciplined. What sense would it make that the guy steers clear of issues but gets punished alongside his father when the man does bad? How cruel can that be!?
Another thing is, I don't think that any child physically gets punished or serves time, I just think that they face the consequences of the poor choices and decisions that their parents make. Say, the parent is an alcoholic, and the children may likely face abuse from the parents. Rarely would anyone blame the child for the parent's bad behavior.
I mean, there are homes where disciplined kids are raised by dysfunctional parent(s). There are homes where parents train and caution and teach their kid all the best morals, but he/she grows to become societal anomaly. You just can't fault the parents when the child goes crazy. It's enough that the parent already suffers some shame and pain. Being related to someone who perpetuates evil is enough suffering.
Children should not suffer for the crimes of their parents, but unfortunately, they often do. I know that it is hard to get away from a well known wrongdoing that a parent may even have served their dues or tried to rectify through the years because our society is not very forgiving but if a parent commits a crime he/she should dance to the music alone.
If the child, on the other hand, was privy to the wrong and was in support and/or did nothing to oppose it, then he should join in to face the consequences.
Otherwise, everyone should carry his cross.
Thanks for gracing this post.
Greetings!