Source: Los Angeles Times
by Marcus Bell
“The phrase ‘kids will be kids’ has long been used to excuse bad behavior. It grew out of a centuries-old idea that youth itself should confer some form of immunity — that immaturity, carelessness or even cruelty are simply part of growing up. What began as a forgiving nod to childhood mischief has evolved into a cultural permission slip …. One damning recent example comes from a Politico report on a leaked group chat of young Republicans trading racist epithets, celebrating sexual assault and making antisemitic jokes about gas chambers and loving Hitler. … Speaking on ‘The Charlie Kirk Show,’ Vice President JD Vance offered a forceful defense of the participants, arguing that ‘the reality is that kids do stupid things, especially young boys — they tell edgy, offensive jokes. That’s what kids do.’ … Contrast this dismissive framing with how Vance responded to offensive comments in the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination.” (11/13/25)