All Change Is Not Progress—the Diaper-Free Movement

My PhD adviser would frequently state that “the only constant in life is change.” These words struck a chord with me. In life it’s true that everything is constantly in flux. The metaphysical definition of time fundamentally involves change. As a corollary, the fact that time passes from one day to the next, or from one nanosecond to the next, assures us that some change is taking place.

In such a context it’s interesting that our political sphere juxtaposes conservatives and progressives. It’s as if one group of people is frozen in time (namely the past) and the other is moving towards the future (progress). Unfortunately, all too frequently liberals equate change with progress. Not all change is progress. Change in a positive direction is progress. Change in a negative direction is regression. Change on a lateral scale is simply alteration.

Current affairs are chock full of examples of regression championed as progress. It’s a pity. A recent AP article entitled Growing Diaper-Free Movement Relies on Babies’ Instincts, Body Language piqued my interest. The article exhibits a group of parents who believe that “elimination communication” can enable babies to relieve themselves without the use of diapers. Environmental concerns and skin irritation phobia inspire this diaper-free movement. The article states a third reason: Others were inspired by observing the practice while traveling abroad. Hmm. Mary and I had the experience of observing the practice when we were living in Beijing. Let me tell you something: it’s not something that we liked to observe. I am all about teaching children self-control. I am pro-communication between parents and children. I like Mother Nature. And, for Pete’s sake, going to the bathroom is a part of life. BUT. But, but, butt. I don’t think that the diaper-free movement is a step forward.

On one occasion we were walking into an international mega-shopping store, Carrefour—the French version of Wal-Mart. A few yards away from us, a matron stooped to assist her year-and-a-half old grandson take a tinkle next to the front entrance to the store. On another occasion, I encountered a 12-year old boy at an ice-rink with a large hole in the crotch of his jeans. It appeared that the diaper-free movement in China extended beyond the U.S. diaper years. We were accustomed to seeing repercussions of the diaper-free throughout the city. Discretion and subtlety were absent; cleanliness and hygiene, afterthoughts. Babies (adolescents!) with self-control…umm, maybe. Yet, this life is full of trade-offs. I will take diapers and the many woes that may come. From experience and common sense I cheer for diapers and real progress. Gosh: it’s a good thing that not all change is progress.