[thegrimmest]

The authoritarian and condescending nature of it.

[Apocryphon]

Why is paternalism within the family not authoritarian or condescending?

[thegrimmest]

It absolutely is! In the context of raising a child, it may be appropriate. When interacting with an equal it is not.

[Apocryphon]

What determines equality?

[thegrimmest]

It is a moral axiom:

> We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal...

[Apocryphon]

And how are children, as men, not also created equal, yet still subject to paternalism?

[thegrimmest]

I think children are excluded from the definition of "men".