by Lorie Anderson

Many are excited about the upcoming New Age movie, “Indigo,” written, produced, and directed by three renowned individuals who now live in Ashland - James Twyman, Neale Donald Walsch, and Stephen Simon. Appealing are the career opportunities, the camaraderie of movie-making, the promoting of spirituality and messages of peace and love. Promoters say it will stimulate the local economy and help our schools. But after examining the Indigo Child movement, and specifically the activities of co-writer/producer James Twyman, I see potential consequences for the community — and for children.

INDIGO CHILDREN

The Indigo Child concept was first popularized by the book, “The Indigo Children,” written by the husband and wife team Lee Carroll and Jan Tober. Carroll also portrays himself as a channeler for “Kryon,” a spiritual entity who predicted the coming of the Indigo Children - will wonders never cease?

The authors say that “the Indigo Child is a boy or girl who displays a new and unusual set of psychological attributes, revealing a pattern of behavior generally undocumented before.” For example, they act like royalty, have difficulty with absolute authority unless given choices or explanations, are easily frustrated (e.g. when waiting in line), are not shy, have difficulty with guilt-based discipline, are non-conformist, may seem antisocial and prefer to be with their own kind, and may have social difficulties in school. I, for one, see nothing new, unusual, or unheard-of here.

The Indigo Child concept may appeal especially to parents of children with mental health challenges, e.g. ADD, ADHD, autism, bi-polar disorder, conduct disorder, or a difficult temperament. Proponents target these label- and medication-wary parents. So, what is the harm in giving parents a positive spin on their children for a change — like Indigo?

INDIGO: THE COLOR OF MONEY - Indigo Children - a skeptical viewpoint