Child Favoritism and Its Impact on Goku and Son Goten

It's a rhetorical question that often arises in the Dragon Ball fandom: If Goten had a profound lust for battle and desired to train every single day, would he be Goku's most favored child? The implications of such a scenario are profound, especially when considering the dynamics of family and the traditional values of the Dragon Ball universe.

The Absence of Favoritism in Goku’s Life

One intriguing point to note is that Goku himself does not appear to practice favoritism in any aspect of his life. From food to friends and even in the realm of training, Goku has shown a fair and equally distributed approach. This principle of fairness is paramount in the Dragon Ball series, where the strength of a character is often seen as a result of dedication and training, rather than innate talent or favoritism.

The Psychological Impact on Goten and Gohan

Should Goku have a favorite child, the dynamics between Goten and Gohan would undoubtedly change. The discovery of such a preference would likely result in intense competition and rivalry between the two siblings. The constant contest to impress their father could lead to stress and tension, potentially damaging their relationship and affecting their overall well-being. This scenario would add a layer of conflict to the already dynamic father-son relationships within the Dragon Ball universe.

Goku’s Potential Pride and Goten’s Training Motivation

However, it’s worth exploring the flip side. If Goten regularly trains and demonstrates a strong desire for battle, Goku would likely feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in his son. Goku's own training ethic and the importance he places on martial prowess are well-documented. His own journey from a child of a ‘Senzakai’ survivor to a renowned Saiyan warrior is a testament to the value he places on dedication and training.

It’s possible that Goku might take great pride in Goten's efforts, regardless of any arbitrary favoritism, especially if Goten shows the same level of commitment and growth seen in Gohan. The emphasis in the series is more on the journey of self-improvement and the pursuit of strength, rather than a predetermined ranking of children based on natural ability or parental preference.

Family Unification and the Importance of Equality

Ultimately, the core value of any family, in the Dragon Ball universe or in reality, should be unity, support, and equality. The notion of favoritism can often lead to jealousy, resentment, and even familial estrangement. When children feel valued for their unique qualities and contributions, they tend to bond more strongly with their family unit. This is a lesson that extends beyond the fictional realm and into the realm of real-world family dynamics.

It’s crucial for parents, especially in a dual-child or multi-child household, to maintain an atmosphere of equality and fairness. This doesn’t mean ignoring individual talents and strengths, but rather providing support and encouragement for each child to achieve their goals and feel valued for who they are, not just what they can do.

In conclusion, while the question of whether Goten would be Goku’s favorite child if he were a zealous trainee is intriguing, it is the values of fair competition, family unity, and mutual respect that ultimately define the essence of a parent-child relationship, especially for fans of the Dragon Ball series.

Thank you for reading!