Ahhh, Minnie you are showing your age :-) I was handled the very same way you were, I was a kid, there was no choice for me, I went where I was told.
Unfortunately or fortunately, things have changed. Parenting has changed. You also had 2 parents who provided a united front, Emily's daughter does not have that. She is having to choose between her mother and father.
Yes, more kids than not nowadays are given choices to make, even at a very young age. Do I agree? Not in every instance. My daughter is very mature and even at a very young age I could have a conversation with her. It worked very well with her and still does. My son on the other hand ..... well, that's for another day another time!
So as much as I can appreciate your opinion, parenting is just not like the "good old days! ;-)