This should help explain why children are no longer interested in stories taking place in "Days of Yore." It was not long ago that black people were forced to sit at the rear of the bus and drink from a different fountain, but now we have a black man in office! Why is this so? Because as slow as people can be, we are always learning and hopefully putting these lessons into making the world a better place--as corny as this may sound, it is true. The one major change that will continue to alter outcomes at a rapid pace is technology, and with this knowledge not only comes "power" but also "hazards." Our children today are much more aware of worldly situations than when we were kids.
In the early 80's, (speaking from experience and quite aware individual results vary) teachers possessed a little more power than they do now. Quite often, these "sources of power" had quaint nicknames such as the Enforcer, perhaps even conveniently tattooed across the wooden handle as it dangles on the wall. This was a constant reminder to the students of who was indeed, in control of the classroom. There were seldom any notes written to Johnny's parents, and if a parent received notification, that was a last resort before expulsion.
But the situation is a lot different now. Two years ago, a student who instructed to stay outside until his teacher returned, refused to come in when another teacher, whom he was unfamiliar, came out to gather the class. Because of this "disobedience" he was to remain in the office until the class "holiday" party was over (no longer allowed to be called a Christmas party), the following day. Decidedly, he would have allowance to reconvene with his classmates afterwards. Will this boy remember his punishment for the rest of his life because he did follow directions given by his teacher?
Another child's parents were contacted because a girl told her best friend she had chalk marks on her nose. Her friend had no chalk marks, however. Amused at the futile efforts to remove it, she continued to tease her friend until, exasperated, the victim broke into tears and told the teacher. The parents of the disparaged child called the school to report what happened to their daughter. The principal then spoke to the girl who had taunted her and it was decided they should no longer play together and the friendship was discontinued. No wonder our kids play with so many video games, right? There are no emotions to protect there. The less emotions our children are conditioned to feel, the less they'll have conflict and learn traits of natural critical thinking.
Let's face it, way back when things were a lot different than they are today and the whole Alice in Wonderland deal of "Off with her head!" really meant business! Nowadays, expect several notes and warnings from teachers who have their hands tied and do what they can to try to "nip it in the bud." When kids don't come home with black eyes, but cruel words and threats scribbled on their notebooks, there's the sign--the real sign of danger for a head's up before the Queen of Hearts steps in to finalize the deal. Kids today have a whole new set of "do's and don'ts" and eventually the straw is bound to "break the camel's back." If there are any doubts, consider all of the outbreaks from kids in the past few years.
If kids do not learn to with conflict, who do we find holding the bag when they suddenly have responsibilities?
The bottom line is that children must have a sense of discomfort in knowing something is not correct, so they can learn to make changes. If they are not given attention, instruction, and expectations, as well as kudos and gratitude, they become so confused they will become harmful to others and themselves.
No comments:
Post a Comment