On Sat, Apr 23, 2011 at 12:40 PM, Chap Harrison <c...@pobox.com> wrote:
> That's all just to say that, while the traditional sci/tech culture may > still be rife with big shots and ass-hattery, it's worth summoning the guts > to look straight into someone's eyes and quietly insist upon being treated > with common courtesy. They're actually not as dumb as they act! :D Chap, that's an excellent point and your story is a great teaching story. I've been in your shoes before. You know, at my children's school they have a rigid anti-bullying policy. If you, as a child, have been called out for bullying you're required to fill out this worksheet (fair warning: comic sans ahead): http://www.mtlsd.org/lincoln_elementary/stuff/bully%20think-about-it.pdf I'll copy for those without PDF readers. 1. What did you do that doesn’t fit with our Lincoln School Rules? (Be specific and start with “I”) 2. Why was this behavior wrong or hurtful to others? (Who did you hurt? How do you know you hurt that person?) 3. What problem were you trying to solve? (Think about it…were you trying to have fun? Did you want someone to listen to you or leave you alone? Were you trying to impress your friends? Were you angry about something else?) 4. Next time you have that problem, how will you solve it without hurting someone else? (Please list at least three ways and choose one) I'd say this worksheet applies to our experiences on the beginners mailing list. If you've been called out for bullying, whatever the form, it would be prudent to fill out this worksheet. The skill of accepting constructive criticism is a learned one; not everyone has it. If you do, though, it means your effectiveness within *this* group dynamic will not diminish on account of failing to hear your audience's feedback. Cheers, -- Casey West
