Now to the issue. Do you really think bloopering is a kindly thought that
abides by the golden rule? Do you really think this bloopering is
encouraging, enriching, and healing? Do you really think bloopering of
powerless students by power holding faculty is innocent? Do you really
think that this bloopering reflects enjoyment of teaching these students?
Do you really think bloopering is a celebration? Do you really think that
speaking negatively of students, of being so critical, allows you to like
them or like them more? Do you really think this bloopering isn't a
disguised form of rumor mongering? Do you really think this bloopering
isn't disguised stereotyping?
Where have I heard that nothing is meant, it's just kidding around,
lighten up, just poking some fun, not talking about anyone in particular,
it's an innocent laugh, we need a lift? Polish jokes? Italian jokes?
Women jokes? African-American jokes? And all those disrespectful, "did
you hear the one about..." demeaning jokes that once so easily flowed
regrettably from our tongues and which we so easily defended?
Let's suppose the blooper said "an African-American (or worse) student," a
"female (or worse) student," a "Jewish (or worse) student," a "Moslem (or
worse) student", a "Catholic (or worse) student," a "Polish (or worse)
student, do you think anyone would be out in arms screaming prejudice,
disrespect, and whatever? But, here we just say something about a little
ole plain "student" without the unacceptable adjectives and it is accepted
benignly. And you don't smell at least a contradiction.
DO you really think it is wrong of me, especially at this time of the
year, that I should say we all should think and feel and act kindly about
and towards one another, that we should struggle to understand and be
aware of and be sensitive to, that we should accent the positive? I never
knew of an unkind thought or statement that left a sweet taste in
someone's mouth, and I never knew of a kind thought or statement that left
a sour one.
Think kindness is whimpy? I will tell you after a few heart-rendering
conversations I had with a student and the student's parents, kindness is
not a weakness. I'll tell you that the kind people have the stronger
relationships, the stronger bonds of trust, the greatest love, the deepest
faith, the highest hopes. THey have the most happiness with themselves
and others. They have the greatest pleasure of living.
Think I'm over-reacting? Think I'm straightlaced or just a Scrooge? I'll
live with that, but you don't really know me.
If I come across as being judgemental, I publically apologize. I don't
mean to be. I don't know what is in anyone's heart. That is for each of
us to know and honestly search out. I do know that our words and demeanor
reflect what is in our heart. What's so wrong about replace hurting words
with healing words, discouraging words with encouraging words, impovishing
words with enriching words. Changing words can alter lives. Isn't it in
Solomon that it says something about reckless words pierce like a sharp
sword?
I can attest personally that by changing our languge, we can
change both ourselves and others. Rick is right. Just think of this, the
prof who stands out most is the one who encouraged or discouraged with
words. Who shall you be? Words are moving. In what direction shall they
push: up and forward or back and down? If we are nurturers, shouldn't we
use words as fertilizer instead of weed killer? Each time we utter
something, you have the power to heal or hurt. Some say it is easier to
poormouth. I once did. Now, in a decade long inner journey, I find it
impossible. And, I feel better about myself, each student, where I am,
and what I do.
Make it a good day.
--Louis--
Louis Schmier www.therandomthoughts.com
Department of History www.halcyon.com/arborhts/louis.html
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA 31698 /~\ /\ /\
229-333-5947 /^\ / \ / /~\ \ /~\__/\
/ \__/ \/ / /\ /~\/ \
/\/\-/ /^\_____\____________/__/_______/^\
-_~ / "If you want to climb mountains, \ /^\
_ _ / don't practice on mole hills" - \____
Make it a good day.
--Louis--
Louis Schmier www.therandomthoughts.com
Department of History www.halcyon.com/arborhts/louis.html
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA 31698 /~\ /\ /\
229-333-5947 /^\ / \ / /~\ \ /~\__/\
/ \__/ \/ / /\ /~\/ \
/\/\-/ /^\_____\____________/__/_______/^\
-_~ / "If you want to climb mountains, \ /^\
_ _ / don't practice on mole hills" - \____
---
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