Confined–Unaware & Content…
by John Donnelly…….
So filled with delusion and ignorance. Bound to ego consciousness and anger, unable to separate the wheat from the chaff. Violent in our thoughts and judgments, we’ve not learned much of anything, say to strike out and find fault.
The manner in which the United States and most nations of the world educate their young stinks; and has stunk for a very long time. Thus, a steady stream of war and violence. In one American city the murder rate doubles that of Iraqi and tops the death toll in Afghanistan. The teachers in that city are demanding a 30% pay raise. A school system where just 15% of their 4th graders are proficient in reading. The seeds of 78 years of liberal democratic policies, have bore a distressingly rotten fruit.
The charade, masquerading as education, even in the best schools, colleges and universities here and abroad; promotes propaganda and indoctrinating instruction that has little to do with “Reality”. What are we to expect from a steady stream of failed and flawed graduates, as they enter society and become our “new experts”.
Scientifically expanding consciousness and awareness will give us bona fide graduates possessing an ethical bearing and wisdom; capable of eradicating the filth we have created, while broadening our horizons and launching civilization into a “nirvanic age” of reason and enlightenment.
An educational program fitting the aforementioned bill, has been proposed to the Monroe County School System. It would be put in place and maintained without any cost to the district. In addition, there would be an annual $10,000 scholarship awarded to students at the 3 high schools.
“Paradigms and Systems” have become comfortable and familiar with the Darkness. It’s difficult for them to move forward towards the Light. Change and accountability are threatening, for there is a lot on the line for these purveyors’ of power, the status quo and nescience.
The neglect of students resultant from an incomplete and fraudulent education, has morphed into a pandemic epidemic of violence, malfeasance and corruption. No one escapes the consequences associated with an inconsequential and ineffective delivery of classroom instruction to our school children.
More important items are currently on the school board’s agenda. For now, a qualitative and world-class education, complete with scientific techniques advancing the manner and scope with which we solve problems, formulate solutions and view the world, will just have to wait.
I watched as my niece graduated college and became a teacher. I learned as she told me about parents and principals who supported disruptive students and students who refused to do their “homework,” scoring low/failing grades. I saw teachers being blamed for those studests’ failures. I witnessed the breakdown of family values and parents who indulged their children such that those children became a generation feeling ‘entitled’ to everything, working for nothing. And so it perpetuated itself. One can blame government only for so much before looking at the basic problem which caused it all – the lack of communication and strong core values in the family.
Keysmiata,
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on the article.
I’ve followed the contributing comments you’ve made in “The Blue”. They are beautifully put together and always make a lot of sense. It’s with interest and attentiveness, when I review your valued insights and perceptions. Thank you so very much…
I have great understanding and compassion for your Niece’s plight. Many Principals do not back their teachers, when it comes to student accountability and achievement in the classroom. Political correctness, along with avoiding the risk of critiquing a student in front of a parent, have become standard operating procedure for school administrators.
Education has become a way to earn a living. Many times teachers are thrown under the bus, if they take a stand on principle. Other teachers understand the charade and go with the flow, never demanding an optimal performance from those charged to the care.
Superintendents and School Administrators have to feed and care for their families. They’re aware of the political climate and they need their pay checks also. They’re not going to throw it all away because of a non-cooperative student shooting angles.
Through the years many seriously challenged and troubled students made their way into my classroom. From the start I was a different breed of teacher. I didn’t want to be different, I just was.
Recently returning from combat where I was wounded as a United States Marine, I looked upon my students as I did the Marines who served under my command. I placed my “Students First”. I was responsible for their well-being and all of their needs. Learning and achievement flowed from my establishing this as a priority.
Setting a safe and secure classroom environment, providing them with food and clothing, while treating them with individual attention and respect; perpetuated the atmosphere I demanded of them to maintain.
Learning was fun, as we set successive approximations toward greatness and reveled in our success. We started each class and instructional session with a period of Meditation; upon which we established a Positive Thought and Outcome to come from the subject being studied.
There were many testy times of turbulence, however, because of the relationships formed through the manner in which we treated one another in class, we grew closer and expanded our explorations of the world in which we lived.
I was never supported nor respected by my school principal. During my first year as a teacher, he came to the location where I was standing duty during lunch break, and told me that he had a dream about me the night before. He said: “I dreamt that you were on top of a mountain in a wheelchair, and I pushed you off”…..
As time went on and as an untenured teacher, I told him to fire me whenever he wanted to. I had checked with several other school districts and they desired my services. As life would have it, I began coaching and became involved with the community at many levels, as I started teaching at the college. I taught at the same school for approximately 20 years. During that time the principal was fired.
This principal’s statement to me was a Blessing, as it caused me to become totally absorbed and focused upon the achievement and success of my students. I didn’t look anywhere else for validation.
To this day, I’m contacted and visited by many students; as they love to share their hard times and victories in life with me. Also, they like to remind me of some of things I rather they had forgotten…
I concur with you, parental involvement can be helpful with a child’s education. However, I’ve found it never to be a pre-requisite for Student Success and Achievement. My experience as a Teacher has proven that no matter how neglectful or “bad off” a child’s home life may be; they still can learn, thrive and prosper in a healthy, safe and stimulating classroom…
Blessings & Respect, Keysmiata…
Thank you, John, for your sincerely-appreciated complements! I do wish to comment on your response, however. There is a great difference between you and the majority of the teachers these days. You taught as my old teachers did – teachers who were secure in their positions. had the respect of students, and loved teaching as well. I attribute that to your life experiences prior to becoming a teacher. They gave you the fortitude to stand by your principles and be the strong person who, by virtue of that, demanded respect. It made you a great teacher. Unfortunately, most teachers come straight out of college with absolutely no life experience, or street smarts, and hit the wall of complacency and resistance which permeates school management. They are insecure and don’t know how to handle it, so they acquiesce and become part of the problem. I still maintain, however, that the erosion of family values has the greatest impact. Family values build character strength in children and require respect for all people, including teachers. We are now seeing the results of two generations of eroded family values, and it’s causing problems everywhere, not only in schools. Witness who is the president-elect.
Keysmiata,
Always Appreciate & Value your thoughtful and detailed comments. They are “Spot On”…
As I recall, there never was any real interest or effort made by school officials or administrators to prepare, guide and support “New Teachers” as they readied themselves to enter the classroom.
First time teachers, for the most part, were not embraced by their colleagues and principals. Everyone was always so busy attempting to get themselves ready for opening day. Once the school year started, many new teachers suffered and struggled on their own, never really receiving support nor given a chance to get their feet firmly planted on the ground.
Many times because of their bad start in the classroom, these teachers became ineffective and were driven away.
I made it a point to visit each teacher having any instructional contact with my students, and provided them with some insight and teaching ideas that had previously worked in a classroom setting. Most importantly, I let them know that I would work with them; and whenever they deemed appropriate that they could send that student to my classroom and I would be certain that they would complete their assignments. Throughout my career, this arrangement was effective; positively impacting all parties involved.
I concur with you completely, the erosion of ethics and family values in this country has been damaging. I believe in open-mindedness, acceptance, inclusion and broadening one’s awareness, however, these attributes can all be practiced with a Spirit of courtesy, decency, respect; and love, when at all possible…
It appears to me at times that the ‘educational system’ is designed for failure. Throwing beginner teachers into classrooms without the backing that they need to be successful; while continuing to allow students to drift aimlessly, without a curriculum structured for Real and Authentic Achievement.
Blessings & Respect, Keysmiata–Thanks Again…
Hi John, over the years I’ve given some thought about this Entitlement philosophy that has taken over here in America. And, as much as I hate to say it I feel that it was as my generation that can take some of the blame. I was born in early 1940 in a blue collar family. I Do remember the hardships we experienced. My father was the sole support of our family. This went on thru the Korean Comflict when it became apparent that my mother would have to find a job. As I grew up I kept thinking, my kids aren’t going to have it as hard as I did growing up. So when my family arrived I made sure they got everything they wanted. I gave & gave & gave. Not remembering that when I told my mom–all my friends have Levi’s & I want some, she looked me in the eyes and said Get a JOB. Too bad myself and others like me didn’t learn.
Dr. Geno,
Your valued insights and understandings are always appreciated. Thank you for the thoughtful comment.
I arrived a little after you in NYC. As an extended family in the South Bronx we had our difficulties. For the most part we put petty grievances aside and focused on the big picture. My parents and grandparents valued education. Much was sacrificed so the children had what they needed to attend and succeed in school. We didn’t have much more than that. Yet, we never felt neglected or in want of anything.
Dr. Geno, I believe I have a big article being published in “The Blue’s” next edition. It addresses the Entitlement Society and other things. I hope you’ll be able to read it and publish your comments.
Thanks again for the many perceptions and ideas that you share. They are inspiring and well-thought out….
Blessings & Respect, Always…
Here’s the real answer! Watch it and see.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYIC0eZYEtI
Keysmiata,
Enjoyed the videos. Ended up watching several of them…
For myself, I wanted my life to have some sense of purpose and meaning. I didn’t look to the world for validation. I detached from many of the delusions society puts forth as Truth. Kind of marching to my own drummer. Playing the “games”, while wearing the material world as a loose garment. Riding loosely in the saddle of life. I’ve established other interests and priorities.
Thoroughly appreciated all of your insights and understandings. Thank you so very much.
Blessings & Respect, As Always
Hi John,
I couldn’t look to the world for validation. I got out of high school in the early ’60’s when it was still a white man’s world and women weren’t qualified to do any work – so they thought. Instead of bucking the system, I had fun! I became a commercial pilot because I knew I could do as well as males. I built up time doing ferry flights of planes needing mechanical work, but absolutely loved aerobatics (stunt) flying (except the moneyed males could afford high performance planes that I could not), flew under bridges because…, and flew down rivers and across Long Island Sound at five feet – like a speedboat! (Came at a freighter like a surface torpedo, up and over and down again, hoping they didn’t see my numbers!)
Flew two North Atlantic crossings, one in an old Queen Air in January which ended unexpectedly on the ice of a fjord (18 hours before rescue,-40 degrees, -80 degrees w/wind chill) near Narsaq, Greenland, during a blizzard because there wasn’t enough fuel to get to Sondre Stromfjord (automatic leaning with a ferry tank – it didn’t lean as much as it should have and wasted fuel). Flew for a service company in West Africa for a while, and frankly, really loved that because no on thought it was unusual for a woman to be flying planes. Chided male relief pilots from the states who couldn’t fly their way out of a paper bag without being told where to go by air traffic control – except there was no air traffic control in Nigeria and they had to fly by time/distance and radio stations, three on the same frequency, so they bitched and moaned the entire time, poor things.
I taught flying briefly under the British system (which is twice a difficult as here in the states, but then pilots under that system are twice as good), but it was boring. Eventually, I took up diving and dove in Saba, Cabo San Lucas, Belize, Cozumel, but loved the Caribbean especially Sint Marteen.
Oh, and I actually worked, too, because I wanted health insurance, but that was about it. Back in the States, I managed to weasel myself into neat assignments to ease the bordom – towing side-scan sonar from a boat on Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana; photographing storm damage along the East coast after nor’easters or hurricanes; accompanying exhibits at conferences all over the U.S. And I was an administrative person!
So you see, we are not so different, but I had to be better because I operated in a white man’s world, and even today, women have to be better!
Can’t wait for my next life!
Happy Holidays!