I really am going to stop commenting on the recent election, lol. But on a related topic, here’s something that struck me as I watched the proceedings on television…
One of the national news channels was showing footage of an elementary school class. I don’t know where it was, and it really doesn’t matter.
The teacher had asked the students what they thought of the election process, and what they thought having Senator Obama win might mean to the country.
A young black child stood when he was called on. He struck me from the beginning. His posture was rod-straight, and he wore dark pants and a stark-white shirt that looked like someone had taken the time to starch it. His mouth was a thin, tight line at first, and he stared at his teacher and spoke in a clear, decisive voice that seemed far more mature than his seven or eight years.
“The election of Barack Obama means that I can do anything I want to do. It means I can be anything I want to be. It means I don’t have to listen to anyone who tells me I can’t, or that I have to settle, or that I can’t…”
That stiff bottom lip of his trembled, and he blinked hard, looked away, and sat down, lowering his head so his classmates couldn’t see the tears on his face.
That little boy almost brought me to tears. And this isn’t necessarily a racial issue. It might apply to anyone. Because all I could think as I watched him was, “My God. What have we done to our children that they would feel so limited at such a young age?”
Well, I’m sure you know what I think about schools and what they do to the minds of young children. Most of my son’s schooling was done at home for a reason.
It’s terribly sad that kids are growing up, and being held down, at such a young age.
I’m glad to know that child is no probably inspired.
Most of my son’s schooling was done at home for a reason.
I think more and more people are doing this, Suzanne.
But then, I’m not sure that’s a good thing if the PARENTS are a little screwed up, y’know?
I know someone from work who did home schooling. The problem was that, basically, they had their sons read books written only by male authors (what’s the message there, huh?), the children had little interaction with others, and I think the wife’s belief system—that minorities like blacks, hispanics, Jews, were not to be “mingled” with—was passed on to the children.
This in their formative years. Easy to guess what they’ll be like when they’re adults.
Sasha, I’m glad the child was inspired, yes. Seeing an example of that kind of success will be good for him.
But it broke my heart to see that he’d already been exposed to that mind set.
And parents sometimes send a message to their children that they shouldn’t expect too much, trying to cushion any disappointments they may encounter later in life.
I’ve always believed that you teach your children they have unlimited potential, and chances are it’ll take root.
This is so very sad.
You see, on the other end of this, are schools who will spoon-feed (and probably even IV feed) kids to get them through…
Ha, troubled minds think similar thoughts…
Amie has a good post up at SFC.
***This in their formative years. Easy to guess what they’ll be like when they’re adults.***
Not necessarily. In my household, it caused the opposite effect.
Ha! That’s because you’re a stubborn, willful writer-type, Jordan Summers, lol. :)
Good point, I hadn’t thought of that.
So yes, it’ll have an effect, one way or another.
The trouble is we want our children to behave and also be creative. That’s a really confusing message. You can do anything to your hearts content, expect finger painting the walls for you own self-professed mural. My child asked me once why do I go to work. I had to tell her because I had to. Not the greatest answer, but the truth of this world. That’s what I have to prepare her for while still letting her know she can do anything she wants to do. The true problem is we’ve given money so much power and forgot about the actual quality of the life we live.