02/13/2024
In our school system, students are not allowed to talk about any politics, but they are allowed to talk about anything sports-related....Interesting, politics are considered 'academic', whereas sports, well, are not. However, one is ok, the other, not. This raises some thought-provoking questions about the rationale behind this decision.
Supporters of the ban argue that politics is a highly volatile subject that often leads to things getting out of control due to strong emotional beliefs. Consequently, instead of teaching students how to discuss, debate, understand, and learn how to deal with such topics, they are simply banned from being discussed altogether. However, I find myself pondering where exactly this kind of dialogue is deemed appropriate.
If we consider the importance of these 'banned' topics in our society today, it becomes clear that they cannot be ignored. The school's argument that they are 'adult' topics and not suitable for students seems somewhat counterintuitive. Additionally, the notion that discussing these topics elicits excessive emotion and causes students to become unruly raises further concerns.
Moreover, as adults, we also face limitations on discussing these topics openly. In private, adult-only group discussions, certain words or phrases are considered taboo and carry an unwarranted amount of power. It feels as though we are trapped in a bygone era, where these 'curse words' hold the potential to wreak havoc on our society.
While I may not have all the answers, I firmly believe that we need to address these ideas and topics in a more constructive manner. We must consider developing a plan or process that allows for open discussion and encourages our children to mature into informed adults. It is crucial that we provide them with the necessary tools to navigate these conversations effectively. I’ve been working with my boys; however, talking with family, is different than when they are with their friends.
Thoughts???
