I think it would make it much easier to handle if the matter of
Hostile Hallways could be solved by good parenting or simply termed
traditional youth rebellion.
Unfortunately, this issue is multifaceted and quite complex. What I have
observed and concluded in nearly 30 years educating children is the lack
of and need for emotional education skills of healthy communications
between peers. Educators are not required to provide models or be a model
for this, instead using dominant crack down approaches to "inappropriate'
interactions when it happens in the classroom and simply ignoring it in
the hallways. This creates cyclical generational oppression and a
negative peer culture.
As well, the status quo education system fails to adequately address the
vital issue of equity, resulting in stereotypes and prejudices
to gut the schools. These dysfunctional communications cover all of the
"isms." Everyone gets their share of this in some form. Sexism, racism,
lookism probably prevail in most schools.
Parenting is vitally important and can be the rock of strength to help
children survive in the schools. However, since most parents came from the
same schools which ignore socialization to a great extent, they simply
don't have the consciousness, skills and love to meet this expectation.
Even though good parenting is a top priority, the schools, community,
media and society all have their roll in educating the children. Even
great parents can't stop the negativity, vulgarity and violence we are
inundated with daily in America. Such random "educational" resources as
T.V., music, movies, newspapers etc. can be hazardous to the health. Even
more so, your child's fellow students share the information and influence
each other at an alarming rate. This fact, along with the stress and anger
many children feel due to various dominating system and social factors
culminates in unhealthy emotional development and potentially unsafe
actions.
There is more than this bit of info, but it is all that I have time for.
Somehow, people need to develop their hearts so they can truly be there
for the children. It is a crise in consciousness we are living. Our kids
need us.
For the children,
Jean-Marie DeSpain, M.S.
Educational Ideals
<jdespain@efn.org>
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