Cruel and inhumane?
People's opinions are split on what the right thing is.
At my school, the eighth-graders practiced Wednesday and Thursday for today's graduation. Those who did not meet the meager standard required to walk the stage (1.5 GPA) sat in the back of the gym by themselves while the rest of their peers marched to "Pomp and Circumstance" and practiced shaking the principal's hand.
Some think it is a shame that the non-grads have to sit there in shame, while others think it is something they need to see.
What do you think? Is it "mean" to make them watch, or is it justice and a good life lesson?
4 comments:
Hmm, great question.
Well, whether or not the children watch or not, the ceremony will still go on.
I think its a great life lesson. Even tho the range of emotions those children may feel, be it embarrassment, anger, jealousy, unfair, humility, etc, perhaps all they need is just a little extra boot, to get them back on the right foot?
Afterall, they made the choice not to work hard enough or to study enough, to get where their fellow classmates are. And in life, every little chioce we make, even tho it may seem small at the time, may change the course of our lives. There are ALWAYS consequences for ones actions.
Yeah, Jacer, I am with you. I think they should feel bad--real bad. They should feel so bad that they remember that feeling and vow never to let it happen again. Thanks for stopping by!
I say that it is wrong to make these kids sit in the back to watch.
Hi, btw. I have been lurking for awhile and decided to comment.
I agree with jacer that there are consequences to our actions, but I disagree that the reason they are failing is that they made a choice not to work hard or to study hard. Chances are the majority of these kids are special ed, have horrible home lives, or both. Isn't that fact punishment enough.
Dori:
I am so glad to hear from you, especially because you bring a different point of view to this particular topic. I know there are a lot of people at my school who agree with you.
You are right, though the non-grads are not mostly special ed, they obviously do have other issues. The home life is certainly one of them. I can't imagine what some of their lives are like with the things they have to overcome.
Unfortunately the world does not give a pass to people who have had it rough. While teachers and parents might be able to shield kids from further "punishment", there comes a time when they are all on their own. The world is a cruel place and I think the NICEST thing we can do for them is let them feel how horrible/embarrassing it is to not graduate. It is a learning opportunity that we are denying them if we shield them from that reality.
Post a Comment