We're on a healthy eating theme as of late here at school, and Mr. Tenent recently shared with me a new creation from the fast food market that is sure to hit River City sooner than later. Be forewarned; the graphic images of copious calories may be disturbing to some viewers.
With regard to healthy eating choices, some of our boys have balked at the "no candy" policy, respectfully displaying their opposition in the populist form of collecting signatures in order to reverse the Draconian edict. Notice I say, "respectfully." These boys are in training to become leaders, independent thinkers who look for opportunity in the face of a set-back.
Good for them! We respect their overt challenge. It's a sign of their emotional intelligence, their both intuitive and trained, responsive act of negotiating for their wants rather than folding in a submissive resignation. It may be a controversial discussion to some, but we like it when a boy stands up for himself. Schools may too often be tempted to practice either a permissive allowance or a cold, hard line when students exercise their opinions, and we admittedly operate with the luxury of serving good kids from good families in a culture of personal responsibility. That is our advantage.
"Talking back" to an authority figure is not the case here. Talking back does occur, and it is disrespectful, selfish, and the sign of a spoiled child in need of correction. In contrast, their respectfully gathering signatures is evidence that all of us, parents and teachers alike, are doing our jobs.
This summer I read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. It's a fun, insightful read presenting the reasons as to why some individuals lie outside of the regular ability distribution. In other words, can just anybody be Bill Gates? Did his home environment, time of birth, and the coinciding cultural developments contribute significantly to his opportunity for fame? Chapters 3 and 4 present a type of case study where nature and nurture are compared and contrasted in the lives of some very bright children turned adults, and the main theme of environment supports my argument for being excited about our boys' petition.
The boys still don't get candy, but they may have earned the opportunity for something better. We would like them gradually to comprehend the larger picture surrounding the seemingly trivial act of gathering signatures. That's just an example of why it's exciting to work with these fellas.