Pity the children

Kids are on drugs.

No, not the ‘fun’ kind but actually the very opposite. I’m talking about the drugs that bring ‘em down to the required level of compliance and docility that enables even the most incompetent, ill-educated, teacher to control them.

This article by Johann Hari in The Independent reveals the scandalous use of mind-altering drugs in the British education system – although I suspect the North American experience may be even worse in this regard.

And what an interesting statement this is:

“It is no coincidence that ADHD and Ritalin have risen as corporal punishment was phased out. Until the 1970s, the dull factory model of schooling was upheld with the sanction of physical force: if you didn't sit through it obediently, you were beaten. Now that is (thankfully) no longer permitted, we have replaced the cane with a cane-for-the-brain”

This all relates to the changes in education introduced from the 1980s which have succeeded only in producing a generation of ignorant, self-centred, brats with an almost comically ill-deserved sense of superiority.

They have created a classroom in which a child who doesn't have a 'learning disability' is considered a freak. The psycho-babble industry, reflected and glorified in the hideous 'Oprah' culture, has convinced us that if little Johnny says 2+2 = 5 then he should be congratulated for expressing himself in a new way. In my world, little Johnny needs to be told that the answer is 4. And told. And told. Until he knows. And why the answer is 4.

Ah, but - in the esteemed words of Mr. Timbaland and the one of the Pussycat Dolls who sings - wait a minute. Isn't this blog supposed to be about challenging orthodoxy and breaking down barriers in society? Indeed it is. But call me a dull old Victorian (a much maligned society not given enough for running the biggest Empire man has ever known...for good or ill), I really don't want to hear the pompous ramblings of 8 year old Jocasta. Sorry Jocasta, it turns out mummy and daddy are idiots and what they told you about *whatever* was actually balderdash. Perhaps when you have gotten an education and learned how to think for yourself then we might want to hear you. Until then, go to school, shut-up, and don't speak until you're spoken to, got it?

The problem many children appear to have, and now sadly this generation has grown-up so we see it in adults, is that no one told them that they can't sing. No, not literally ya fool, but metaphorically. Although perhaps the opening rounds of those TV talent shows are revealing after all. No one ever had the guts to tell little Tammy from Idaho that her voice has driven at least four members of her extended family to suicide. No, better to tell her she's a superstar surely? And then let the harsh reality destroy her entire belief system when the world collectively shouts "Next!" when she goes for that gig she had been told was virtually her birthright.

Far too much about education and children, not subjects I expect to talk about often, so there's your fill for the next while at least. My final word on that is on higher education. Again, call me a bluff old sentimentalist, but I actually rather think education should be free. Or, I should say 'free at the point of delivery' since god knows the government will receive quite enough in future taxes from those who decide to better themselves through education, never mind the fact that parents have likely forked-out a thousand times more than it costs to 'provide' said education. But I’m sure I will return to the subject of higher education at a later date. I know you will look forward to it.