Didn't you just unplug it? GenX still does. Who cares? :)
Good piece, btw. I have ocassion to talk to young people (!!!) and I'll be passing on your thoughts, with attribution. One thing: leaving is scary and takes quite a bit of courage and self-confidence. People are naturally wary of the unknown, which can be overcome with open recoginition and discussion of their f.e.a.r. (false evidence against reality) and reassurance. Everyone, except psychopaths, has an internal moral calling. Thanks for this.
This ain't no rural thing - at all. The same exact thing happens in exurban, suburban and urban schools. Sports, especially football, is the common element and everyone, including elected officials, newspapers, administrators, teachers, parents, businesspeople and students all participate in it.
Heck, up until the 1960s, Ivy League universities #1 priority were SPORTS competitions arranged, exclusively for the sons of rich white Anglo-Saxon men. My word, the number of movies that revolve around some high school football team, coach, player, cheerleader, etc. is astounding. No matter how old you are, or where you live, Americans can't get away from this mentality.
Its no surprise to me, that Americans treat politics as a spectator sport. They cheer for their team, their quarterback, and their team captain and never realize its not a game.
If I had my way, there would be NO sports in schools at all, and all organized sports would be run by parks and recreation departments. The amount on tax money schools spend on sports infuriates me.
My neighbor reminded me that 4-H is bigger than football in rural areas, especially farm country (like ours). He's right, its huge in our area.
For readers who don't know what I'm talking about, 4H is an awesome program for young people
From their website... 4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. For more than 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.
Head, Heart, Hands, and Health are the four Hs in 4‑H, and they are the four values members work on through fun and engaging programs. The 4‑H pledge
I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
Lessons learned in 4H last a lifetime. For example, at the end of this month, I am entering my butter cookies in our annual county fair. Its not the prize of the recognition that I'm after. Its the 4H lessons on dedication and the continual, often years of work, required to really perfect something special - be it an animal you raised from birth, a plant you cultivate, a recipe you perfect, a skill you master, etc.
I agree the sports kids in school also are suppose to maintain grades but when i taught i was told to pass a kid who not only did he not bring his book he did not bring paper, pencil and the like. They took that class away form me and gave it to one of the coaches. I promptly resigned from teaching and pursued an education in nursing.
Teri, like everything else, including morals, this sports garbage thing trickled down from the ivy league universities that "pass' legacy students no matter what.
I had a cousin back in late 60’s with full ride to university of Miami in Florida. He was from Weirton, West Virginia. It was for football. He got a “C” first semester and lost the scholarship. Back to Weirton he went. I always thought that was the right thing to do. It has stuck with me since I was a high school student at the time.
This: "The needle skips in their mind."
I wonder how many people born since 2000 understand this line. 🙃
There was a needle in hard drives for a while, but I see your point!
Remember back in the day when we had to "park" our hard drive so the needle didn't get stuck?
Yeah, waiting 10 minutes for the dumb computer to shut down. ha!
Didn't you just unplug it? GenX still does. Who cares? :)
Good piece, btw. I have ocassion to talk to young people (!!!) and I'll be passing on your thoughts, with attribution. One thing: leaving is scary and takes quite a bit of courage and self-confidence. People are naturally wary of the unknown, which can be overcome with open recoginition and discussion of their f.e.a.r. (false evidence against reality) and reassurance. Everyone, except psychopaths, has an internal moral calling. Thanks for this.
yeah, I did :)
Thank you Erin! Yes, leaving is scary, but the rewards of facing your fear are priceless!
This is an excellent piece and it explains to me my longstanding distrust of team sports and their connection to mob mentality. Thanks.
Thanks Sally!
This ain't no rural thing - at all. The same exact thing happens in exurban, suburban and urban schools. Sports, especially football, is the common element and everyone, including elected officials, newspapers, administrators, teachers, parents, businesspeople and students all participate in it.
Heck, up until the 1960s, Ivy League universities #1 priority were SPORTS competitions arranged, exclusively for the sons of rich white Anglo-Saxon men. My word, the number of movies that revolve around some high school football team, coach, player, cheerleader, etc. is astounding. No matter how old you are, or where you live, Americans can't get away from this mentality.
Its no surprise to me, that Americans treat politics as a spectator sport. They cheer for their team, their quarterback, and their team captain and never realize its not a game.
If I had my way, there would be NO sports in schools at all, and all organized sports would be run by parks and recreation departments. The amount on tax money schools spend on sports infuriates me.
I think that might be a functional way to reform America.
My neighbor reminded me that 4-H is bigger than football in rural areas, especially farm country (like ours). He's right, its huge in our area.
For readers who don't know what I'm talking about, 4H is an awesome program for young people
From their website... 4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. For more than 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.
Head, Heart, Hands, and Health are the four Hs in 4‑H, and they are the four values members work on through fun and engaging programs. The 4‑H pledge
I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
Lessons learned in 4H last a lifetime. For example, at the end of this month, I am entering my butter cookies in our annual county fair. Its not the prize of the recognition that I'm after. Its the 4H lessons on dedication and the continual, often years of work, required to really perfect something special - be it an animal you raised from birth, a plant you cultivate, a recipe you perfect, a skill you master, etc.
LOL... I've floated the idea many times, and the pushback is brutal.
I agree the sports kids in school also are suppose to maintain grades but when i taught i was told to pass a kid who not only did he not bring his book he did not bring paper, pencil and the like. They took that class away form me and gave it to one of the coaches. I promptly resigned from teaching and pursued an education in nursing.
Teri, like everything else, including morals, this sports garbage thing trickled down from the ivy league universities that "pass' legacy students no matter what.
I had a cousin back in late 60’s with full ride to university of Miami in Florida. He was from Weirton, West Virginia. It was for football. He got a “C” first semester and lost the scholarship. Back to Weirton he went. I always thought that was the right thing to do. It has stuck with me since I was a high school student at the time.
Excellent topic. I struggle as my first reaction to a situation is to judge those involved and the motive. It is mentally exhausting.
Well stop letting rural tribalism hold you back for one second more. Starting now!!!!
Naturally. But I’m also concerned about other people, not just myself. I want to spare them from this agony too.
Start with yourself then try to be the change agent for those others too!
I did. That's why I wrote this article.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth..."
The tribe of Humanity is the only one I want to belong to.