HOMEGROWN: It’s Just Wrong
Seriously, how would you feel if …
• Your grandchild’s teacher called another teacher “stupid,” “ugly” or “piggy”? And then said, “I will absolutely apologize, sometime in the hopefully distant future, if I’m ever wrong.”
• The softball coach said: “I like to hang out with losers. I hate guys who are successful.”
• The school counselor mocked a disabled student.
• The janitor removed a portrait of the principal from when you attended the school 50 years ago.
• The schoolbus driver told his passengers, “Grab girls by the pussy. They love that.”
• The librarian removed beloved books including “Freckleface Strawberry” and “No Truth Without Ruth.”
• The superintendent demolished the gym over the weekend, thinking no one would miss it. Oh, then renamed it after himself using gold leaf and funds meant to support education and health care.
• The cafeteria manager changed the menu to all Big Macs and Cokes. Would you be OK with the principal showing up dressed as Superman, the Pope and Jesus?
All of these unthinkable statements and actions come from the president of the United States — verbatim quotes and actual actions.
We know that teachers, principals, bus drivers, coaches, nurses, cafeteria servers and librarians are role models for our children. When they speak with respect, tell the truth, encourage their students’ various talents and truly care about children, children respond with the same kinds of behaviors.
I have to assume we would not tolerate any of these examples in our schools. All of the aforementioned (fictional) public school employees would be fired within the day. “Fictional” because no bus driver or librarian or teacher or administrator I’ve ever known would ever act the way the president does every day.
Yet, we wake up each day with one more horrific example of bad behavior at the national level. This behavior and the attitudes behind them filter down to business, schools and daily life. When people in respected positions — like the leader of the nation — lie and cheat and disrespect others, it sends a message that it is OK, accepted, even admired behavior. It’s as simple as that.
Thankfully, there are still principled citizens who rise above the baseness of the high and powerful, and know how to behave for the collective good.
Julie Fulkerson believes that hopes and prayers will not repair this sad situation. Only action will lead us back to sanity and peace. Remember to vote!
Email: Juliefulkerson@mac.com.
