While facilitating an Anger Management workshop for 25 high school students yesterday, a fight nearly broke out between two girls. Apparently one girl (who, incidentally, had completed this workshop once before) was being flirtatious with the other girl's boyfriend (the fact that both halves of this couple were referred to an anger management workshop is, in and of itself, cause for some concern). This near-fight took place during the last 20 minutes of a 6-hour long course. When asked at the beginning of the session to pick an animal with which they can identify (i.e. dog, cat, lion, etc.), most students refused and said, "I won't compare myself to an animal," yet they are so ready, willing and able to scream, hit, scratch, claw, and pull hair without any rational thought processes. Is it just me, or isn't it that cognitive ability that separates us from the rest of the animals?
Does this mean that I'm a failure? Is it even possible to modify the behaviors that are so ingrained in this generation?
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Yikes, Debra. I feel for you and, gosh, so admire you and the job you do. Maybe feels like you're the salmon fighting to get up the stream? Well, that's probably not a well-thought analogy, but I think despite so much going against you, you are there to make a difference. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteI actually just saw your comment on GillsAGoGo Lunch Quiz and was going to say
ReplyDeleteThanks!! You actually play along and I love you!
and then saw this post of yours.
Gary says to reread Thomas Sowell. I don't know that what your brother has to say is always helpful, but maybe? Hope so.
Wouldn't it be far better to have this convo in person!! : ) Come on over for lunch-- leftover lasagna. Or just move here already. Hugs.
ReplyDelete