So with my freshman, I end the year with the Russian Revolution. I really pound communism, socialism during the Industrial Rev, and come back to it at the end during the Russian Rev. Well, I have a great student, called Student A, who even though A is intelligent and sweet, considers themself a Bernie supporter and socialist. A is serious, but one of those mature young students who is still immature about life.
Students B, C, D are all F students. Three who site right behind A in my class. All year these three students have blown off class occasionally, and never really tried. Well, one barely passed with a D. Another COULD be great if they tried, but they just don't care. I have reached out to all three, really hammered them all year on the idea that where they end up in life is solely and completely THEIR fault, and that as freshman they still have time to turn it around. But, 2/3 flunked and the last got a D.
Anyway. B,C,D never tried, always sat in the back. Kinda lazy. Student A sit right in front of them, always alert, attentive, worked hard. A few weeks ago I stole the Star Ship Troopers explanation of socialism of track and field off of here. The part about not being proud of an unearned 1st place medal. I used that in my class to explain what I feel the flaws of socialism and communism are. Mentioned how all over our country adults and do-gooders want to stop even keeping score at young sporting events. Told them how many adults think everyone should get a medal, everyone should win, and their should be no score keeping. I then asked how many would watch a Super Bowl if they did this? How many would even care about Kobe Bryant or Micheal Jordan if there was no score. Asked them how many thought that on a 7 year old soccer field if any of the kids would still secretly keep score and try to 'win'? Asked them how the adults would react if at the end of the game one team celebrated a 'win' with no score keeping, and how they would be treated for it? Discussed what they thought of this. They all were in shock. Also talked in great detail about Stalin, the 5 year plans, starving the Ukrainians, how the Russians controlled people with hunger and fear of one another. Anyway.
Fast forward to the day about 1.5 weeks ago when this class played a review game. 3 teams. A is on the same team as B, C, D completely by chance. I could not have planned what followed any better.
A's team wins. Wins mightily well, by the way, and about 50 or 60% of the work done by student A. When I start passing around a piece of paper for the whole team to sign to get extra credit on the final, student A raises a hand. I call on A, and for the first time all year I hear negativity from A. A says 'why do they get the points? They didn't do anything'. Thats almost word for word. Meaning, during the game they answered no questions. I was, to admit, shocked by the question from A as normally A is quiet and sweet. I looked at her, smiled, and just said 'Because....its socialism baby! Everyone gets the same, regardless of how hard they work! Isn't it great?!'
The three laughed, and maybe it kind of put them in a certain place. But given what I know after a year, I did not care a great deal. I feel I HAMMERED A POINT on a student that I feel will have an impact on the world, and I hope this moment in time sticks with them.
I have carefully left out all references to sex, or any other identifying things. Cannot be too careful. As God as my witness I have not made this up, it happened, and I loved it. This student also gave me just two days ago an awesome review at the end of the year, told me that I am in their words 'quite possibly the best teacher they have ever had'. I add that to note the incident did not hurt them, or piss them off at me. I just hope it made A think, as I know how awesome they are and could be.
I tell you all I am one of a few at my school fighting the good fight.
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