Don't choose violence

Wild ideas about what to do when you've been wronged

My sophomore classes were reading “lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl….

(First period):

Me: what do you think this story is about based on the title?

Boy: Oh boy, someone is about to die.

Girl: Poor little lambs are going to be slaughtered. That’s sad.

Girl: Someone is going to go crazy.

——

(8th period, after reading half of the story):

Girl 1: She didn’t need to kill him!

Girl 2: He deserved that!

Girl 2: Nah, she could’ve just slashed his tires like sane people do.

Me: She clearly never heard the Carrie Underwood song.

Girl 3: HA! Good one Mrs D.

Class begins debating and discussing how the right thing to do would be slashing his tires or setting his clothes on fire.

Me: Ummmm…. Or divorce him and take him for all he’s worth.

Girl 2: Oh yea, that’s good too.

(Bell rings)

Me: Have a good evening. Don’t choose violence!!

Battling injustices will provide an incredible opportunity for a heated classroom discussion. Admittedly, I was a bit alarmed by some of the responses from my students. More than anything, I was incredibly humored by them. One student may have claimed he was surrounded by a bunch of crazy chicks. I can’t say I disagreed.

Have you noticed our society is not excelling at handling conflict? One student asked how he is supposed to learn how to handle problems effectively if the adults around him don’t seem to be able to do it. He makes a solid point.

In my observations, it seems there is a vast double standard. Dependent on one’s beliefs, they shout for acceptance and tolerance. But lo and behold if someone doesn’t hold fast to the same set of beliefs. That same acceptance and tolerance being shouted about is so rarely offered. And that leaves us with a people thinking slashing tires and destroying property is sane and the rational choice.

Bless our wayward hearts.

There are students showing up with beliefs far different than my own. They are making choices, with support of their guardians, that I in no way shape or form agree with, or think are wise. But you know what? It doesn’t matter. I can still show up and be respectful and kind. I can even have conversations about topics we do not agree on and never once become angry, upset, or appalled because I am an adult.

These young people need better examples. They deserve people who don’t demand respect for one person in one moment and slander the name of someone else in another. There is a better way to handle these situations, and the next generation deserves better.

Side note, screaming and hollering and negativity have never resulted in a person changing his or her mind. Choose better.