Foolish to them
Last week I asked my students why they cover their answers when I walk up and down the rows in my classroom and almost in unison they retorted, “We don’t want to be told we’re wrong,” to which I replied, “But what if you are wrong?” My response was 80 percent jest. I posed a second question as to what’s the worst of these three: #1 Embarrassment #2 Suspension from School and #3 Hunger. Of the 32 or so who voted, embarrassment topped the list overwhelmingly. About 20 students said they hate or fear embarrassment more than even being hungry.
I couldn’t argue that I was any different than them. When I asked, “What if you are wrong and need correcting,” one student said, “If we’re wrong, aren’t we about to find out when students start shouting out the answers? Aren’t you going to let us know who’s right and who’s wrong? Isn’t that the point of the Do Now [activity we do at the start of class]?” He was respectful and I couldn’t argue with that either.
Maybe we live in a culture of the ridiculous meaning, people take joy in ridiculing others to the extent that no one wants to appear foolish. and when no one wants to appear foolish, no one attempts great things. No one values novelty, originality or creativity. This “culture of ridicule” surrounded me in the 1980s and doubtless many who came before me. That’s why I was ashamed of my G.P.A. and my broad music taste. Why admit you enjoy your honors classes, Kenny Loggins and gospel music when it’s more acceptable to listen to Ice Cube, feign ignorance and brandish bravado after school
Embarrassment is the sum of all fears and maybe these kids of mine were onto something. The question is whether or not we’re willing to risk looking foolish in order to truly compete against the PRETENSE.
Posted: by Norman Anthony
Category: Uncategorized
Embarrassment is why public speaking is the number one fear. Even more so than the fear of death. Its important to teach the simple truth that we are all messed up we are all at times wrong and when, not if, but when we fail to keep moving forward. Great book by John Maxwell, “Failing Forward” Mr. Maxwell says, ” When you fall, clean the floor while you’re down there.” Another way of saying learn from your experience, make it worth while.
On another note, this is why christianity is so offensive to people. It is the only one world religion that says YOU ARE WRONG!!!! And there is nothing that you can do on your own to make it right. It was already done on the CROSS, just except the free gift of salvation. Remember no works, special sayings, positive thinking, gihad, etc…. will get you into heaven. So all that to say yes, we are all wrong and as Paul says(paraphrasing), “That no one is good, no not one is good.”
This reminds me of many of my life experiences. When I was a child I would take an ‘F’ before I got up to speak in front of the classroom. I still have that fear; however, I know that God has called me to speak in front of people..lol. Thus, I am minoring in speech communications. It can only be a God thing because it’s not anything I ever wanted to do;-) And by the way, I think I’ll check out that book by John Maxwell…