It kind of goes without saying, but I know we can all feel the tension in our class when we are talking about controversial topics such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Sure we might all disagree about the specifics of the role each item should have, or not have in the lives of our future students, but are there any certainties among these topics? I think so.
While none of these things are bad in and of themselves, their misuse can be harmful. I see no problem in getting together with a group of friends for drinks- hey! we're all doing it tonight at Mueller's (100 days, baby!!), but the abuse of any of these substances can lead to a very individualized cultre. I think that if the society we are in keeps promoting this individualistic culture, we are headed for the road of dispair. Think about it, the effects of any of these substances if used inappropriately, obtain the purpose to serve the individual, no longer the group as possibly first intended.
If our sudents are getting heavily involved in these drugs, (they're all technically considered drugs) where does the future of our society go? I'm suggesting not up. Our students are going to need some outlet to feed off of that would serve similar purposes as these drugs (not physical purposes, but social ones). From my own experience going to a Catholic high school where everyone was thought to have been rich, my peers could easily borrow some of daddy's money to go to their college fund (aka pill-party fund). Any sort of drug on the market are so easily accessible to our students, it's sad that we can no longer be surprised by what's out there. I think that the most effective and efficient way to solve a problem is to get to the root of the problem.
I would propose that one of the major roots of this drug abuse is the individualism helmet that we've all chosen to wear. Don't get me wrong, I am completely an advocate for the individual and "being who you really are," but the individual who is in life only for themselves is the one who is wearing the individualism helmet. I think we need to get society back on track to living the communal life, but how?
SHELBY!! I love the individualism helmet image. It is so true that today's society is so individualistic. Everyone seems to be in it for themselves. No one wants to benefit from helping others or being helped. It is sad what has happened in our society.
ReplyDeleteMaybe one way to go about getting back to a communal society (all for one, one for all)is by starting in the classroom. We teachers can easily make lessons incorporating group learning, etc... This way students have to work together for a common goal. Another step we educators can take is implementing some sort of service activity in our classroom and even school. Students can write letters to elderly members of the community, plant gardens/trees, raise money, etc... The possibilities are endless.
Shelby, this all goes back to the foundation of our ed program - builders of community. I expect that each of you will do your share in establishing classrooms where caring and sharing are of paramount importance, and that you will continue to build community throughout your schools and community. I really do believe that BC students become movers and shakers in the world that make it a better place for all.
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