My son plays guitar, and he was invited to play with a frind of his at an open mic. night at the friends "alternative" high school. Lots of artsy fartsy type kids, and sitting there listning to them it occured to me:

Does adult encouragment of arts and music in teens breed mediocrity? It seemed every crappy everything theese kids put out they are told is wonderful and creative so they never dig any deeper.

I feel sort of like a scumbag thinking this about theese kids, but I swear there was more genuine creativity in the juvenile delinquint kids I used to manage at Burger King than there was in this group.

The same thing happens in my school with the Gifted and Talented classes. These students are constantly told how brilliant they are so they never acomplish shit.

YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO HELL!!!!!

glamslamkid said:

yes, i drool over red x's. damn. i still don't know how to post pics..

when i was in school, i had a teacher who encouraged my writing by challenging me to do bigger things than what i'd accomplished. i'd do really well on writing a short story, and she'd say to me, "okay, but can you write a short book?" she was really great at challenging me while at the same time believing in my talent, and i was really lucky that she paid special attention to me with the writing projects she gave me. it's probably why i love to write so much now.

Anxiety said:

What a great teacher. Have you thought about contacting her to let her know how much she inspired you?

Reincarnate said:

yeah, but it was impossible to find her...i'll probably try again someday. i would like to send her a packet of the writing i've had published and let her know she was a big part of why i was able to get stuff published.

Anxiety said:

I'm sure she'd be very proud.

My sister is a teacher and finds it very tough at times. It's a thankless job. I would love some of her pupils to contact her some day, to let her know all the evenings and weekends she works weren't in vain.

Sweeny79 said:

You teach what, third or fourth grade? I think this prevails all thru theese kids lives and then we get untalented peole entering the entertainment industry all full of themselves, or worse ad agency people.

paintsprayer said:

3rd grade

and Anx I hear you, that's what a good teacher is supposed to do, inspire, challenge and praise students BUT when there is no challenge only praise, kids get sloppy.

Sweeny79 said:

KIIIIIM!!! ...lol sorry to jack this thread, but I've been meaning to orgnote Byron and find out where you were - you've been missed!

Natisse said:

Thanks love, Missed you too

Sweeny79 said:

...it's good to have you back

Anxiety said:

You need to brush up on your spelling.

althom said:

Brush up with your vegemite.

paintsprayer said:

Shouldn't this be in P&R?


[Edited 12/5/04 21:09pm]

subhuman09 said:

But it doesn't involve polotics or religon?

paintsprayer said:

only THIS sentence
Does adult encouragment breed mediocrity? .


its a joke ... hehehe

Mach said:

(got the joke, feigned ignorance is good for a thread bump)

paintsprayer said:

LMAO

ok ok ...


BUMPS thread again ...