Falling in the "odd news" section of today's news of the North County Times ... headline: "Rhode Island school bans talking at lunch after choking incidents". The article goes on to state that the students cannot talk in the cafeteria (while they are eating) - presumably so that teachers can hear when a student starts to choke. In fact, they are only allowed one trip to the trash can.
So, answer me this... will one of the students sitting near a choking student not take on the responsibility of alerting a teacher that someone is choking? Or maybe address this question... when the kids sit quietly all day long and now they are expected to quietly sit through lunch - when CAN they have social interaction?
Yes - I'm on a soap box. Society uses the "children's safety" excuse as a reason to prohibit them from talking, as a reason to not punish them (no spanking - no using the word "NO" - no squashing their creative license), etc.
However, as I'm seeing it, society is using this excuse to remove independence and responsibility from their worlds... taking away learning opportunities, taking away discipline, taking away responsibility.... oh, I could go on and on.
And, oh - it gets better. Now we get into the realm of double-standards. An excerpt from the school’s website… (St. Rose School: http://www.saintroseschool.com/)
“Peanut Free School – Please remember we are a peanut free school. This means NUTS OF ANY KIND are not allowed in school. There are several students in our school that are allergic to nuts (this includes all kinds) for their safety please refrain from sending in any kind of tree nuts or peanuts.”
OK - so peanut allergies have proven to be life threatening. Understood.... and then in the very next paragraph…
“Asbestos – It is the Diocesan policy to make all parents aware of the fact the school building has asbestos. It is a policy to let you know that the asbestos is inspected each year to assure the safety of the students. It is also a school policy to let you know the yard around the rectory is maintained by a lawn service. The company uses lime and fertilizers. Father has asked that all students and parents refrain from walking on the lawn.”
simply exasperated....
1 comment:
I love how politically correct our world is. Don't step on toes. Protect everyone from everything. It's ironic that it's becoming that way in a society that believes more and more that there is no moral absolute. You know what? As a person with allergies to beef I'm highly offended that I've been excluded from a safe campus as they still serve hamburgers! No, I'm not actually allergic - but you see my point.
Anywho, I'm on the soapbox with you too. And look, I found your blog!!
-Eddie
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