Fear... Fear seems to be an overwhelming feeling in the air where I teach. Within the past two weeks, the entire school has been directed to "report any rumors to administration." Morning announcements have warned students that they "can get in trouble for mean looks or staring." Sad, I know.
I distinctly remember reading a section in Dennis Littky's book, The Big Picture, about a school that banned hugging. Administration at this particular school feared the consequences of student PDA (student-to-student hugging) and also feared potential inappropriate agendas from some adults (staff/faculty-to-student hugging). I wholeheartedly agree with Littky's take on the issue--what the hell is wrong with us as a society when we have become AFRAID of hugging?! Banning weapons = good. Banning hugging = ludicrous. What kind of message are we sending when we are too afraid to show that we care about each other in a school environment?
Don't get me wrong. Pedophilia is reprehensible, and teen pregnancy is a serious issue. But should these two issues lead us to fear hugging in an educational environment? This type of paranoia kills a supportive learning environment. Or am I to write up the next student who gives me the evil eye?
I refuse to give in to paranoia and fear in any place of my employment. I've already been to war once, so short of that environment, I will not fear going to work. But the day I start to fear dirty looks or students who stare is the day I need to become a hermit, to never leave the house and simply withdraw from civilization. We do not live in a military state, nor will I make my classroom one. Fear and paranoia have no place in my classroom, non-negotiable.
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