An interesting article that adds light to the problems faced by our schools and communities.
- Thread starter DinwiddieProud
- Start date
Good article, DP. Thanks for sharing that. Even with what feels to me like a multitude of problems, I sometimes forget how fortunate I really am, compared to thousands all around me. I might seek out that book. I hate to cast gloom and doom, and I damn sure don't want to start a whole big political thing, but I currently have almost no faith that our elected officials - of either party - at the state or federal levels have the wherewithal to come together to tackle what are incredibly difficult and complex problems. Here's to fervently wishing that they prove me wrong, for the benefit of us all.
Ironically "60 Minutes" had a section on about teaching "Chess" to one of the poorest, worst performing elementary schools in Mississippi. After only 18 months of training they won the state championship against kids that were older, and came from areas of the state that were simply, affluent. They went on to the National Chess Championships and the 5th and 6rh grades finished in the top 10 nationally, (out of thousands of schools). And, this again, was against kids from the best schools across the country.
This illustrates what I believe we all know to be the truth. Given the opportunities, and the guidance, kids in any situation can accomplish virtually anything.
The question is "how does society provide these opportunities"?
Like you Spartan, I have virtually NO expectations that our elected officials can, will, or want to, address this issue.
The hidden message in the article above, is that the "haves", through arrogance, ignorance, or selfishness, do not appreciate the need to address the problems outlined in this article. And, this same fortunate segment of society often ends being the "power brokers" in government.
And thus, the problems perpetuates.
This illustrates what I believe we all know to be the truth. Given the opportunities, and the guidance, kids in any situation can accomplish virtually anything.
The question is "how does society provide these opportunities"?
Like you Spartan, I have virtually NO expectations that our elected officials can, will, or want to, address this issue.
The hidden message in the article above, is that the "haves", through arrogance, ignorance, or selfishness, do not appreciate the need to address the problems outlined in this article. And, this same fortunate segment of society often ends being the "power brokers" in government.
And thus, the problems perpetuates.
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I saw that 60 minutes piece and you are right on. The problem is people can't walk you to the opportunities. I totally respect the way of life in many rural far out communities. But I am not sure if farming or working at the factory for 40 years is going to cut it anymore. That America is gone now. You have to go where the jobs are or be a job creator where you live.
And just my two cents... if you are waiting for the government to bail you out, then you've already lost. The sad reality is, for the most part we are on our own in this life. Never assume someone is going to help you, whether you are running your mouth at the bar or financially. If you can't stand on your own 2 feet then it is time to pivot and look for new opps / solutions.
Those people are just as capable as any, but they have to seek opportunities that might not be already in their back yard.
I have deep empathy for the people in these situations. I realize it is a complicated issue / solution. I just think that if something isn't working for you and your family you have to be willing to change bc no one can swoop in and save you, especially not uncle sam.
Great post, especially your last paragraph and closing sentence.
I also saw the Mississippi chess feature on "60 Minutes" last night. It was great! Sort of illustrates what you're talking about: through just one benefactor to provide the means, and one passionate, involved person to make it happen, the lives of dozens (if not hundreds) of kids in that community could be affected for the better. Through something as simple as teaching them a game; by exposing them just to the thought that "possibilities exist". Possibilities that those kids and their families hadn't even considered.
I found it to be a rather moving story, quite honestly. I loved it when the quiet little black kid - who, in 2017, is still walking every day into a building that has a version of the Confederate battle flag flying overhead - clenched the victory that got them into the top ten. And I got a big kick out of the big ol' kid who, when asked if he didn't feel bad beating high schoolers, responded, "Nah, I kind of just enjoy crushin' people's spirits." I laughed out loud. If someone takes an interest in that kid on the football field, with his chess smarts, we're probably looking at a future All Pro offensive lineman.
I agree with you about 99.5%. You are correct, we are all responsible for ourselves. Zero argument there. The only caveat is this. When you are multiple generations into a lifestyle, and that lifestyle is all that you are exposed to, it's awful hard to walk away from the only thing you know, from your complete "sphere of influence", and go in a different direction. A few will. Unfortunately though, it will be very few.
That is why "the chess coach" coming into the lives of those kids had such a profound affect. He got them excited about something new and different. He showed them what was possible.
What is the answer. Hell, if I knew that I would be the world's greatest social reformer. I do think we can all agree that there is no single answer. Not even a bunch of answers. But in reality, multitudes of answers. And even then, society can not fix all that ails it.
I guess that as long as we all give a little, and never stop caring, that's about the best we can do.