INTOLERANCE. When I first
thought about this word I realized that I could not give a clear definition of
what it meant. So I decided to go for a dictionary and look the word up. The
definition that first appeared was: “unwillingness
to accept ways of thinking and behaving that are different from your own”. I
read it over and over again. I could understand the meaning but still, there
was something missing. Human beings are intolerant in every single possible way.
We are scared of everything that is different and unusual, and thus, we tend to
react (most of the times) aggressively when our “normal” status quo is altered.
But the question is: where is it that intolerance is born? Our family? Our society? Would it be correct and acceptable
if I say that the main place where intolerance is born and grows is school? I
strongly believe that school is where it all starts. Of course, family and
society contribute to our intolerant behavior. It happened to me this week, while
I was waiting for the teacher of the school where I have to deliver my
practicum, that I realized that it is actually our educational system the one
which promotes, implicitly, the spread of intolerance among the students. As I
stood there, waiting, a mother asked for the headmistress because there was a
problematic situation and she needed an immediate answer. The woman´s daughter
had been attacked with a knife by one of her partners and, consequently, her
mother. It all happened while this girl was at school. The reason for the
attack? She was from a little town, located in the surroundings of San Luis.
That was all. Neither a logical nor a valid reason. She was just the new girl
and as so she had to tolerate this. The only answer that the girl´s mother got
was: “The headmistress is not here.
Anyway you should not pay attention to what these kids say. They are just
teenagers and probably they are trying to get some attention”. And it was
in that particular moment that I understood that not only society, but the whole
educational system is rotten. If we do not start making our kids being aware
that respect and acceptance are basic principles to live in a society, what can
we expect? We do not like and tolerate what is different, but what is exactly being different? Human beings are ALL
DIFFERENT. Otherwise our existence would be absolutely boring and ridiculous. It
is here, that teachers and the whole educational community should work and
promote values and principles in order for students to start practicing it. The
change will be progressive and time-consuming, but it will be worth the try.
Yes, education is partly responsible for this. Intolerance, nowadays, seem to be part of all people's lives. Sadly, it's part of children routines as well. Stress, pressure, certain environments can also lead to reinforce our intolerant sides. However, I agree with you when you say schools should take part in this process but I also believe that FAMILIES are the most important pillars children can have.
ReplyDeleteThis is the sad reality that we live nowadays! And I agree with Agus, although education has a great influence on children, but I think the main problem is from the FAMILY. Sometimes for adults, what children do are really stupid and silly things, so they are lazy to correct them or tell them what is right and what is wrong. By ignoring them, they may think that that action is okay, and continue doing it! And that is the origin of the problems.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Nadya... Still, I think that children's behavior at school reflects the customes and the ways of their parental environment. Sometimes, when I talk to a mother, for example, I realize that most of a student's attitudes are completely mirroring those of his/her parents. That is why I think roles are not being clear in some families. It is parents who should teach their children to be tolerant, and then, we as teacher, reinforce that value at school.
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