Josie: I'd be interested in hearing your perspective also. I'll make a thread about the mainstreaming debate in Tilted Living. I might start a journal for a more indepth account of things - I haven't decided yet!
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Originally Posted by Ourcrazymodern?
Enlightenment might be a personal responsibility.
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I agree with your whole post, but this is where I think it gets complex. IMO the onus to enlighten children is on the parents, and to some degree, on the child (once the child becomes an adult, it is almost entirely on the child).
However, this is an idealism - if only every parent/carer had the skills and fortitued to take on the responsibility. As many don't even get involved in the basics - such as reading with their children - I doubt they will foster the required culture of learning at home. Some children are disadvantaged enough by the kind of parenting they receive, that they desperately need schools to teach them more than academia. These children have to get the right messages from somewhere or they will never desire to reach their full potential. Then, when they have their own children...
Schools have a huge challenge and so many roles to take on. They have to deal with intense pressure, while often being inadequately supported by many areas in society. They are quickly blamed for many social problems, while not readily praised for the great work they have done. Perhaps schools are restrained by the need to indoctrine now, and enlightenment is another unworkable ideal I'd like to see applied.
pai mei: I haven't watched the video yet (very slow connection and tempermental computer) Will try again later as I am interested to learn!