I saw an article about this quiz in the USA Today. It was a basic overview of American Civics and sent to Ivy league schools and several other random schools (including my alma mater Mississippi State). It showed how poor our students are on civic literacy. When I saw the numbers, Harvard scored the best at just under 70%, I assumed I would do poorly myself. Instead, I got 90% right, missing just 6 of the 60 questions. I guess this lets me sound old and grouchy and say "What wrong with kids these days?"
Your turn. Let me know how well you do.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Opposing a Book Ban
An article caught my eye today about parents pushing for a book ban for their 7th graders. As I scanned the article, I found they were talking about the book "The Chocolate War." Parents protesting the inclusion of "this filth" in the required reading list due to "its depiction of swearing, masturbation and violence."
In 11th grade, my teacher required us to read "Beyond The Chocolate War" which is the sequel to "The Chocolate War." BTCW has much of the same content which the parents are objecting to in TCW. It has less of a raw feel than TCW but is more sophisticated.
To this day, I would consider BTCW one of the most influential books in my life. Robert Cormier created a rich and psychologically complex world which brought out the ethos of the characters to life and forced the reader, especially a young reader who typically has been previous unexposed to themes of this depth including having to consider various moral implications and choices and then dealing with their consequences.
I respect parents right to disagree with the content of the school material required of their children, and I recognize 7th grade, especially thinking of some of the 7th graders I know, is borderline on how early to expose student to these themes. However, I strongly disagree with their objections to TCW as "filth." The parents are making a mistake of looking at the circumstances in the book rather than the themes and ideas presented. Now 15 years later, I can barely recall the swearing and I don't remember the masturbation, even though I am sure it was only mentioned in passing and not a main focus. The violence is more vivid, but not it its graphic details but on the psychological aspect of it. The main character encounters a great deal of persecution when he decides to not join in the school's "optional" chocolate sale. This simple gesture of individuality, it was not truly an act of defiance, lead to others having the confidence to express their choices which led to a backlash by the authorities in the school, including encouraging other students to persecute the main character. It climaxes with the main character having to decide how important is it to maintain his decision and what cost is he willing to pay. These are powerful and important ideas for any person to consider, especially young people coming into their own.
What I loved so much about TCW and other Cormier books, I have read at least 7 including BTCW and TCW, is that the main characters have to make a difficult moral choice, a choice which generally costs them physically, emotionally and mentally, and this choice does not typically reward the character at the end of the book. As a result, the books do not have what we consider happy endings, but I loved that they have emotionally rich and realistic endings. I don't necessarily leave Cormier's books with a big smile on my face but usually in deep reflection, deep enough that I continued to dwell upon the books' characters for years afterwards.
Great art is like a great life in that it should leave a long legacy. Last night in the hotel, I watched the cleaned-up version on TBS of "Harold and Kumar Go to Whitecastle" which is about a couple of stoner, goofballs who have the munchies and want to satisfy this with those little Whitecastle burgers. It has some funny moments, in a sophomoric way, and I laughed out loud a few times, but I will not remember this movie after a day or two. I receive and enjoy PC World magazine each month, but I joke with Shannon that I think they repeat the same issues every year, one on security, one on getting the most of your PC, etc., but it is OK because I don't even remember the previous month's magazine.
In my days of "partying", the days typically blended together. Somebody might mention about a great party from the weekend, but the memory is gone by the next weekend. Whatever passing joy arose from the superficial pleasure fades quickly. Once I left my pig pen and returned back to my Father's home, my life became incredibly more rich and memorable. Not that life is always happy as a disciple of Christ, but it always a great life. However, unlike Cormier's books, a disciple of Christ knows that eventually, no matter what the present circumstance and near future holds, he will no only leave a great legacy, but he will eventually get the happiest ending imaginable.
In 11th grade, my teacher required us to read "Beyond The Chocolate War" which is the sequel to "The Chocolate War." BTCW has much of the same content which the parents are objecting to in TCW. It has less of a raw feel than TCW but is more sophisticated.
To this day, I would consider BTCW one of the most influential books in my life. Robert Cormier created a rich and psychologically complex world which brought out the ethos of the characters to life and forced the reader, especially a young reader who typically has been previous unexposed to themes of this depth including having to consider various moral implications and choices and then dealing with their consequences.
I respect parents right to disagree with the content of the school material required of their children, and I recognize 7th grade, especially thinking of some of the 7th graders I know, is borderline on how early to expose student to these themes. However, I strongly disagree with their objections to TCW as "filth." The parents are making a mistake of looking at the circumstances in the book rather than the themes and ideas presented. Now 15 years later, I can barely recall the swearing and I don't remember the masturbation, even though I am sure it was only mentioned in passing and not a main focus. The violence is more vivid, but not it its graphic details but on the psychological aspect of it. The main character encounters a great deal of persecution when he decides to not join in the school's "optional" chocolate sale. This simple gesture of individuality, it was not truly an act of defiance, lead to others having the confidence to express their choices which led to a backlash by the authorities in the school, including encouraging other students to persecute the main character. It climaxes with the main character having to decide how important is it to maintain his decision and what cost is he willing to pay. These are powerful and important ideas for any person to consider, especially young people coming into their own.
What I loved so much about TCW and other Cormier books, I have read at least 7 including BTCW and TCW, is that the main characters have to make a difficult moral choice, a choice which generally costs them physically, emotionally and mentally, and this choice does not typically reward the character at the end of the book. As a result, the books do not have what we consider happy endings, but I loved that they have emotionally rich and realistic endings. I don't necessarily leave Cormier's books with a big smile on my face but usually in deep reflection, deep enough that I continued to dwell upon the books' characters for years afterwards.
Great art is like a great life in that it should leave a long legacy. Last night in the hotel, I watched the cleaned-up version on TBS of "Harold and Kumar Go to Whitecastle" which is about a couple of stoner, goofballs who have the munchies and want to satisfy this with those little Whitecastle burgers. It has some funny moments, in a sophomoric way, and I laughed out loud a few times, but I will not remember this movie after a day or two. I receive and enjoy PC World magazine each month, but I joke with Shannon that I think they repeat the same issues every year, one on security, one on getting the most of your PC, etc., but it is OK because I don't even remember the previous month's magazine.
In my days of "partying", the days typically blended together. Somebody might mention about a great party from the weekend, but the memory is gone by the next weekend. Whatever passing joy arose from the superficial pleasure fades quickly. Once I left my pig pen and returned back to my Father's home, my life became incredibly more rich and memorable. Not that life is always happy as a disciple of Christ, but it always a great life. However, unlike Cormier's books, a disciple of Christ knows that eventually, no matter what the present circumstance and near future holds, he will no only leave a great legacy, but he will eventually get the happiest ending imaginable.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I am going to New Jersey
I am headed to New Jersey for a SAML workshop. I know, I know, you are very jealous. I will be there through Friday.
But here is something that will make you jealous. Shannon and Jacob are picking me up on Friday, and we are heading to Panama City for a vacation. We will be staying at the Sun Spree Resort right off the beach. They also have an incredible kiddie pool which Jacob will love. We will be back Tuesday night late.
But here is something that will make you jealous. Shannon and Jacob are picking me up on Friday, and we are heading to Panama City for a vacation. We will be staying at the Sun Spree Resort right off the beach. They also have an incredible kiddie pool which Jacob will love. We will be back Tuesday night late.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Lack of Political Excitement
I rarely venture into the realm of politics for many reasons. But I felt the urge to make a brief comment and even a prediction!!! With former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson entering the Republican presidential race, early numbers show he has quickly pulled into a close second with Rudy Giuliani. By this account, most political observers seem to be thinking Thompson is an answer many Republicans were looking for. They are partially right. The reality is there is an incredible sense of apathy for Republicans on their candidacy. As they have looked at Giuliani, Romney, McCain and the rest and found them wanting in one way or the other, they are truly looking for Other. Somebody else, anybody else. The crop of candidates are extremely uninspiring. Thompson steps up, he is the Other.
But this won't last. There is nothing that really separates Thompson apart from he is late to the party. One of the analyst in the link above says he "speaks the language of the South." Gimme a break. Do they really think Southerners are that stupid that we are looking for a candidate who uses you'all when he talks to us.
If I was Thompson's adviser, I would tell him to say very little on issues. Stay blank so people like this analyst can color him in for the voters to paint whatever picture voters need in order to feel he is presidential. Because once he starts talking issues, people won't care anymore. He will just be another mediocre candidate. But he will at some point talk about his views and he will try to be everything to everyone and we will lose interest.
I realize this is a very pessimistic view of our current political climate, but it points to the fact that the need is not for one particular candidate but a change in the climate itself. Politicians who seek to serve the people who put them office and not get the people to serve them to keep them in office over and over again. Politicians who will fight vigorously for their ideas and their constituency but not fight for/against ideas based solely on party lines. Politicians who are humble enough to admit they are wrong whether with a political idea or moral behavior rather than lie and excuse themselves.
The only solution for this kind of change is the Gospel. Despite some Anabaptist leanings in me which resist any political involvement, I recognize Christians can not abandon the political realm. We must vote and be active when necessary. But we must not rest upon the political system itself to produce change. Nay, we must change the political system through the Gospel. Not to establish a theocracy or establish special favors for certain religious groups but to change the hearts of the people and their politicians to love each other and recognize the political authority they have is a gift from God. We must pray for our leaders, especially those who we see having different political views and different worldviews from orthodox Christianity.
Oh, I did not forget my prediction. In the last 150 years of US Presidential elections, 3 times we have fallen below 50% turnout of eligible voters. Last in 1996 when virtually no one though Bob Dole could beat a popular incumbent in Bill Clinton and turnout was only 49% . The other 2 times were in 1920 (49.2%) with the election of Warren G. Harding and in 1924 (48.9%) with the election of Calvin Coolidge, Harding's running mate in 1920 who became president in 1923 after Harding's death.
Interestingly, the 1920 election was an election where the only real political motivation was against the incumbent president Woodrow Wilson who was not running again. There was tremendous animosity against Wilson for joining the League of Nations and other problems oversees, as well as a sinking economy and various problems internally in the States. The presidential candidates seeking their parties nominations were extremely uninspiring. Harding in effect ran against Wilson and his policies. Sound familiar? I am predicting our current political climate will lead to a record low voter turnout of 48%. Depressing? Yea. Should we vote. Yes. Must we pray? Absolutely.
But this won't last. There is nothing that really separates Thompson apart from he is late to the party. One of the analyst in the link above says he "speaks the language of the South." Gimme a break. Do they really think Southerners are that stupid that we are looking for a candidate who uses you'all when he talks to us.
If I was Thompson's adviser, I would tell him to say very little on issues. Stay blank so people like this analyst can color him in for the voters to paint whatever picture voters need in order to feel he is presidential. Because once he starts talking issues, people won't care anymore. He will just be another mediocre candidate. But he will at some point talk about his views and he will try to be everything to everyone and we will lose interest.
I realize this is a very pessimistic view of our current political climate, but it points to the fact that the need is not for one particular candidate but a change in the climate itself. Politicians who seek to serve the people who put them office and not get the people to serve them to keep them in office over and over again. Politicians who will fight vigorously for their ideas and their constituency but not fight for/against ideas based solely on party lines. Politicians who are humble enough to admit they are wrong whether with a political idea or moral behavior rather than lie and excuse themselves.
The only solution for this kind of change is the Gospel. Despite some Anabaptist leanings in me which resist any political involvement, I recognize Christians can not abandon the political realm. We must vote and be active when necessary. But we must not rest upon the political system itself to produce change. Nay, we must change the political system through the Gospel. Not to establish a theocracy or establish special favors for certain religious groups but to change the hearts of the people and their politicians to love each other and recognize the political authority they have is a gift from God. We must pray for our leaders, especially those who we see having different political views and different worldviews from orthodox Christianity.
Oh, I did not forget my prediction. In the last 150 years of US Presidential elections, 3 times we have fallen below 50% turnout of eligible voters. Last in 1996 when virtually no one though Bob Dole could beat a popular incumbent in Bill Clinton and turnout was only 49% . The other 2 times were in 1920 (49.2%) with the election of Warren G. Harding and in 1924 (48.9%) with the election of Calvin Coolidge, Harding's running mate in 1920 who became president in 1923 after Harding's death.
Interestingly, the 1920 election was an election where the only real political motivation was against the incumbent president Woodrow Wilson who was not running again. There was tremendous animosity against Wilson for joining the League of Nations and other problems oversees, as well as a sinking economy and various problems internally in the States. The presidential candidates seeking their parties nominations were extremely uninspiring. Harding in effect ran against Wilson and his policies. Sound familiar? I am predicting our current political climate will lead to a record low voter turnout of 48%. Depressing? Yea. Should we vote. Yes. Must we pray? Absolutely.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
My Life as a Play: Disciplining Jacob and Disciplining Daddy
Setting: Daddy is trying to put together some cardboard boxes for use as storage containers. They come flat so it requires some bending and folding. Jacob is trying to help Daddy but keeps stepping on the boxes and the DVD boxes laying around which will go into the cardboard boxes.
Daddy: Jacob, don't step on the movies.
Jacob continues to step on the movies. He also keeps trying to "help" Daddy but this is not very helpful.
Daddy: Jacob, I told you don't step on the movies.
Jacob continues to step on the movies and "help" Daddy. Daddy loses his temper.
Daddy [in a too loud and too angry voice]: Jacob! I told you! Don't step on the movies!
Jacob curls his bottom lip, droops his head, turns slowly away and walks to his room. Daddy stays angry for about 10 seconds longer before he feels really bad about getting too angry to Jacob. Daddy goes into Jacob's room and sees Jacob curled up in a corner behind his rocking chair. Daddy feels really, really bad. He knells before Jacob.
Daddy: Jacob, Daddy is sorry he got so angry with you. He should not have raised his voice like that. I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?
Jacob [looking up at Daddy]: I don't want to fight.
Daddy feels really, really, really bad. He takes Jacob into his arms and hugs him.
Daddy: Jacob, I love you. You know that I will...
Jacob [noticing a toy box next to him]: Look, Bob the Builder.
Daddy: Jacob, don't step on the movies.
Jacob continues to step on the movies. He also keeps trying to "help" Daddy but this is not very helpful.
Daddy: Jacob, I told you don't step on the movies.
Jacob continues to step on the movies and "help" Daddy. Daddy loses his temper.
Daddy [in a too loud and too angry voice]: Jacob! I told you! Don't step on the movies!
Jacob curls his bottom lip, droops his head, turns slowly away and walks to his room. Daddy stays angry for about 10 seconds longer before he feels really bad about getting too angry to Jacob. Daddy goes into Jacob's room and sees Jacob curled up in a corner behind his rocking chair. Daddy feels really, really bad. He knells before Jacob.
Daddy: Jacob, Daddy is sorry he got so angry with you. He should not have raised his voice like that. I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?
Jacob [looking up at Daddy]: I don't want to fight.
Daddy feels really, really, really bad. He takes Jacob into his arms and hugs him.
Daddy: Jacob, I love you. You know that I will...
Jacob [noticing a toy box next to him]: Look, Bob the Builder.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Life with Lexy
A few weeks ago we dog sat a puggle (pug-beagle mix) named Lexy for our friend Sara Beth when she took a mission trip to Kenya. We had been mulling over the idea of getting a dog since Jacob enjoys playing with the neighbors' dogs so much. When Sara Beth expressed the need for a dog sitter, we thought this would be a great opportunity to see what life would be like with a dog without the risk of actually adopting a canine and training it to live with us. Here is our video log of this 2-week experiment.
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