Since breaking the Capitalist Pig cartoon story on March 3rd, the original thread has now run into the hundreds of comments. (And now it’s been linked at Fark) It’s time to update the post, if only to give the discussion a fresh start.
Pressure is still on theSheaf – local media isn’t letting the story go. The Saskatchewan Human Rights commission has received a number of complaints and will decide what to do by months end. FWIW, I think that’s going too far – but then, in my perfect world, these extra-legal, unaccountable thought policing bodies wouldn’t exist n the first place. Though, I’m just twisted enough to enjoy the show of a far-left commission facing hatemongering from “one of their own”. But that’s a topic for another day.
One comment (there are many good ones) did catch my eye, and I’ll reproduce it here – commentor “Karl” replies to “Chad”‘
You wrote: “The cartoon is showing the Christianity and Capitalism/consumerism go hand in hand.”
Actually, it seemed to be showing Christianity and Capitalism/Consumerism going dick in mouth. If he had wanted to convey “hand in hand”, he could have drawn them holding hands. The point (innane though it is) would have been made, and no one would have been offended by the vulgarity of it. Jesus did not need to be made out to be a homosexual with zoophilic tendencies. And Christians need not be told that we are somehow the immature ones for being offended at an image of our Lord performing fellatio on a pig.
You went on:“How is that not true? Has anyone noticed that Xmas is more about a fat guy wearing red than christ’s birth? What about easter? A rabbit that lays eggs.”
As a pastor I can tell you that there is no group who is more critical of this trend than Christians. Have you not noticed all of the ‘keep the Christ in Christmas’ stuff? Have you not noticed that it is non religious people who continually want ‘holiday trees’ and the non specific ‘happy holidays’ greetings rather than ‘merry Christmas’? Have you not seen that non religious people are the ones who insist upon the consumerist non-Christian holiday of sentimentality, greed and gluttony that Christmas has become?? I say non religious, because in my experience, non Christian religious people (eg Muslims, Jews, Hindus) have no problem with Christmas. The ones who have the problem are those of ‘Christian Stock’ who put on airs of sophisticated athiesm, or groovy non sprecific spirituality which means anything, and nothing. Thye claim to be above Christianity, but really they are obcessed with it, blaming it for all of society’s ills, for every tragedy and travesty, and no doubt for their acne as well. To blame Christianity for the bastardization of Christmas is laughable!! If you feel so strongly about it, why don’t you ‘stick it to the man’ by letting your employer know that you are available to work on December 24th and 25th. And don’t buy anybody any presents. Don’t accept any either. Don’t visit family. Refuse that Christmas bonus. And might I suggest a protest fast on the 25th. For myself, I’ll do what I always do on Christmas. Preach the Word, administer Holy Communion, and later that day, break my Advent fast as I feast with my family in celebration of the Nativity of my Lord.
You continued: “I think Christianity has turned became a thing of social status. I find this mind blowing because Jesus preached about doing the exact opposite of this.”
I would find this mind blowing too, if it were true. Perhaps it was once, but the ’70’s are a long time ago. I wear my clerical collar in public quite a lot. I can relate well to the goths, because I get as many hostile stares. (and they seem to like to dress in black as much as I do). Think about it man!!! Stockwell Day was vilified for his Christian beliefs (remember the ‘How Scary’ McLeans cover?). Christians are regularily ridiculed for their beliefs. If we were looking for worldly status, we would be trying out for Canadian Idol, not living as Christians.
I was offended by the cartoon, and I don’t buy the argument that I am missing some deeper meaning. To me it is a sophmoric neo marxist interpretation of religion and its relationship to capitalism which was already past its expiry date some 20 years ago, and is only currently alive in the never never land of tenured political science chairs occupied by professors who are still a little miffed that revolution they boldly predicted some 40 years ago never came to pass. And how their young sheep bleat!!
Nicely done, I thought.
Now, time to take this issue down another tangent – so far the controversy has been limited to the offense given to Christians. That raises an interesting, and as yet, unasked question – When are the cartoonists going to be called on the carpet to explain the hatred directed at so-called “capitalists”?
The premise that “capitalism=bad” and that any group, any individual, any religion should have to disassociate themselves from business to attain moral purity is an intellectual embarrassment to begin with. But the cartoon goes one step further – in choosing a pig to represent the businessman, they have chosen the time honored progaganda tool of dehumanization.
That these small-minded refugees of Marxism are receiving a heavily subsidized education at an institution funded by tax revenues generated in large part by the very “capitalists” they would portray as pigs, just adds injury to insult.
Instead of hauling them before the Human Rights Commission, or calling for a wholesale purge at the Sheaf. I’d suggest a not-so-gentle push towards a little moral purity of their own – by removing the stench of “capitalism/consumerism” from their university education. Allow the enlightened to demonstrate the courage of their left-wing convictions. Present them with an invoice for the total cost of their education to date, adjust tuition to cover 100% of the costs, and cut off of any tax-funded student loans.
Something tells me the artist Y!th and his defenders at the U of S would find that a little too hard to swallow.
you are right OL HOSS I tired of writing the same thing over and over too. Apparently you can’t teach an OL HOSS new tricks.
There is no need to argue in any event because at the present rate of dimunition of the middle class they will wake up in about 50 years when even true believers like Ol Hoss will see what I have been talking about.
Penny wrote:
“Ever notice that your basic leftist’s underpinnings are feelings(I feel it most be true.) rather than the empirical/logical quest for truth.”
Very true.
it’s really too bad that universities, in theory the centers of the “empirical/logical quest for truth”, do such a poor job of teaching these skills.
If only the liberal arts faculties were more conscious of their original purpose…
There is no need to argue in any event because at the present rate of dimunition of the middle class they will wake up in about 50 years when even true believers like Ol Hoss will see what I have been talking about.
Anyone else reminded of the childish “When I am dead, then you’ll be sorry” retort when reading this?
True believing socialists are funny, in a keep an eye on ’em because history has shown they are dangerous sort of way.
Under capitalism, some are miserable, usually due to circumstances under their control. They can change their circumstance, and change their level of misery. Some, perhaps most, are happy. Most importantly, all have the equal opportunity to improve their situation.
Under socialism (pure), all are equally miserable (except those that rule) and no one can change their circumstance.
Neither system allows you to just sit home and smoke bongs and still improve your situation. Which is what I suspect most true believing socialists are after in any case.
Kmm,
Feeling better yet!
I think the addage that fits here is “don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” Kates point was that many univesity students are unappreciative of the subsidized ride they are getting. If the true cost of post-secondary education were felt by those who are the recipients, there might be a different, perhaps more dedicated attitude to learning. As it is, many like Y!ph, who is the case in point feel free to test the bounds of societal tolerance with childlike behavior. I think what many would like to see is a commitment and a dedication to scholarly excellence. The lax attitude towards excellence in education begins in elementary school, is nurtured and exercised in high school so that by the time students are ready for post secondary, dependence on the system is for lack of a better word “systemic”. Angela wrote “faculties are not trying to teach critical thinking; they are trying to define Critical Thought” Instead of learning independence, the culture of dependence continues.
In Saskatchewan, we need people who can recognize an opportunity and take a risk to achieve a goal. Independent thought fosters this kind of attitude. As long as we continue to develop and feed a culture of dependence in this province, we will never get any farther. We will end up as 254,900 square miles of retirement property for aged government workers!
Daniel
A Response From the Cartoonist
The cartoonist who created the capitalist piglet cartoon has now responded in the comments section of the Small Dead Animals post about this. There is also a longer and somewhat confusing defense published in the new edition of The Sheaf out today.
Fir…
Apparently you can’t teach an OL HOSS new tricks.
Your new tricks are really old tricks in new packaging. This ol hoss learned those a long time ago.
Steve d:
You responded to my post by bringing up corporate welfare. When did I write that I supported corporate welfare? I definitely don’t, and I’m quite disappointed that Harper changed that particular promise he made in the 2004 election.
kmm: Obviously cutting taxpayer support of “Y!sh” or some other socialist’s education will make them realize that they prefer socialism. But, it might allow them to realize that that money comes from the capitalist pigs they spend so much time attacking. (The lesson is that if the capitalist pigs stop working, there would be no money to siphon off to the U of S).
Then again, you’re probably right, it would further convince them of the “perils of capitalism”. Two years ago, I was screaming “Shame!Shame!” at the BC legislature, demanding they give more money to universities. The underlying assumption is the greedy government is witholding money. Most people don’t grasp (if they ever do)until after graduation how money is created. Socialists can enjoy the benefits of an EMac G5, imported avocadoes and American medical innovations, while decrying the system responsible for these things as evil, greedy and fraught with “perils”….and act surprised if called a hypocrite.
It brings to mind an Ayn Rand quote “When someone tells you the root of all evil is money, ask them what the root of all money is.”
Daniel finally said the key word.
Risk.
Something socialists (i.e., “the workers”) do not take.
Angela
The root of all money is people’s labour. Without exploiting people’s work there is no Capitalism. Further, without exploiting peoples banked savings and government handouts(tax writeoffs,writedowns,expenses,deferrments etc)
there is no Capitalism. So you see it is the people as a collective that makes Capitalism tick NOT the other way around.
Hi Steve,
Two small points:
1) ” Without exploiting people’s work there is no Capitalism.”
Please explain how people voluntarily trading their labour for compensation constitutes “exploitation”.
2)”Further, without exploiting peoples banked savings and government handouts(tax writeoffs,writedowns,expenses,deferrments etc)
there is no Capitalism.”
Writedowns, Writeoffs expenses, deferrments, etc. are NOT handouts. Stealing less money from somone is not the same as giving them something. Likewise, taxing less is not a handout. Tax writeoffs, etc. are merely an example of the government not taking money that didn’t belong to them in the first place.
You are correct inasmuch as capitalism requires a common set of economic and legal norms to function (let’s call this “social infrastructure”). The only justifiable government intervention in the economy, IMO, is that which is necessary for the existance of that social infrastructure (e.g. courts to enforce contracts, etc.).
Exactly, Steve d. The root of all money is people’s labour, their work, their individual actions. Under capitalism, these actions are voluntary.
GM said it well. There can be no government handouts, prior to involuntary “hand-ins” to the government coffers. Steve d. seems to be getting caught in circular logic.
yes I am feeling better now. Thanks for the response from both you and angela. Although I disagree and think the outcome will be beneficial to no one. Nonetheless I think this topic is spent…….at least to the degree that I want to take it to.
Nicholas Todd aka Ralph Wayvone is back…
And he is still spouting his socialist dribble. When will he ever learn? Go back to Rabble where you have some friends…
It brings to mind an Ayn Rand quote “When someone tells you the root of all evil is money, ask them what the root of all money is.”
Ayn Rand wasn’t very Biblically literate. The correct quote is, “the love of money is the root of all evil”. 1Timothy 6:10.
Not to be anal, but the root of evil isn’t money…
It is the LOVE of money.
But hey, that’s just splitting jots, err, tiddles, err hairs.
Hmmm…support the sheaf blog isn’t getting a lot of uh, support.
http://supportthesheaf.blogspot.com/
Interesting comment from a guy who is “Professor of Law and Member of the Executive Committee, University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association”.
“…It is distressing indeed that President MacKinnon has entered the fray because academic freedom, which accrues to students as well as faculty, and freedom of speech and expression, which apply to all of us, are under threat by his intervention.”
Wait, isn’t the President responsible for anything with “The University of Saskatchewan” handle attached to it?
Guess what The Sheaf known as…”The University of Saskatchewan Student Newspaper”…right there on top of their publications.
Guess the word “accountability” doesn’t apply to The Sheaf.
Oh well.
Story in the University of Alberta student newspaper, the Gateway:
�I didn�t resign voluntarily; I was forced to resign by the rest of the student staff at the Sheaf,� Robbins said, adding that he hopes the campus can engage in valuable discussion as a result of this �unfortunate mistake.�
http://www.gateway.ualberta.ca/view.php?aid=5877
Haven’t read all of the posts in this thread – just haven’t had the time. But I wonder if there would be such a hue and cry about the Sheaf cartoon, if they had first published the Mohammed cartoons and had some open discussion about them first??
Seems to me that many of the ‘offended’ on this thread are more offended about the hypocritical stand taken by the Sheaf wrt the Mohammed cartoons, rather than by the slurs against the Christian religion and our ‘capitalist’ society. Just my observation.
Personally I find myself more offended by their hypocrasy, rather than by their stupidity in publishing such a trashy cartoon.
An interesting read about the Comic’s alleged Author, Y!Ph, AKA Jeff Macdonald:
http://www.thesheaf.com/news/news_analysis/the_bold_and_the_beautiful
Here’s his letter in the latest issue of the Sheaf page A-11(www.thesheaf.com:
�Capitalist Piglet�: Are some
jokes just not kosher?
As the sole writer and artist of the most recent
�Capitalist Piglet� cartoon I feel I must take
a step which I had not intended, and that is
to take credit for the comic. I do this now
for no reason other than to exonerate Mr.
Mark Watson from the misplaced attacks he
is receiving. As Mark points out to President
MacKinnon in his letter that some of you
might be fortunate enough to have read, this
cartoon was inevitable. I wonʼt say much
about how necessary something like this was,
and how in the very same week, two other
Christian-content comics were printed, but
I will mention a few things that I hope will
bring us back to reality and off those Inquisition-
esque high horses that are so popular and
easy to get on.
My fi rst thought is �Can we really take
the antics of an anthropomorphic ungulate
that seriously?� My answer is NO. How can
we if they donʼt exist?
Really, people, �Capitalist Piglet� is only
a comic and the Sheaf is a university newspaper.
Remember what that means? University?
Itʼs a place for open minds and that
should mean free speech and press. �Capitalist
Piglet� is quite obviously not a hate-
driven comic, and it is undeniably about more
than just shock value. If it was shock value,
Iʼm sure it would have been more graphic,
and it wouldnʼt have contained such a unique
quality as two punch lines in only two frames
� that is cartoon gold.
My question now is this: how is this
blasphemous, deviant, offensive, or worthy
of such attacks? Unless you view the actions
portrayed in the comic as representative of
characters of ill repute, then I see no problem
with the joke. And if you see homosexuality,
the attempts to adhere to a kosher diet,
or being an eager-to-please corporate intern
as fi endishly negative, then it seems an open
mind and a light heart is the next thing we
should all try and look for in our classes.
After all, people, Iʼm sure Jesus had a sense
of humour.
Now on that point: did Muhammad the
Prophet have a sense of humor? I bet he did.
The difference between these two comics
(you know the other one) is that the other
one was dumb. Yes, thatʼs blunt, but it had
no punch line, it had no style, and it was just
plain hateful. Bombs are bad, thatʼs pretty
straightforward. Imagine that comic with
Gavin Gardiner heading to Regina. Not cool.
But Gavin and, say, Brett Campbell in the
place of Piglet and Jesus? Not so bad.
Further with the comparisons here. One
of the points of the recent �Capitalist Pig�
comic was this: How many of you thought
�Why are those people getting so worked up
over that comic? Itʼs only a comic, we Christians
wouldnʼt have done that, no way.� Well
no, most people wouldnʼt, and at the same
time, most people havenʼt done that over �the
other comic� either. The media is handling
that irresponsibly to portray a group in a
negative light. Thatʼs a whole other topic, so
Iʼll try stay on task here.
Sometimes we need something to point
out to us how others might feel. Racism is a
skill we unfortunately learn everywhere, but
empathy is harder to come by. So maybe next
time, remember this: If Jesus loves you, he
probably does so enough to take a joke. After
all, he did die for us.
Feel free to email me at
Yphcomics@gmail.com if this still doesnʼt sit
well with you.
Jeff �Y!PH� MacDonald
Okay,
I am not a christian (though I respect all faiths). I am also an avid supporter of free speech.
But the justification for this cartoon in that email is the best example of pure, concentrated, moronic BULLSH*T I have ever seen.
Here’s my running commentary:
…………………………………..
“Remember what that means? University?
It’s a place for open minds and that
should mean free speech and press.”
…which you refused to stand up for in not publishing the Danish cartoons.
…………………………………..
“Capitalist
Piglet� is quite obviously not a hate-
driven comic, and it is undeniably about more
than just shock value”
….yeah, right.
The “point” of that cartoon re: capitalism and christianity is both cliche and flat-out wrong and the depiction is hateful.
……………………………..
“And if you see homosexuality,
the attempts to adhere to a kosher diet,
or being an eager-to-please corporate intern
as fiendishly negative, then it seems an open
mind and a light heart is the next thing we
should all try and look for in our classes.”
uhh….I think the problem was that you were depicting a revered religious figure as “an eager-to-please corporate intern” (a.k.a. “prostitute)
………………………………….
“If it was shock value,I’m sure it would have been more graphic,and it wouldn’t have contained such a uniquequality as two punch lines in only two frames� that is cartoon gold.”
More graphic?! It showed PIG SEMEN dripping down his face!
“Gold?!” “GOLD?!” Where in the HELL did you get that idea?
………………………………..
“The difference between these two comics
(you know the other one) is that the other
one was dumb. Yes, that’s blunt, but it had
no punch line, it had no style, and it was just
plain hateful.”
Actually you’ve just given a very apt description of your own work…
And…
Please explain how your comic wasn’t hateful….
……………………………………
One of the points of the recent �Capitalist Pig�
comic was this: How many of you thought
�Why are those people getting so worked up
over that comic? It’s only a comic, we Christians
wouldn’t have done that, no way.� Well
no, most people wouldn’t, and at the same
time, most people haven’t done that over �the
other comic� either. The media is handling
that irresponsibly to portray a group in a
negative light.”
Oh I get it…it was the MEDIA that burned embassies and rioted and killed people. Right. And the number of dead from your comic is?…..
seems like the christians may have had a point.
………………………………………..
“Sometimes we need something to point
out to us how others might feel.”
it’s not about how the rioters FELT, it’s how they ACTED. Big difference.
…………………………..
I never call people stupid normally, and I am strongly opposed to hurling insults on a blog as a rule, but this crosses the line. It is insincere and utterly nonsensical.
Strange how the support the blog doesn’t answer my question about accountability?
I think there is a law on the books called “gross negligence” which while doesn’t really fit the mess at the Sheaf, the point I’m making with it does.
Lame duck excuses like “mistake” or “miscommunication” really don’t cut it.
Just because one is “free” to say anything, does it mean you can exercise it at will?
If this was about freedom of speech, why then was the “to make a point” (cartoonists own words) under the COMIC section of the paper rather than the EDITORIAL.
Conventional wisdom would dictate that.
But what do I know, I see a forest.
I don’t know what Y!PH has been smoking, but it must be pretty awful crap to result in those sorts of totally convoluted, bizarre, and illogical thought processes. 🙁
All this talk about capitalists and socialists reminds me of an old Polish joke from the communist era:
Capitalism, Socialism and Communism are sitting around a table in a cafe.
Capitalism says, “I just ate a whole plate of kielbasa – and it was delicious!”
Socialism replies, “Well, I shared a small amount of kielbasa for lunch with three other people.”
Then Communism asks, “What’s kielbasa?”
I’m beginning to be in agreement with taking the socialists responsible for this to kangaroo court, otherwise known as the human rights tribunal.
Two things will result. Those responsible will continue to feel the heat.
And the decision of the kangaroo court will publicly show their bias and hypocrisy when they make their decision to “exonerate” based on some twisted leftist reasoning. The kangaroo court’s credibility will be forever damaged.
What could be better than that?
Can we get something straight here?
It is my understanding of the Danish cartoon that the cartoon Muslim man with the bomb in his turbin is a drawing of a Muslim iman from Denmark.
It is NOT a cartoon of the prophet Mohammed.
I too would like to see Kate ban the tiresome trolls here who hijack her threads.
bigcitylib, if people want to read your terrible writing they will go to your stupid site.
However if you were to wait for that to happen I expect, just like President For Life Kim in Team America you will be very ronery.
I hope Y!PH ,aka.(Jeff Macdonald) types some more,… his logic is worse than his drawing!
I’m in awe!
He’s boastful.
“that is cartoon gold.”
“I take credit”
“Credit”Synonyms: acclaim, acknowledgment, approval, attention, belief, brownie points, commendation, confidence, credence, distinction, faith, fame, glory, honor, kudos, merit, notice, points, praise, reliance, strokes, thanks, tribute, trust
I hope his family gets to read his literary “gold”.
richfisher,
Don’t worry, I am sure that we haven’t heard the last from Jeff. He was unapologetic and unrepentant, although he did apologize in one of his earlier posts on the other thread. This should maintain the spotlight on him at U of S and STM for some time to come and allow him ample opportunities to dazzle us with his defensive reasoning.
If one thinks about it, this probably will be around for years to come in academia as it is the perfect case for debate in the political science and social ethics classes. The Profs will have a field day pushing the freedom to offend.
Personally, I look forward to it all going away now. There have been apologies from the Sheaf as well as consequences. Some probably think the consequences were too light, others will think they went too far. That probably means it is just about right. I know there are some who think that there needs to be more accountability, that would be a good result if it comes but I am not going to hold my breath while waiting.
Time for those involved to do a little soul searching. As for Jeff (Y!ph), I personally think that he has already had far more attention than he deserved. I suspect that is what this is partly about after all. “Badges of honor” for the bad boys of the press.
Now about that toboggan…which lake are we headed to?
Daniel
it seems like blog comment pages are really good places for arguments to be poorly presented.
Wow, I just spent two hours reading the Capitalist Piglet posts. You guys have hit all the major topics: every major world religion, politics, communists, freedom of speech, hate speech, Voltaire, Marx, Stalin, freedom of the press, public funding for university’s, capitalism, homosexuality and even the details of how my favorite student newspaper is run.
It’s almost as though all you people in the real world wish you could go back to university where you can say rash and inflamatory things just for the sake of arguement.
I certainly have enjoyed reading every post so thank you, and I will have to thank the young fella that made the cartoon as well- there is nothing better than a good debate. It’s nice to see the that Sheaf can still create debate as I was beginning to think I was the only one who still reads it.
The left-wing bias of Canadian educational publishers, education ministries, public�and most Catholic�boards, teacher unions, and the default position of most teachers (those who aren�t actually leftist keep their heads way down) is a serious problem in this country. Our kids are being propagandized at every turn, long before they hit the institutions of higher (sic) learning.
I’m a teacher in Toronto. Earlier this week I copied for a grade 8 student I tutor an article from the March 6th TCS, �For God�s Sake Just Stop Aid� (to Africa). We’d just finished studying the chapter in his geography text that explains (sic) the causes of poverty in the Developing World, as in Africa. Actually, make that “cause” of poverty: colonization. Yup, it’s all those nasty Europeans’ fault.
In this chapter, there was no mention that decolonization happened decades ago. No mention that many of the democratic ideas of government and judicial principles of due process introduced by the colonizers were more effective than the tribalism–not mentioned at all–that preceeded and followed the presence of the Europeans. Of course, Christianity was all bad too–no mention of the schools and hospitals established. No mention of the freedom from witch doctors and vengeance religions. No mention of huge influxes of Western dollars to prop up these countries, both during colonization and after. No mention that having learned European languages–and even English!–has been very helpful in terms of becoming educated at home and elsewhere and being able to take part in international symposiums, bureaucracies (e.g., Kofi Annan), and economies. No mention that what useful infrastructures were left in place were often those of the Europeans, many of whom remained to be part of the new life of countries they love. No mention at all of the totalitarian governments in these countries in the last decades. There WAS mention of a no-name religion, inimical to economic growth, which encourages large families and discourages the education of females. Hmm . . .
I’ve pointed out to my student that this text book infantalizes and demeans people in the Developing World by putting all the blame on someone else. We both see through that ruse. This chapter is sheer propaganda–brought to us by Gage, one of Canada’s major educational publishing companies. I’ve pointed out to my pupil the errors in the book. Poor guy! He seems to agree with me, but then I have to say don’t use what I’ve told you on your test. Talk about Brave New World. Poor Canada!
lookout,
That is a damning diatribe about educational content. We all know to some extent what the problem is. What hope is there for change and where would it come from? How many educators see things as you do?
Rather than throwing up our hands and saying “Oh well, that’s the way it is” what would you say are some solutions to the systemic problem we have? I know there are many places like Calgary that are allowing charter schools that go back and concentrate on the basics. Any differences?
Daniel
Daniel- Good questions. I’m just off to the Support Denmark rally. I’ll respond later. Cheers
Daniel –
Back to your questions.
How many educators see things as I do? I’d imagine there are more than one would know about but, in the gulag atmosphere we work in, very few will put their heads above the ramparts. Reprisals can be swift and decidedly unpleasant.
Unfortunately, Mike Harris’s disastrous educational reforms–and I’m a true-blue Tory-Reform-Alliance-Tory–handed the keys of the asylum to the inmates: the opposite of his intentions, I’m sure. The new dispensation has given the non-union (and I’m no union cheerleader) administrators draconian powers: Teachers are now, de facto, serfs. Recourse for arbitrary measures on the part of administration? Not on your life: In my board, there are no policies or procedures for this. I’m not kidding. Virtually all the responsibilities of educating–academic AND behavioural–have been downloaded onto teachers, the one-stop service providers: “Your child needs a lobotomy? No problem. Mrs. X will just add that to the IEP (Individual Education Plan) for next term.” (On occasion, I’m now saying, “No can do.” It doesn’t make me very popular with administration, though the parents of my kids are understanding.)
Administrators–I call them “enforcers”–are required, by the Education Act, to implement the politically correct and pedagogically unsound drivel gushing out of the Ministry and boards. Again, by law, teachers are required to do what administrators tell them. Talk about infantilization. And my experience has been that too many administrators are utterly incompetent sycophants and toadies. But they also remind me of velociraptors: They have primitive brains, very sharp teeth and claws, and many are fierce predators. These impostors appease the worst elements (sure, we have safe schools–for the bullies and their usually equally dysfunctional parents) and punish any kind of free thinking. (This used to be called tough love and common sense.) It’s not a pretty picture.
I’m a literacy specialist. I’ve been begging administration, who have no expertise in special education, to allow me to concentrate on delivering my time-tested literacy program to my very challenged special ed students: no go. My timetable looks like a piece of Swiss cheese: My students MUST be integrated into unnecessary subjects where the reading/writing requirements are way beyond them–meanwhile NOT benefiting from the concentrated literacy program they really need. (Significant components of my highly successful program are sitting on a shelf in a cupboard. It’s an utter scandal.) I fought back last year. My Teacher Appraisal was used to punish me: It was a vicious exercise in creative writing. (I had to use the union. After an inordinate amount of time, energy, and argument on my part, I had the grade and comments changed. The principal had not followed at least ten of the required rubrics. No repercussions for him.)
I support charter schools and home schooling. But I don’t say so out loud. As I’ve said, any ideas outside the politically correct public education box are considered subversive: Teachers can be disciplined for insubordination if they stray too far from the script.
The picture’s not rosy and I don’t see how it can be. Too many administrators and parents don’t behave like adults and a critical mass of their children seem allergic to being responsible or growing up themselves. Add to the recipe the large number of “whatever generation” teachers now in the system: They’ve grown up in the gulag and, poor things–I can’t blame them–have learned, by osmosis, to shut up and do what they’re told.
The only real hope for change in the public systems is to vote in a politically incorrect government that will be prepared to wipe the slate clean and ask real teachers about what should be in the academic curriculum and the students’ texts. This government would also need to challenge the Charter (use–horrors!–the notwithstanding clause) in order to remove from the schools the stultifying “equity” fiats. I don’t think either will be happening any time soon in a province near you! Kyrie eleison.
lookout,
It sounds like a stewing pot for more left of center students heading for post secondary well prepared.
Do you see any appetite for change on the part of the parents or teachers in the district(s) that you work in?
Care to enlarge on “the stultifying “equity” fiats”
The reason I mentioned the Charter schools is my brother lives in Calgary and has his two children enrolled. They have been atteding for about 6 years I think. The children wear uniforms and like I said earlier, it is back to the basics. Much concentration on readin’ ritin’ an’ ‘rithmetic. Guess you can tell I never went to a charter school. My brother says they are having amazing results both academically and behaviorally. When they applied there was a waiting list of 7000 hoping to get in. He tells me it is much longer that that now. The concept is catching on much faster than they can build schools.
Maybe rather than beating your head against the wall (I sense some frustration), this could be something to look into, either in Ontario or consider a move. Our nation needs passionate educators who love to teach and have that burning desire to see our youth become all that they can be.
There must be an answer. The public school system as it is now is just barely able to churn out students who can meet university standards. The drop out rates in school are apalling and illiteracy is rampant.
I was at a 7-11 store the other day and the power was down so the tills were not operating but they were open so the teller could make change. There was a (caucasian) young lady behind the till, I would guess 17 or 18 years old. My purchase was 75 cents for a pack of gum. I gave her a toonie ($2 coin). She pulled a calculator from beneath the till to figure out my $1.25 in change. At that moment I was embarassed by our educational system and a little confused and angry.
We are failing our youth. I keep thinking the problem is systemic. Perhaps you are right, the only hope is radical governmental change (not likely) and even if it does happen, education is a provincial responsibility so it would have to be duplicated many times over to change the nation.
Perhaps if people get fed up and disgusted enough, there can be change.
Perhaps there are others reading this thread who have constructive suggstions or opinions that can help.
I am an optimist and really want to believe there is hope. When I see what young Jeff Macdonald produced, it can cause even the most optimistic among us to despair. Keep you head up and do what you can. I read a quote yesterday attributed to Martin Luther. It went someting like this “Even if the world were going to end tomorrow, I would plant an apple tree today.”
Daniel
Thanks, Daniel, that’s an excellent and encouraging post. And I’m delighted to hear about your niece and nephew. When I was able–I did it sort of behind backs!–to do my literacy program and math–back to the basics–all day, every day, with my very challenged students, the gains were remarkable, both academically and behaviourally. Self-esteem? It’s the product of knowing one’s competent. The parents were most supportive. I had five years teaching my program in this way (largely ignored by the powers that be) and then the board closed the program to save $$ (I think). My kids’ parents fought the closure all the way to the Ministry. I’m still in close touch with nearly all of the families from that class: a week ago, one student, who’s now back in Hungary, called me! You’ve picked up on my love of teaching. Well done: I tell my students that good learners are good detectives!
In the case of public education, dealing with governments–what bad luck–is the hand we’ve been dealt. And, you’re right–changing the agenda of so many Education Ministries is not likely to happen. Getting charter schools–I’d LOVE to teach in one–is not going to happen in most jurisdictions either. The unions and all the Ministry and board bureaucrats who are responsible for much of the mess we’re in, wouldn’t dream of it. I’ve actually thought of moving to Alberta (“weather’s good there in the fall”!)–I’m a charter subscriber to Western Standard–and maybe should consider it more seriously.
Examples of the “equity fiats”: When everything is equal (sic), everything gets dumbed down. There’s no room for high standards and consequences because that would stigmatize those who don’t or can’t “make the grade”. No one’s held responsible–whoops, the teachers are–because doing so might single out certain groups. E.g., Teachers are really careful when disciplining visible minorities–and often get hung out to dry by administration if they do. So, the inmates run the asylum. Administration’s so fearful of litigation, they cave at the slightest provocation from bullying students and their parents. An example of this is a student of mine–I’m very fond of him and he’s making really fine gains in my class–who very likely stole a book from another of my students. The circumstantial evidence I gathered to “prove” it was extensive. Then the student’s mother lied and insisted the book was her son’s. The principal looked me straight in the eye and said, “If the parent says it’s his book, it’s his book.” So much for truth. So much for accountability. A lot of teachers are just giving up. NOT involving administration, who regularly appease the wrongdoer, while downloading onto the teacher the expectations of more documentation and curriculum add-ons to deal with the problem, is a choice more and more teachers are making.
Another example: all family forms are considered equal. The fact that an inordinate amount of well documented problems occur in certain models is never allowed to be mentioned. (And some families that conform to this model do a heroic and laudable job.) Administrators avert their eyes from the most egregious lack of responsibility on the part of certain parents. To hold these people accountable would be considered very politically incorrect and definitely impolite. In fact, when these parents habitually renege on their responsibilities, the school will often pick up the slack–e.g., provide meals, happy-sappy little pep talks and high-fives when the student’s wimped out, and $$ for trips the student doesn’t deserve to go on. This simply teaches these students and their irresponsible parents that it pays to sit back and let someone else do the work. I’ve seen the number of this kind of parent increase substantially. I’ve seen a corresponding rise in the educational establishment’s appeasement of their and their children’s irresponsibility. (Being the teacher of these kids is challenging: I roll up my sleeves and rub my hands together! If I’m allowed to, I can make a real difference.)
Another example of so-called “equity”–of course, it’s not: it’s just a smokescreen to allow social engineering of all sorts–is the fact that homosexual activists are allowed into many schools, often under the guise of anti-bullying. Under the boards’ equity rubrics, these people are able to proselytize about same-sex families in the public schools of my jurisdiction. Can you imagine someone being allowed to talk about the benefits of marriage and the mother-father family? YIKES!
So much for equity. It’s pernicious political propaganda to radically change the face of this country. Many teachers feel the way I do but keep their heads down. Actually, so do I. I’d love to have my posts published, with my name attached, but my days as a teacher would be numbered. I might even be hauled before one of the kangaroo courts of this country–a Human Rights (sic) Commission. I’m paid by the state and am, therefore, apparently, expected to toe the politically correct line that most of our governments have adopted. (A veteran CBCer, at a party I was at, told me I had no right to express non PC views if I wanted to remain a teacher in the public system. If I wanted to express such opinions, he said I should resign!)
Public education wise, I’d say things are in a bad way. I wish I could be more optimistic. There is a way out but the powers that be and too many ordinary Canadians don’t have the vision or the guts to go there. Again, kyrie eleison.
lookout
Wish I could have been there for the rally!
Thanks for the candor. Even though it is a rather damning endigtment, I appreciate it all the same. My brother lives in Alberta, “the land that flows with milk and money”, myself I live in Saskatchewan, the land witht the fastest growing aboriginal poulation in Canada. I am not a racist but a person would have to be blind not to see the obvious. Many of the same problems you have described are prevalent here as well. It is funny that you mention the anti-bullying homosexual propogandists. I have worked at a school as a volunteer helper for 15 years so I have seen many things during my tenure. At the school, the division had hired a lady who was hired as a family councillor that went from school to school councilling…you guessed it, she was a lesbian. Now I am not sure how it was that she was councilled to council but I am thinking that it was not along the lines of the traditional famiy. (Don’t get me started on that one tonight! arrrrgh)
You know, I think that there are many more than we think that see things the same way but like you said “everyone keeps their heads down”. It is a little bit like the expression “Evil grows because good men (and women) do nothing”.
There are no easy answers. I like your approach of trying to do what you can…one student at a time.
Perhaps enough said for tonight. Tomorrow it might be good if we go out and plant an apple tree and encourage a friend to do the same. On second thought, we still have 2 feet of snow on the ground and 3 feet of frost in the ground. The apple tree will have to wait. However, I will go to church tomorrow morning (after I spend a couple hours pushing snow with the tractor) and worship the only one who does have all the answers. Good night. It was nice meeting you and chatting a bit.Perhaps we’ll link up again sometime.
Daniel
Daniel: So, you go to church! Am I surprised? I’ll be heading there soon myself to worship the same God–there I said it! God’s been thoroughly expunged from the public schools and the doors and windows have been bolted fast to make sure He stays out. I’m not saying everyone has to be a believer, but when Truth is denied and even derided, good things don’t follow. The vacuum that’s caused by truth’s absence has been filled by expediency and the false idol of “equality”: when school policies and procedures, as a result of directives from the ministries and boards, are skewed to fit this untruth, what really needs to happen doesn’t. E.g., kids never “fail” now; they keep being “transfered” to the next grade and fall further behind. (My heart aches for these kids. See what happens to their self-esteem.) The corollary is that things that shouldn’t happen do. E.g., Certain groups are favoured over others–equality, eh?–and kids from such groups are patronized and demeaned by having the standards dropped for them: I’ve seen it time and time again. I refuse to do it. I have the same high standards for all my kids. I’ve often had to take on administration over this. Re a disadvantaged student–a difficult but real favourite of mine–who bit someone on the yard: The principal first of all didn’t tell me and then said, “Be nice to him.” I was as “nice” to him as he needed at the time. I challenge administration on these miscalls with, “So you want to victimize this child twice? We know his life circumstances are difficult. My goal is to give him a fair chance by holding him to the high standards of truth and respect–for himself and others.” Letting such students off the hook is a cowardly act of the utmost disrespect. I care too much for the well-being of my students to treat them this way. Shallow bleeding heart liberalism has seriously undermined our kids. The adults (sic) in Canada have seriously failed the younger generation. Respect for themselves and others and their ability to reason, read and write articulately, and truly empathize–in order to see another point of view–are on a serious downward curve. (There are still many fine teachers out there doing yeoman service. However, this is often in spite of the system.)
Back to the Sheaf crew: They’ve learned their equality lessons well. All they need to do is decide who the victims are: Once that’s done, they accord them special status and allow the most transparent hypocricies. Deriding and ridiculing the opposite side goes hand in hand with this muddled thinking and false judgement. Intolerance, anyone? (And what if they’re wrong?)
I notice that some people who post here are virulently anti-Christian. Grow up, guys! And have a good day.
Daniel, as I navigate the crowded streets, I’ll think of you on your tractor under the big sky. I’ll say a prayer for you too.
Daniel: Not to argue, but your statement might need clarification:
“My purchase was 75 cents for a pack of gum. I gave her a toonie ($2 coin). She pulled a calculator from beneath the till to figure out my $1.25 in change”
Maybe she was figuring in GST?
cheers
tom
This letter has three main sections. In the first, I argue that http://www.smalldeadanimals.com preaches tolerance yet actively refuses to tolerate views that differ from its own. In the second, I make it clear that http://www.smalldeadanimals.com has a driving need to preach hatred. And in the third and final section, I conclude that this is explicitly or implicitly expressed or presupposed in most of the material I plan to present. In the text that follows, I won’t bother discussing the flaws in its logic, because it indisputably doesn’t use any logic. If there is one thing I have learned, it is this: If you want to hide something from http://www.smalldeadanimals.com, you just have to put it in a book. To wrap up, I’ll just hit the key elements of this letter one last time. First, http://www.smalldeadanimals.com would rather talk about making changes than actually make them. Second, I am interested in facts, not in paregoric for http://www.smalldeadanimals.com‘s legates. And finally, http://www.smalldeadanimals.com‘s modes of thought are a grungy carnival of adversarialism.
Empty: Sound and fury signifying utter silliness. Have a good day.
The cartoon was a master piece. It exposed the true side of christians and the unmentionable neocons that hide behind it’s robes.
It was a pleasure to see the shoe on the other foot and to hear people who claimed the mohammad carton was “just a cartoon” “freedom of expression” litterly flip out – BUT when there capitalistic figurine is exposed in a funny way it’s REAL BAD.
Here you wanna see funny:
http://www.catholicsupply.com/christmas/othersports.html
The height of capitalistic neocon promotion. ROTFL You can fool some of the people some of the time mr neocon but you can’t fool em all. Hahahahahaha
Just so some of you know, The Sheaf is funded not by the university or gov’t, but by a mandatory fee each student pays. As it is a student organization, is run and regulated by students, not Mr. Mackinnon. The cartoon was made to offend and draw parallels to the offense muslims were taking to the comics in the spotlight recently. If it weren’t for that already famous parallel you probably wouldnt even have heard about the cartoon.
To me this underlines the very essence of freedom of speech, not in that people should have the right to insult and degrade other people’s ideas, but that this cartoon and the amount of support it has, opened up your eyes to the amount of bias the many youth may have towards religion. Which supports the underlining principle of freedom of speech, the quest for truth.
I understand how many of you found the comic tastless and insulting, however in a country of many differing ideals/biases coupled with freedom of speech its probably not the first or last time this is going to happen. I think that some of you are useing it as an excuse to spread misinformation and biased views about subjects it seems some of you know very little, but assume alot about.
The great majority of the “lefties, socialists, communists, hippies and liberals” I know are not interested in abolishing progressive industry, but placing a higher priority on human welfare rather than profit(and if you really do fundamentally disagree with that idea than I would be more than proud to separate myself into a category separate from you).
oh ya and to end on a controversial topic just for those of you who like to argue: FREE WILL AND CHOICE ARE ILLUSIONS; you’re all the products of your genetics,social adaptation, and individual happenstance experiences (or god’s preknowledge of your descions, if thats your thing)
HAHAHAHAHA(manical laughter)