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| Mother. |
| 09.26.06 (9:21 pm) [edit] |
 Woman Having her Hair Combed by Degas. The Frisco, Texas school board has voted not to renew the contract of a 28-year veteran teacher after one of her 5th grade students saw a nude sculpture during a field trip to the Dallas Museum of Art. The principal at Fisher elementary, Nancy Lawson, reprimanded teacher Sydney McGhee about the fieldtrip, telling her a parent complained about a student seeing ‘nude art’, said McGhee’s attorney. Nude sculptures? At an Art Museum? In the United States of America? No doubt that my tax dollars paid for that lewd and insidious trash. I believe that firing this teacher does not go far enough. After all, in this day and age, teachers are fired merely for sleeping with their students. They should lock her in a room and force her to watch Keeanu Reeves movies—then she would learn what ART was really about before dragging 89 innocent 5th graders into a pornographic playground where breasts and phalluses are bandied about like French fries in a Happy Meal. I hope the child gets counseling. I’m sure he’s going to need it. Mother. By Pink Floyd. Mother, do you think they'll drop the bomb? Mother, do you think they'll like this song? Mother, do you think they'll try to break my balls? Mother, should I build the wall? Mother, should I run for President? Mother, should I trust the government? Mother, will they put me in the firing line? Is it just a waste of time? Hush now baby, baby, don't you cry Momma's gonna make all of your nightmares come true Momma's gonna put all of her fears into you Momma's gonna keep you right here under her wing She won't let you fly, but she might let you sing Momma's will keep Baby cozy and warm Oooo Babe Oooo Babe Ooo Babe, of course Momma's gonna help build the wall Mother, do you think she's good enough For me? Mother, do you think she's dangerous To me? Mother will she tear your little boy apart? Mother, will she break my heart? Hush now baby, baby, don't you cry Momma's gonna check out all your girlfriends for you Momma won't let anyone dirty get through Momma's gonna wait up until you get in Momma will always find out where you've been Momma's gonna keep Baby healthy and clean Oooo Babe Oooo Babe Ooo Babe, you'll always be Baby to me Mother, did it need to be so high? |
posted by: fractalmom (reply)
post date: 09.26.06 (6:33 pm)
the collective stupidity of the masses never ceases to amaze the hell out of me. :::sheesh:::. and just this morning, there I was in the car explaining the effects of discrimination to a 7 yr old. we started out with the word gay and went on from there.
the example you gave would only be more ridiculous if the complaining PARENT were a teacher, but then that is probably not far from fact.
vomit.
dawn
posted by: thecyberwriter (reply)
post date: 09.26.06 (6:45 pm)
I don't have a problem with nude sculptures, but 5th grade seems a bit young to be exposed to something like that. You can introduce art and nudity to students in a tasteful way, but seriously, not until they are in high school maybe....you know?
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.26.06 (8:21 pm)
Reply to: thecyberwriter I was being sarcastic when I wrote this... I think it's a ridiculous notion that you would go to a museum and not see nudes. The parent must live in a bubble. I can't imagine that a child hasn't had the "sex talk" by 5th grade. By high school almost 50% of kids are having sex--the body is certainly no secret by then. As a mother I would have had no problem with my children seeing classical art--nudes or not--at any age. but, that's just me. :) thank you for the comment.
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.26.06 (8:28 pm)
Reply to: breakouttheglass
you are right...i think it's political correctness that has ruined us to be honest...everything is offensive...wussified (good word). Like kids not competing in sports...oh we didn't keep score so no one would feel like they weren't a winner! now that's the real world for you. You're right...the body was not seen as 'offensive' in earlier times...we've made it a dirty thing. The goats--yeah, that might be a problem. thanks for your comment.
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.26.06 (8:35 pm)
Reply to: fractalmom I didn't expose my kids to trash...but, neither did I keep them in a bubble. I always talked to them...I wanted them to know how to react in the real world. I think we want to keep them innocent--which would be ideal--however it just doesn't happen. I've been around schools enough to know what kids hear and see. THey need to feel comfortable talking to you about anything--like you did in the car.
Those kind of things make me crazy.
posted by: fractalmom (reply)
post date: 09.27.06 (5:52 am)
I really liked the term wussification. Awesome ! When did we become a society that was afraid of failures? Maybe that has alot to do with people failing? If you never learn, as a child, to deal with sucky parts of life, then how, as an adult, will you cope? Of course, saying this is easy, to date I have raised a bunch of kids, most of whom turned out really well, one of whom is the epitome of not being able to deal with ANYTHING at all, and she is a heroin addict. But seriously, I remember when kids came home with "my teacher hates me, she is SO mean...yada yada " and my reply was "figure out how to deal with it, because if you think SHE is mean, wait until you have your first BOSS!"
imho
dawn
posted by: judypatooote (reply)
post date: 09.27.06 (3:07 pm)
Well my heart started to beat fast when I seen the word Mother and a nude picture...I thought it couldn't be of me...whewwww...
posted by: babe4jesus55 (reply)
post date: 09.27.06 (4:53 pm)
That's tragic. Parents are supposed to guide a child into becoming reasonable, responsible adults. I'd think that would require some education in everything having to do with the human experience.
posted by: irishred (reply)
post date: 09.27.06 (6:24 pm)
I love Pink Floyd
posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 09.27.06 (7:51 pm)
Now that is sad, and stupid. Hopefully the school board, or at least some discerning judge, will restore this teacher to his rightful position, with due compensation. I don't think a painting by a master like Degas could in any way be considered prurient, unless the interest is in the heart of the beholder.
I think we have some naked Barbie Dolls stored away in the closet. Do you think we could be raided by the morality police?
posted by: doeeyed (reply)
post date: 09.28.06 (7:00 am)
Reply to: lorischuster
"...i think it's political correctness that has ruined us to be honest...everything is offensive...wussified (good word). "
Sing it Sister! I'm so sick of everyone thinking we have to be so PC, that we overlook the basic common courtesies.
Now about Keanue Reeves...
Did I ever mention that A Walk in the Clouds is one of my all time favorite movies?
Of course I really only like it for the scenery. Honestly, I'm talking about the landscape. :)
posted by: heavyarms (reply)
post date: 09.28.06 (1:04 pm)
lori: I was going to write something clever about School Boards telling idiot parents to stick it where the sun don't shine, and how I can see near soft-core porn on my television any given night of the week (Nip/Tuck, anyone?) But then you quoted lyrics to one of the few things in this world that can actually bring a tear to my eye. That song is so tragic, it tears my guts out every time I hear it and I'm not quite sure why. So now I'm speechless. Again. That's two on you. Cut it out.
posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 09.28.06 (8:49 pm)
I absolutely loved Keeanu Reeves in Parenthood.
Since you've chosen to insult him so mercilessly here, I suggest you be forced to model - for an unknown but imminently qualified and talented sculptor - in the position and dress of the female being harshly molested by that long forgotten artist in the portrait that leads this post, and that I, as a fair arbiter, be the sole judge, through hours of excruciatingly close examination of the entire process, of whether the resulting artwork is suitable for display in the courtyard of a local junior high school or shopping mall.
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.29.06 (6:36 am)
Reply to: babe4jesus55
You are SO right. Sometimes I feel like parents assume that if they discuss something they are giving permission for it. When my girls were teenagers sometimes I would say something a little shocking--to open up a discussion after a while they knew they could approach me about almost anything and then instead of saying 'don't do this it's bad' I could say 'let me tell you why I think this is dangerous', etc. Pulling the wool over your eyes may feel better but it's not an answer.
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.29.06 (6:37 am)
Reply to: Judy (mom)
Don't worry mom...I'm saving all the bad stuff until the perfect moment...:)
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.29.06 (6:38 am)
Reply to: irishred
I do too...and this song in particular.
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.29.06 (6:41 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
I agree on both counts. Why one parent can cause such havoc I will never understand. The morality police are definitely closing in.
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.29.06 (6:42 am)
Reply to: fractalmom
I must give credit for the term wussification to breakouttheglass.
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.29.06 (6:51 am)
Reply to: LadyG
You are absolutely right...it is a ludicrous assumption. I can't tell you the stories I heard about what was going on in 7th grade. Ali came home after her first day of 8th grade and asked to go to a private school because she was afraid if she stayed there she'd become "a hoochie" :) ...and this was in a very good school system. What kind of confusion is this going to send to this child? That a naked sculpture was such a terrible thing it was cause for a teacher to be fired.
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.29.06 (6:57 am)
Reply to: doeeyed
It was a beautiful movie. I liked Keeanu in Devil's Advocate and Walk in the Clouds. Unfortunately, though, it's like watching a piece of talking cardboard. I think he's cute when he keeps his mouth shut--I just have a thing about dumb boys. :) It is my feeling that America's roots are about anything but political correctness...it's about freedom of speech...even if it ruffles your over-sensitive feathers.
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.29.06 (7:04 am)
Reply to: heavyarms
I agree with your assessment on the school boards and the soft porn on tv (has the child ever seen a victoria's secret commercial)? As for 'Mother' I hear you...For example, and I'm sure you've seen it before-- I was in a store yesterday and there was a mom and an I'm assuming grandma with this girl who was about four. The mother kept yelling...get up! get up! then the grandma would scream at her. Then the girl would run and grandma would chase her...for about ten minutes I listened to this mother scream at her child but not control her, not speak kindly--I had a huge knot in my stomach. Through no fault of her own, this girl will probably never have a normal relationship in her life. I know that's a big leap but if you would have seen the interaction--I think you would have agreed. Maybe that's why it's tragic...because it is so incredibly true.
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.29.06 (7:16 am)
Reply to: kurtmaddox
Ok now that just makes me sad. The schools are a petrie dish for PC. What kid is going to complain about getting cupcakes just because their mom doesn't do it? You should start a Campaign for Cupcakes. Don't even get me started. It is really one of my biggest pet peeves. This is a short excerpt (I like to say that makes me feel like a real writer) :) from a poem I wrote on one of my other blogs...it sums up my angst.
...We the people of the United States of America
Have lost our collective minds
And somehow allowed
A fringe minority of frightened, rude
And ignorant loudmouths
To change the rules
And manipulate the game
And now the bullies are running the show
And we are just plain running
So help me ACLU.
Joy to the World
Unless it can be helped.
The ones who never learned
To play well with others
The ones who took the ball home
so no one could enjoy the game...
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.29.06 (7:17 am)
Reply to: surrogate
I'm really going to have to start drinking before I read your comments.
posted by: irishred (reply)
post date: 09.29.06 (7:21 am)
Reply to: lorischuster
You all have a great weekend :)
posted by: apyjo (reply)
post date: 09.29.06 (9:31 am)
Myself and daughter grew up in Europe.
Things are a bit looser there.
I spent lots of time at museums over there.
I've always felt that America, with it's it's puritanical roots ,has a weird sexual attitude schism.
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.29.06 (12:45 pm)
Reply to: apyjo
Very succinctly put and I couldn't agree more. It really IS a very weird sexual attitude schism (I really like that so I repeated it). Maybe that is how far back it goes. Great point April...thanks.
posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 09.30.06 (4:02 am)
Reply to: lorischuster
Drinking? You just quoted Mother from Floyd. Surely you're on to a better buzz than booze.
I've been in a tizzy with another blogger for months over the merrits of Teachers' Unions. Her, taking the "they've ruined education in America" side and me, who closely watched the havoc a few nut-job parents caqn cause in a district for a couple of decades, taking the, "well, maybe so, but you couldn't get me to EVER be a teacher without a union to back me up" side.
This particular dispute sounds like a separation of church and state issue that hasn't been nipped in the bud, but that has been allowed to fester into a "see what happens when you let religious people start forcing their moral code on the rest of us" thing.
I have no idea why I'm writing in "gee, why don't you put it in quotes, a-hole" mode.
posted by: doeeyed (reply)
post date: 09.30.06 (6:34 am)
"even if it ruffles your over-sensitive feathers."
My feathers? ;)
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.30.06 (9:07 am)
Reply to: doeeyed
oh my gosh...no. Not your feathers. The feathers of oversensitive people...who want the freedom to have their say but don't want me to have mine. know what I mean? you seem to have perfectly lovely feathers. :)
posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 09.30.06 (9:31 am)
Reply to: surrogate
I'm sticking with coffee, wine and margaritas. DOn't worry, I'm only a political conservative. I can quote pink floyd AND ronald reagan without flinching. It is not a matter of religious people forcing their moral code on us Surrogate. Come on. It's about STUPID people. Like this parent. Do you not think the Liberal NEA is trying to shove their political agenda down my throat??? Why is your right any greater than mine?
I don't think Jerry Falwell or Jesse Jackson would be who I would want dictating what goes on in schools.
Almost every close friend that I have has a teaching degree. I think teachers are amazing. It is all screwed up because schools are being forced to do the job that parents were supposed to do but aren't. The parents who are involved and doing their jobs resent the fact that schools are teaching them philosophies that are not in agreement with what they are trying to instill in them at home. A clash... a huge clash without any apparent answers. If I were a teacher I would want a union to protect me from crackpot parents. I think they need a union--but the NEA is a nightmare. They are at the center of the PC poison and I truly think that they are ruining not only our schools but the country. I must also say that there are parents out there ruining things as well but surrogate, they are certainly not limited to religious minded families. They are --the ones calling lawyers, the one's that think their kids can do no wrong and do not back the teacher up, the ones who try and keep them in a bubble, on and on.
posted by: doeeyed (reply)
post date: 09.30.06 (9:50 am)
Reply to: lorischuster
I know, I know...just being overly sensitive *wink* (really I was kidding)
I LOVE the new pic of Ali :-)
Have a lovely weekend (((Lori)))
posted by: doeeyed (reply)
post date: 09.30.06 (9:59 am)
"The feathers of oversensitive people...who want the freedom to have their say but don't want me to have mine. know what I mean?"
PS
I know EXACTLY what you mean! I know a *few* people like that. gack!
posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 09.30.06 (2:36 pm)
Reply to: lorischuster
Well first of all, I have to be quick as I'm off to see a band that has a few similarities to the P.F.
I don't disagree with most of what you're saying, though I don't think Roger Waters would take any happier a view of you quoting both him and Reagan in the same breath than Reagan would have, but heck, that's small potatoes. I personally have problems with both the NEA AND people who want them to go away to a politically correct island somewhere. I'd like them to reign things in, but I also know why it's gotten so out of the mainstream, which has more to do with backlash than anyone's personal agenda, at least that's my impression. More later.
"...and she's smiling through the rain."
(Eyestrings, last line from "Revcovery."
posted by: celine14295699 (reply)
post date: 10.01.06 (12:09 am)
cool blog
posted by: inkspector (reply)
post date: 10.09.06 (5:43 pm)
Gee, I lived abroad and one of the things elementary students do in Europe when taking field trips to art museums, they bring notebooks and have to draw works of art!
It is that Puritan ethic in America that causes issues like this.
If I were the teacher, I would have sent home a note telling parents about the art work they would see, like a disclaimer, just to be on the safe side.
Grace, beauty, humor, strength.
Alison Haley Cloud
Nov. 16, 1987-March 1, 2005
