We saw the movie a couple of weeks ago and I dug this up from my journal...after w got into office again...
Low expectations are everywhere.
I think about the buzz around the w-bush debates and how the republican strategists set the stage for victory as long as bush didn't pick his nose on camera...and being a nation of low expectations...he got "elected"...twice.
I've been back in the classroom this school year substitute teaching. I'm very worried. Not about the potential...our kids are FULL of potential but we have such low expectations of them. So low that we've reduced education to basic performance on standardized tests...who needs critical thinking.
As parents, my wife and I, try to foster a culture of critical thinking at home. We do our best to have very few absolutes like - everyone is important, gender equality, kindness and respect rule - but as for ideas, science, politics, philosophy, what ifs, we go deep, far and wide and encourage...even prod our kids to stretch beyond the comfortable. We're also willing to be changed by our kids...realizing that they know stuff we don't.
I'm keeping expectations high for my kids, and my nation. Let's not make mediocrity our norm.
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