Monday, November 8, 2010

Inappropriate Backpack

I came across this article about a fourth grade boy whose backpack was deemed inappropriate for school and banned by the principal (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/08/students-racy-backpack-ca_n_780490.html).  The artwork on the backpack features a scantily-clad woman wrapped around a snake -- artwork more fitting for a tattoo than an elementary school backpack.  The father of the boy is arguing censorship and has taken the matter to the school board, who declined to intervene.  The father says that the "boy loves his backpack" and would be disappointed if it were taken away.  Of course the boy loves the backpack-- look at all the attention it's getting him and his father!  The problem seems to be that this generation of parents doesn't know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate, and don't want to upset their babies by telling them no.  Just walk down the hallway of a high school and see the clothing that the teenage girls are wearing.  My son's high school marketing teacher gave the students a very interesting assignment.  They were given a stack of magazines and a piece of poster board, and told to cut out at least five outfits that were appropriate for a corporate work environment.  Most of the boys were on track with a button-down shirt and khakis, but a few selected Ed Hardy shirts, hoodies and athletic wear.  Most of the girls' posters were filled with evening wear, tank tops and sweats with the word "Pink" emblazoned across the posterior.   The teacher made a point of displaying the posters and showing them to the parents on conference night.  The parents who saw the posters were shocked and dismayed at the clothing choices shown.  Most of them vowed to speak with their kids about appropriate dress.  My guess is that the parents who would have agreed with the choices never came to conferences!  Which group do you think that backpack boy's father would have been in?

2 comments:

  1. Backpack boy's father is in the group that didn't show up, definitely! He is also the father that goes to the school to tear apart the teacher and/or principal when his kid earns a demerit or detention, instead of backing up the teacher and/or principal. The "my kid can do no wrong" mentality is running rampant in our schools and communities.

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  2. Great point Mrs. Piechocki! The mentality of "my kid can do no wrong" is working strongly against improving overall students achievement. It's so counter productive because it sends a strong message that "I can pretty much do anything I want in school because my parents support me." That's a bad message to take out into the world after high school.

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