I don't know if you guys have heard about the most recent events including a student fighting a teacher (if not, find the story here), or if you've read up on any of the most recent stories with similar story lines (because there are a lot), but that brings up a really big question: when did kids and young adults stop respecting those in authority?
When I was in high school, talking back to the teacher was considered ballsy. Giving them lip or starting an argument with them was an offense punishable by detention or similar, approved punishments. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine mouthing off to a teacher and getting away with it; I was raised to respect those in authority and to do as I was told. I remember one student in my English class my senior year starting an argument with our teacher, and I melted into my chair with secondhand embarrassment. It's not as if teachers wake up every morning thinking, "let me make these kids super miserable today,"; most of what they do is to better the students. Yet, students take it personally when they don't get their way.
The same goes for law enforcement these days. When did parents stop teaching their kids to respect the law and authority figures? I'm all for doing what you want and being independent, but there is a line that should not be crossed. Often, police officers are asking you to do something (or to not do something) because they are looking out for the safety of others. If I get a speeding ticket, I deserved it. I know very well that I need to follow the laws that are displayed on the roads, but I sometimes find myself deviant. If I get pulled over, I don't degrade the cop or his profession. I don't tell him or her that I shouldn't be in trouble because I should be. With a lack of respect comes a lack of accountability.
What's so shocking is that similar events happen in classrooms and on traffic stops every day. Young kids talk back to cops. Young kids physically assault their teachers. Yet, the professionals are the ones who often face consequences, too. I have friends that are teachers, and it's scary to think that they could be hit at any moment, and they can't do anything about it.
I don't know when parents stopped teaching respect and accountability, but it's time to bring it back. I can tell you that my children will be the most respectful and accountable children in the world. It's time to stop blaming the schools and the teachers and the police for your children's deviant behavior. That starts at home. Here's a reminder: respect for others is one of the basic, unwritten rules of decency to other humans.
On another note, I'm very lucky that I didn't pursue a career in the field of education when I was early in my college career. If a student came at me, they could catch these hands real quick. But that's another story.
