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Hittin' Students...Pt.2
I recently riff'd (ok, ranted) about Coach Knight's hittin' a player during a game to get his attention, 'teach' him. And Matt replied with a very good perspective. Here's his thoughts: Lets look at it from a different angle. We have gotten so soft in our society that kids feel entitled to everything. Every kids gets a ribbon or a medal no matter what. You can't play dodgeball at recess. Spanking is seen as a violent act. Putting kids in a timeout doesn't solve things. In life, not everyone wins. Knight has done some stupid things in his career, but seriously, he didn't hurt the kid and both the kid and the kid's parents were fine with it. There is a place for tough love and the world needs more of it.Philosophically, I agree completely with you, Matt. I definitely agree about the value of everyone getting a ribbon and in effect no one gets a reward. And that kids can't play dodgeball at recess (Adults can, though.) is absurd. Accountability is needed...especially for adults, the leaders, the ones who set the standards for what's acceptable and what's not. Accountability AND teaching is needed for students and children. Where we disagree is on the tactics. I've yet to see anyone show me that publicly smackin' players or students or children or staff or colleagues or spouses or partners or fellow drivers or elevator riders or shoppers...is a tactic that aids in the education of what's good behavior. Taking the time to get their attention, show by word and deed what's acceptable, and deliver it in a manner that respects them is much more time-consuming process. But that extra time is where the benefits come in. And for those who claim the mantle and priviledges of leadership and teaching our kids, then we should hold them accountable for a higher standard of behavior, one that includes tactics that hold accountable and educates. Obviously, Coach Knight is a legend and ergo feels he doesn't need to invest that time in yet another group of students. He can so to speak, cut to the chase...his goals, his rewards, his recognition.