Education must be as concerned with directing youth toward a code of ethics suitable to each individual and to the general good as it is with the growth of their intellectual citizenry. It must be concerned with the development of moral values as in the development of his economic and political potential. Educators must disclose their inherent distaste for the world of what too often is and espouse with immeasurable resources the philosophy of what can and ought to be.


For education to have any clout it must put its best foot forward not as a “ petty civil service” of self-serving administrator and teachers paring their fingernails, pretending not to see the amoral ills of society gnawing away at the last hope for humanity — its youth. It must freely discuss in classrooms across America the subcultures of youth that are on self-destruct. An example would be to not hesitate to openly discuss the pros and cons of the Super Bowl show and hopefully and skillfully reach a consensus that it was wrong for what has become a national event for all viewers. Of course, there will be dissent that some customs are “cool” and entertainers are free to express themselves. But is it no matter what? Or is it under certain conditions improper? And is it not right for schools to have separated restrooms? That there be necessary practice codes for a civil society?


Although no reasonable human can accept the Marxian myth of the “withering away of the state,” this should not preclude the teacher and administrator from aiming for this ultimate myth in the individual student — mastering the art of self-discipline.


To reach this pinnacle, however, an enlightened, not a frustrated, administration of justice be in force. It is imperative that the field educator be conscious always of the function of imposing discipline is not to serve as a convenience for the system, but as a dynamic instructional device aimed at retooling the student to perform inoffensively, nay, with social grace offering civil substance, rather than the exhibiting non-conformity for its own sake.


  Copyright © 2004 Richard R. Kennedy All rights reserved. Revised: February 6, 2004.