High School Boys Struggling at our Big 3

[Anonymous]

I would pull my son out of any school that was pushing anti-male narratives like that. Unfortunately, that's going to be very common in DC-area privates (and publics, for that matter.) Your only choice around here would be a Catholic school, probably. If you're not Catholic, that's tough too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:any school that was pushing anti-male narratives like that

What a simple-minded way to look at the world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:any school that was pushing anti-male narratives like that

What a simple-minded way to look at the world.

I agree the presentation at GDS is one-dimensional and does leave a lot to be desired but there have been good suggestions to improve the approach.

[Anonymous]

I have a son and daughter. Both were exposed to discussions about racism, sexism, classism, antisemetism, islamaphobia, homophobis, etc. They learned at school that history shows that race, gender, religion, etc. have been used to structure society and often times in ways that advantage some groups over others and to vest power in certain groups over others. We discussed these issues at home too. Maybe because I have both a son and a daughter I wanted my son and my daughter to be aware of toxic beliefs and social/cultural norms that are harmful. Here’s a simple one—boys don’t/shouldn’t cry. That’s actually harmful to men and boys. Holding in emotions and disconnecting from your feelings can cause physical harm to the body like increased heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression for example. Men should be the bread winner and being able to support your family determines whether you are really a man or not. Responsibilities can be shared. You and your spouse can decide how to structure things.

I have helped women escape domestic abuse. You know what drives a lot of this abuse? The husband/boyfriend’s belief that he has the right to control his wife/girlfriend because he is a man and is top dog in the hierarchy. Do all men abuse women? No they don’t but how do you stop it? You raise your boys to be good men. Men that not only don’t abuse women but work to end the violence against women.

At my old school all the parents who said my son comes home feeling bad never had the types of conversations we had at our house and some of the families of the other boys in the class had. I’m white and some white parents would talk about how conversations about race made their white kids feel uncomfortable or bad. They thought the school shouldn’t talk about race in a way that made their white kids uncomfortable. I said what about the black and brown students? Should our children’s comfort be more important than their’s. I told them that I was decidely uncomfortable with making my kid feel better at the expense of their black and brown classmates and friends so we talk about uncomfortable issues like race in our house.

Maybe the school needs to do a better job of guiding these discussions but maybe you could help your son look at what’s making him uncomfortable. It bothers my son that my safety talk with his sister includes how to try to protect yourself from sexual assault. Our talk with our son was to look out for his friends including his female friends. If you notice a young women drunk or high, keep an eye out and make sure she gets home safe. We talk about these issues so that he doesn’t grow up to be one of the guys from Mad Men like Don Draper. We want him to be a respectful, thoughtful, empathetic, resposible adult male. Part of that is talking about how some beliefs or values around masculity can be toxic. He’s not damaged by those discussions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:any school that was pushing anti-male narratives like that

What a simple-minded way to look at the world.

I agree the presentation at GDS is one-dimensional and does leave a lot to be desired but there have been good suggestions to improve the approach.

No, I was saying that calling what GDS "pushing anti-male narratives" is a simple-minded way to look at the world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is a absolutely true that some of the “consultants” giving these lectures or preparing the materials are absolutely awful and pedantic. They undermine the benefit and are counterproductive. (I actually support teaching CRT in schools but it has to be done right and not overly wrought and long).

I know this because my company hired one such consultant and it was a disaster and embarrassment.

Yes, this is big money for some.

I work at a very progressive, one might even say "woke" institution, with a great deal of sincere commitment to inclusive teaching and pedagogy as well as rigorous incorporation of various theoretical approaches (including CRT--real CRT. Descended and built from the true theorists like Duncan Kennedy and progeny). Admin brought in some consulting group to "help" with this, and it was the most ridiculous thing I've ever been a part of. Foundational scholars and thinkers in relevant field attended this meeting and literally walked out.

It's not just that these consultants are awful--they are--it is also that, somehow, somewhere, someone has gotten convinced that "diversity, equity, and inclusion" is little more than stylized power-point exercises and buzzwords. The implication being that any old person can go out and "teach" very, very difficult concepts that call for nuance and rigor.

What a waste of an opportunity to deepen and strengthen pedagogy and education. Next we'll be having "DEI day with McKinsey!"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is a absolutely true that some of the “consultants” giving these lectures or preparing the materials are absolutely awful and pedantic. They undermine the benefit and are counterproductive. (I actually support teaching CRT in schools but it has to be done right and not overly wrought and long).

I know this because my company hired one such consultant and it was a disaster and embarrassment.

Yes, this is big money for some.

I work at a very progressive, one might even say "woke" institution, with a great deal of sincere commitment to inclusive teaching and pedagogy as well as rigorous incorporation of various theoretical approaches (including CRT--real CRT. Descended and built from the true theorists like Duncan Kennedy and progeny). Admin brought in some consulting group to "help" with this, and it was the most ridiculous thing I've ever been a part of. Foundational scholars and thinkers in relevant field attended this meeting and literally walked out.

It's not just that these consultants are awful--they are--it is also that, somehow, somewhere, someone has gotten convinced that "diversity, equity, and inclusion" is little more than stylized power-point exercises and buzzwords. The implication being that any old person can go out and "teach" very, very difficult concepts that call for nuance and rigor.

What a waste of an opportunity to deepen and strengthen pedagogy and education. Next we'll be having "DEI day with McKinsey!"

Agree with you PP. I bet we are at the same school. SR?

These consultants did a disservice to the entire cause, and now the brakes have been pumped. I think CRT should be taught in schools -- but the right way, and not for weeks on end to the detriment of class time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is a absolutely true that some of the “consultants” giving these lectures or preparing the materials are absolutely awful and pedantic. They undermine the benefit and are counterproductive. (I actually support teaching CRT in schools but it has to be done right and not overly wrought and long).

I know this because my company hired one such consultant and it was a disaster and embarrassment.

Yes, this is big money for some.

I work at a very progressive, one might even say "woke" institution, with a great deal of sincere commitment to inclusive teaching and pedagogy as well as rigorous incorporation of various theoretical approaches (including CRT--real CRT. Descended and built from the true theorists like Duncan Kennedy and progeny). Admin brought in some consulting group to "help" with this, and it was the most ridiculous thing I've ever been a part of. Foundational scholars and thinkers in relevant field attended this meeting and literally walked out.

It's not just that these consultants are awful--they are--it is also that, somehow, somewhere, someone has gotten convinced that "diversity, equity, and inclusion" is little more than stylized power-point exercises and buzzwords. The implication being that any old person can go out and "teach" very, very difficult concepts that call for nuance and rigor.

What a waste of an opportunity to deepen and strengthen pedagogy and education. Next we'll be having "DEI day with McKinsey!"

Agree with you PP. I bet we are at the same school. SR?

These consultants did a disservice to the entire cause, and now the brakes have been pumped. I think CRT should be taught in schools -- but the right way, and not for weeks on end to the detriment of class time.

No, not SR. I'm not shocked it's widespread though. Absolutely dreadful. Insultingly so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is a absolutely true that some of the “consultants” giving these lectures or preparing the materials are absolutely awful and pedantic. They undermine the benefit and are counterproductive. (I actually support teaching CRT in schools but it has to be done right and not overly wrought and long).

I know this because my company hired one such consultant and it was a disaster and embarrassment.

Yes, this is big money for some.

I work at a very progressive, one might even say "woke" institution, with a great deal of sincere commitment to inclusive teaching and pedagogy as well as rigorous incorporation of various theoretical approaches (including CRT--real CRT. Descended and built from the true theorists like Duncan Kennedy and progeny). Admin brought in some consulting group to "help" with this, and it was the most ridiculous thing I've ever been a part of. Foundational scholars and thinkers in relevant field attended this meeting and literally walked out.

It's not just that these consultants are awful--they are--it is also that, somehow, somewhere, someone has gotten convinced that "diversity, equity, and inclusion" is little more than stylized power-point exercises and buzzwords. The implication being that any old person can go out and "teach" very, very difficult concepts that call for nuance and rigor.

What a waste of an opportunity to deepen and strengthen pedagogy and education. Next we'll be having "DEI day with McKinsey!"

Agree with you PP. I bet we are at the same school. SR?

These consultants did a disservice to the entire cause, and now the brakes have been pumped. I think CRT should be taught in schools -- but the right way, and not for weeks on end to the detriment of class time.

No, not SR. I'm not shocked it's widespread though. Absolutely dreadful. Insultingly so.

Now think how it would be if you were fourteen and required to sit through it with no context, no nuance, no background against which to evaluate the content. It’s ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think CRT should be taught in schools -- but the right way, and not for weeks on end to the detriment of class time.

I am pro-CRT, but don't really get your point. Critical Race Theory is a law school thing. How would it be taught in middle or even high schools in a way that's developmentally and cognitively appropriate? Learning about CRT also assumes certain historical knowledge that the vast majority of kids don't have. Now, do I support schools incorporating content in their curriculum certain concepts that are adjacent to CRT? Of course. But not CRT itself.

P.S. To be clear, I don't think there are any private schools around here that are teaching what legal scholars actually consider CRT to be. The term has been bastardized.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is a absolutely true that some of the “consultants” giving these lectures or preparing the materials are absolutely awful and pedantic. They undermine the benefit and are counterproductive. (I actually support teaching CRT in schools but it has to be done right and not overly wrought and long).

I know this because my company hired one such consultant and it was a disaster and embarrassment.

Yes, this is big money for some.

I work at a very progressive, one might even say "woke" institution, with a great deal of sincere commitment to inclusive teaching and pedagogy as well as rigorous incorporation of various theoretical approaches (including CRT--real CRT. Descended and built from the true theorists like Duncan Kennedy and progeny). Admin brought in some consulting group to "help" with this, and it was the most ridiculous thing I've ever been a part of. Foundational scholars and thinkers in relevant field attended this meeting and literally walked out.

It's not just that these consultants are awful--they are--it is also that, somehow, somewhere, someone has gotten convinced that "diversity, equity, and inclusion" is little more than stylized power-point exercises and buzzwords. The implication being that any old person can go out and "teach" very, very difficult concepts that call for nuance and rigor.

What a waste of an opportunity to deepen and strengthen pedagogy and education. Next we'll be having "DEI day with McKinsey!"

Agree with you PP. I bet we are at the same school. SR?

These consultants did a disservice to the entire cause, and now the brakes have been pumped. I think CRT should be taught in schools -- but the right way, and not for weeks on end to the detriment of class time.

No, not SR. I'm not shocked it's widespread though. Absolutely dreadful. Insultingly so.

Now think how it would be if you were fourteen and required to sit through it with no context, no nuance, no background against which to evaluate the content. It’s ridiculous.

I mean, I did think of it from that perspective--though I'm not sure you meant it like that. It's just a total lack of rigor and appreciation of the real and deep work that has gone into decades of scholarship and study on this. "nah, let's just do a power point." Lazy. And destructive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think CRT should be taught in schools -- but the right way, and not for weeks on end to the detriment of class time.

I am pro-CRT, but don't really get your point. Critical Race Theory is a law school thing. How would it be taught in middle or even high schools in a way that's developmentally and cognitively appropriate? Learning about CRT also assumes certain historical knowledge that the vast majority of kids don't have. Now, do I support schools incorporating content in their curriculum certain concepts that are adjacent to CRT? Of course. But not CRT itself.

P.S. To be clear, I don't think there are any private schools around here that are teaching what legal scholars actually consider CRT to be. The term has been bastardized.

Critical Race Theory, while strongly rooted in law school and legal scholarship, is not necessarily only a "law school" thing. It is an approach to studying laws and structures.

[Anonymous]

Studying laws and structures before law school doesn't make for a particular rigorous curriculum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you have a white male child, why would you ever send him to a school that makes them feel “white guilt” or they are a “male oppressor” as a 14 year old boy! All you parents that send your kids to these woke schools deserve what you are getting!

I send my white male child to a school that is explicitly pro-equity and inclusion. He doesn't feel white guilt. Why should he feel guilty about learning about systemic racism? He didn't create it! And he sure as heck doesn't want to be a part of it. He chooses to be part of the solution, not stick his head in the sand. He feels courageous and helpful and kind, not guilty. And no, he doesn't feel like a "male oppressor." He feels like a young man who sees women as equals, and recognizes that men AND women have been dealt a crappy hand by sexism. He sees what a limited range of emotions his dad was allowed to feel growing up, and how he is now teaching his dad how to be a more open and emotionally aware man. Its really sweet, and they really adore each other. And he sees that women have been excluded from power for oh, the last thousand years or so, and that correcting that may take a minute.

There is no guilt, no shame, and no disempowerment in any of that. I find it so odd that people think that recognizing oppression means you have to identify with the oppressors just because you happen to share their skin color or gender. Why would you do that?

That’s nice and good for him. But unfortunately regardless of how he feels, he will be judged by others and UMR as part of the problem. He will never be accepted and always looked negatively at for having white privilege. Your son will have to constantly virtue signal to fit in and will still be seen a part of the problem no matter how much he feels he is not.

At my college they had segregated classes for DEI. UMR where in one session and all “Whites” were in another section called “Unpacking Whitenss”. You can guess the school as is in the Boston area… basically the Unpacking whistles class basically taught that all whites are oppressors, have white privileged, and everything we do is destructive to society. And historical bad deeds we did are the root problem. Funny as I was born In another country and had nothing to do with systemic racism here.

In addition, being Jewish I’m am also listed as an “oppressed” class but since I’m white, I’m also and oppressor? Hmmmm

And coming from a former Soviet republic, being Jewish you were discriminated on a daily basis.

You need to sit down and chill. The last time I checked, white men still hold all the wealth and power in this country. The biggest loss to y'all because of the "wokeness" you like to vilify is the ability to say whatever you want without consequence. You still run everything. You just have to watch your mouth and you won't get canceled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is a absolutely true that some of the “consultants” giving these lectures or preparing the materials are absolutely awful and pedantic. They undermine the benefit and are counterproductive. (I actually support teaching CRT in schools but it has to be done right and not overly wrought and long).

I know this because my company hired one such consultant and it was a disaster and embarrassment.

Yes, this is big money for some.

I work at a very progressive, one might even say "woke" institution, with a great deal of sincere commitment to inclusive teaching and pedagogy as well as rigorous incorporation of various theoretical approaches (including CRT--real CRT. Descended and built from the true theorists like Duncan Kennedy and progeny). Admin brought in some consulting group to "help" with this, and it was the most ridiculous thing I've ever been a part of. Foundational scholars and thinkers in relevant field attended this meeting and literally walked out.

It's not just that these consultants are awful--they are--it is also that, somehow, somewhere, someone has gotten convinced that "diversity, equity, and inclusion" is little more than stylized power-point exercises and buzzwords. The implication being that any old person can go out and "teach" very, very difficult concepts that call for nuance and rigor.

What a waste of an opportunity to deepen and strengthen pedagogy and education. Next we'll be having "DEI day with McKinsey!"

Waste of opportunity - what about waste of money? These grifters are at least a part of the reason that tuition at these schools is topping $50K a year.