Reply to Whitman Teacher and Crew Coach Arrested

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Reply to "Whitman Teacher and Crew Coach Arrested"

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[quote=Anonymous][/quote]
You have concocted a fantasy in your own mind. This absolutely does not happen at any MCPS high school. Furthermore, I am not here to defend Bethesda, but I would venture to guess that if kids are excelling at school and in activities outside of school, that would not be possible without responsibility and personal accountability. You seem to think that these kids are successful because they cheat, instead of because they work hard and manage their time.

But lets say that you are right and that there is this pathology of affluenza of a "lack of personal accountability" (sorry that makes me laugh every time is read it) unique to Bethesda that led to this outcome. The question that I have that has not been addressed is then, what is the pathology of Richard Montgomery HS that led to a student having a sexual relationship with a security guard? Is there an answer for that question? Or was it just a person attaining a position of trust in Rockville? No conspiracy of pathological culture there.

But if you are right and these pathological cultures exist that are unique to areas and school, it would be impossible that Bethesda would be the only place that had one. So it would be great to hear how these area pathologies influence in and out of school behavior in other areas. What is the pathology of kids coming to school unprepared and not doing their homework? What do we make of high school kids getting murdered over drug deals? Or getting assaulted over a pair of sneakers? Do we develop fantastical theories about these kids and their parents?[/quote]

Are you saying that Whitman parents do not email teachers in an attempt to change grades?  Or badger them otherwise?  Parent meddling is a theme from elementary school on, and while it isnt unique to Bethesda, it does happen.

I think it is safe to say most successful Whitman students do not cheat.  Whitman students do work hard and manage their time well, they are successful in part due to crippling pressure from their parents who are successful in life and want the same from their kids--not to mention peer pressure.  To quote Dr Marco from 2001, "you need to do well on your PSATs or else you may end up at Montgomery College."

Cynical me says Bethesda parents use their children to one up other Bethesda parents.  Being on the crew team is a vehicle to this, scholarships, elite college admission, and networking opportunities are all possible outcomes.  I think this may be why they powers that be were willing to look the other way for so long.

And yes, bad actors and bad things happen everywhere, it isn't unique to Bethesda.  Every place in the world has their own set of issues.  Affluenza can be found in any place with a high concentration of affluent people, Bethesda is not unique in this.  But it is hard to ignore the vocal minority who games the system, like manufacturing learning disabilities so they get more time on standardized tests or parents who buy multiple BMWs for their kids, is this everyone...no, and is Bethesda the only place this happens, no.  [/quote]

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