There's nothing wrong with this short video in theory. It reminds kids that if you want something, you have work hard to attain it. That skills don't just fall into your lap, you actually have to practice. This is a good message.
But I saw it at our professional development day today, and it rubbed me the wrong way. I would just hate for some poor kid to dedicate his whole life to becoming an NBA star - putting in all that hard work, all that practice, all the sweat and tears. And maybe he makes to the NBA, but maybe not. Maybe he just ends up in division one basketball and that's it. Or maybe he makes the varsity high school team. But he doesn't accept that and his life becomes one big frustration... maybe even failure.
I'm not saying kids shouldn't strive to be all that they can be. But I am saying I'm getting a little sick of every Disney movie promising every kid that they can be whatever they want to be, all they have to do is BELIEVE!
I'm never going to be a famous singer. I can carry a tune, that's about it. If I was dedicated and practiced and took voice lessons, I could maybe join a choir somewhere and sound decent. But I won't be signing multi-million dollar record labels. There's something to be said about having a natural gift for something.
I think each one of our students has a lot of potential and many hidden talents and gifts. And they should be given every chance to grow their talents and gifts and become all that they can be.
But not everyone will be the next Michael Jordan. Not everyone CAN be.
8 comments:
It's hard to encourage anyone (even yourself) to follow a dream that feel people achieve. But, it's equally difficult to discourage it, too.
In my opinion, when you set off to follow your dreams, or encourage someone else to follow theirs, the hard work and sacrifice will pay off eventually. Maybe you won't end up in the arena you expected to, but the discipline and commitment will be rewarded.
Couldn't agree more. Not to mention, I'm one of the people who thinks kids should spend more time looking up to police officers, fire fighters, doctors, nurses & teachers of course. : )
Were you in my classroom today? My current writing assignment is "My Dreams" where the students write about their goals for a career, their family and their contributions to society. My student observer was SHOCKED that I wouldn't allow anyone to dream to be a rock star or a professional athlete. I tried to explain that the students needed to pick attainable goals that could be achieved through a college education - not fantasy stories. The student observer did not agree. I think I feel a lengthy blog coming for me. This was a real hot button for me. Thanks for sharing! Nancy (Are you sure you weren't in my classroom today?)
Practice makes perfect, you deserve it, you can be anything you want to be, the good die young, Santa Claus, tooth fairy, you are awesome, that was fantastic, sticks and stones may break your bones but names will never hurt me. Who came up with these hugely inaccurate standards we heep on our young? IS IT ANY WONDER WE HAVE A NATION OF NARCISSUS UNFULFILLED ADULTS! Maybe we should teach more humility and less what's in it for me...
I so agree with you. There needs to be more reality in our parenting. There is benefit to hard work. There is also benefit to realizing your true talents instead of puff dreams for things you really aren't that great at.
That is why I never watched more than the 1st season of Americal Idol. Watched the beginning of 2nd season and was so sad by all those disillusion people (and those making fun of them). Never tuned in again.
Hi again,
You so motivated me to write about my experience, that I dedicated my blog to YOU. Check it out:
www.nancyteaches.com
Thanks for the inspiration! Nancy
About time. It's appalling to see what we're doing with young people, today. Can't say anything to hurt their feelings, can't make them responsible for their actions, can't even stop their rudeness. Where did all this bs come from? From the millions of young people who 'believe' they can make it, less than 1/2 of 1/2 percent even get to a fairly decent living. And, that's because they worked at their dream. Our young people today think it should just be handed to them, because they're, well, -- cute.
Justin Bieber's a perfect example of mommy letting little one sing in front of company (which just happened to the world who stupidly made him a 'star') and now the little jerk actually thinks he's where he is because he earned it. You keep telling them to focus on the real world and learning something. Oh, lordy, I've got to get off this soapbox!....
That explains my basketball career! dad
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