However, to play Devil's advocate for a moment, for every common misconception about a given profession, there's always an element of truth. I mean, I'm passionate about being a librarian, and when I have to deal with ignorant attitudes to my profession, yes, I get angry, but I can understand where they're coming from. And whilst I've had inspiring, life-changing teachers, but I've also had really really lousy ones who just would just steamroll kids through the curriculum and give them a pass/fail, who are examples of people who "can't do, so they teach", and really *don't* make a difference.
And unfortunately, their students will see this video, and say "My teacher was crap, and this guy's full of himself."
Who the hell is this god-like figure and why hasn't he asked me out?
Lilo thanks so much for this! God, that bit about not letting them go to the toilet - I practically screamed! And calling the parents at dinner time, saying 'Have I called at a bad time...?' I think i've done it four times already this year!
I've seen this before but he still got a standing ovation at the end. I think I might have to put it on Eglantine's Cake too.
ReplyDeleteAwesome.
ReplyDeleteHowever, to play Devil's advocate for a moment, for every common misconception about a given profession, there's always an element of truth. I mean, I'm passionate about being a librarian, and when I have to deal with ignorant attitudes to my profession, yes, I get angry, but I can understand where they're coming from.
And whilst I've had inspiring, life-changing teachers, but I've also had really really lousy ones who just would just steamroll kids through the curriculum and give them a pass/fail, who are examples of people who "can't do, so they teach", and really *don't* make a difference.
And unfortunately, their students will see this video, and say "My teacher was crap, and this guy's full of himself."
I thought is was fucking amazing. I want to kiss him on the lips. The next best thing though is showing all my teacher friends.
ReplyDeleteI saw him do this live in NYC in 2000. The crowd frickin' sang along - they knew all the words.
ReplyDeleteDo you know his other poem, 'Like Lili Like Wilson'? Similar theme.
Doesn't hurt that he's a goddamn spunkrat, does it?
Who the hell is this god-like figure and why hasn't he asked me out?
ReplyDeleteLilo thanks so much for this! God, that bit about not letting them go to the toilet - I practically screamed! And calling the parents at dinner time, saying 'Have I called at a bad time...?' I think i've done it four times already this year!
Oh, boo yeah.
ReplyDelete