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Abstract |
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An Honest Discussion
‘A document exploring human dignity in the context of education and society’
The purpose of this document is to provide educators, social workers and researchers with the opportunity to identify directly with the neurological processes, thoughts, aspirations and challenges of the larger academically marginalized population. Part and parcel to this end is an element of challenge born of the perception of a systemic self-censorship occurring within the educational establishment itself. By offering a profoundly personal and detailed account of a confrontation occurring in the mid 1970s between the author, his father and the principal of a local high school, the document sets out to sequentially challenge a host of taboos and misconceptions associated with the academically marginalized under-classes in society. In the interest of accommodating perceived reactionary predispositions within the target audience, the document is designed and delivered in a live reading performance situation. The intent is to suspend or delay audience reaction until the entire perspective has been successfully communicated. The correspondingly perceived ‘intrusion into the hierarchies of established society’ is balanced by a surprisingly disarming and conciliatory discussion about the role of music education and technologically recorded history (audio/video) in the development of the larger critical thought process. Initial reaction to the document is indicative of the misconceptions prevalent in society about this peer group’s inherent and some might argue ‘wilfully suppressed intelligence’. Some readers appear to have been deeply moved by the document, (a librarian), “...It’s the best read I’ve had in decades.” while others, (in this case a teacher) expressing deep frustration, “...My main feeling in reading it and reaching the end was a fairly intense frustration, at which I’m surprised.” Given the diversity of opinion raised through this document, the need for a broader social discussion about the specific role and actual legal function of education is undeniable. The emergence of this document raises the logical question, ‘Has the established social/academic community wilfully suppressed a larger human context?’ Opportunities suggested through this work indicate the need for educators to reach a deeper ethical consensus and to represent themselves more assertively in the social/political processes of a larger global community. (Three audio files demonstrate a live reading performance of ‘An Honest Discussion’.)
Informal tags: intelligence, thought, neurology, society, dropout, big bands, social dance, war, nature, canoe, silence, violence, time, seniors, Flanders Fields.
Press Release - ERIC Selection Committee Reveals Truth/Agenda Of Hidden Academic Oligarchy
An Honest Discussion is an abridgement of The Layman's Petition. |
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