Friday, July 2, 2010

consequences

Note to Self:

Sometimes you use the word "consequence" to justify the remaining elements of behaviorism within you. I hear you say things like, "A kid who tags in school needs a consequence." Wrong. That kid needs a change of heart. But forcing a child to leave school for a few days won't make a kid quit tagging. You know from experience that when a kid tags and is caught, he or she will almost always volunteer to paint over it. But if you force this act, you rob a child of a chance to practice empathy and face the natural results of an action. So can we start calling "consequences" what they really are: bribery and extortion?

Sincerely:
John

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