Online Etiquette As A Requirement Class In Schools
In our rapidly evolving educational landscape, it's heartbreaking to witness the vanishing of foundational courses that were once staples in our school curriculums. Amidst the maelstrom of contemporary educational debates, a slew of essential classes have been jettisoned, victims of short-sighted greed, political maneuvering, and a bevy of regrettable reasons. Among these, the practical life skills classes such as shop work, real-world life lessons, and home economics stand out most prominently. Schools should not merely be institutions that equip students with academic prowess; they should be crucibles forging adept individuals capable of steering their lives in the vast ocean of real-world challenges.
Consider, for instance, the profound necessity of an etiquette class, a subject I deeply believe should be incorporated into a student's learning journey. Such a class aims not just at academic excellence, but at molding students into constructive societal contributors armed with, at the very least, foundational etiquette. Too often, we witness individuals falter, unequipped to handle nuanced interactions, be it during intense debates or even casual daily encounters. The infamous term 'Karen' springs to mind, describing individuals who erupt over perceived minor slights, often due to a deficit in social adeptness. Imagine if our educational systems equipped each student with the tools to handle these situations gracefully, turning potential confrontations into moments of understanding and mutual respect.
Admittedly, there will always be those who, regardless of the guidance provided, might choose confrontation over conciliation. This brings us to a broader societal challenge prevalent especially in the US: the gaping void in our mental health infrastructure. This absence, an unfortunate byproduct of our deeply ingrained 'rugged individualism', has inflicted incalculable suffering. We must transition from the self-centered "it's not my problem" mindset to one that embraces the broader community.
The proliferation of social media and our increasingly interconnected world, where nearly everyone wields a device capable of capturing and broadcasting every nuance of human behavior, raises poignant questions. Are we ensnared in a relentless cycle of over-sharing, or is our chronicling of life's lows an unconscious cry for attention and validation? While I'm no therapist, the intricacies of human behavior in this digital age intrigue me. It beckons a larger question about our evolutionary trajectory as humans: will we descend into self-absorbed silos or rise, recognizing our shared humanity, and uplift the collective?
In sum, as we reshape education, it's essential to reintegrate these foundational life courses, fostering not just intellectual giants, but compassionate, aware, and socially adept humans.
