They just STINK!
Labeling is the practice of stereotyping or typecasting individuals based on their appearances, beliefs or practices. Such a practice is not only troublesome; it can be both extremely limiting and even detrimental to the subjects of labeling.
It’s also part of human nature to group, divide and conquer. Just look at any part of our history. We come together to fight a common enemy and hopefully we can stay united until we succeed. Once we get past the threat, it all falls apart.
For homeschoolers it’s a chasm.
It can be crossed and does often on a local – individual – basis.
But homeschoolers are cats – Our only commonality is our desire to find/provide the best education for our kids.
Right now the discussion seems to revolve around Christian vs. Secular, but it could just as easily (and I’ve seen it) revolve around structured vs. unstructured or completely independent vs. using virtual schools/public schools for some things.
And each of those discussions gets just as flaming as any other.
These discussion can be painful. Someone questioning your deeply held convictions gets personal really quick.
Should we stop having discussions and just go our own way – No.
Only by individuals continuing to open discussions can either side become knowledgeable about the other. I can see strengths in choices that aren’t ones I’ve chosen. I have also adapted ideas from people that are very different than myself. Ideas that at first glance would not be a natural ‘fit,’ but have improved/broadened our life.
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I have a fundy friend whose goal is NOT the best education for her children.
The reason she homeschools is to keep her children at home, putting family first, and leading a Christ-centered life. It is her sincere belief that it is her duty to keep her children sheltered from outside influences.
The best education is low on her list.
I think that’s common with a lot of homeschoolers, so I don’t know that we do have that goal in common after all.
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But she sees it as the ‘best’ education for her kids. We may disagree, but I’m talking about her vision here.
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Maybe it’s what we mean when we say “education”. Some people think moral or emotional education is more important than academic or (yuck) “social” education.
I agree that we divide ourselves up too much, but it’s hard at times not to get angry when our deep beliefs are questioned. It’s hard to say “whatever works for each of us” when we really really think we are RIGHT. And it’s hard to see how anyone could choose anything different from what we’ve chosen! But I feel the same way when I discuss natural/pain-medicated childbirth, daycare/stay-at-home parent, behaviorist discipline/unconditional parenting, etc. When it comes to our kids, we are defensive and touchy people!
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Well said.
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Meg, I see your point. Stepping out of my shoes and into hers, yes, I would agree that she sees that as “best education.”
I define education differently, though.
I don’t think she would describe it as best education, but rather way of life or path.
Hmmm…good food for thought, and I will think on that for awhile.
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What helps me find common ground is that I feel that I feel very strongly that *I* have the right to decide what and how to teach my children. Once I (or anyone else) starts telling someone else what or how they should teach their children, my right becomes more at risk. I do not have to agree with their decision, just that they have the right to make it.
I see it similar to free speech. I may hate what the KKK has to say, but I will defend their right to say it.
I have seen liberal educators (such as Rob Reich) criticize homeschooling (and call for more “accountability”) because of what some homeschoolers choose to teach their kids (thinking the creationism/evolutionism debate here). Usually they don’t have a problem with *homeschooling*. They just don’t like what is being taught in *some* homeschools. But I always turn it around…suppose things switch and only creationism was taught in schools. Would these same educators feel that they had the right to pull their kids out of school and teach them evolution? If so, then conservative Christians should have the same right.
You can’t take away someone else’s rights without taking away your own. It often looks like a good idea when you are the one who gets to decide (because of course your ideas are “right”) But what happens when the shoe is on the other foot and you are no longer the one deciding?
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Hi,
Thanks for your message on my blog. I would have been interested in helping organize an inclusive conference in Indiana…if I hadn’t moved in August of 07 down to Florida.
I lived next to Chicago and know a few of the people who organized IN HOME and learned a lot through conversations with them. It’s a really amazing conference.
I don’t get bothered by someone questioning my deeply held beliefs…if I think they’re interested in a real dialogue. That means the other person has to open their own mind. That’s the problem…so many are so dogmatic that its viewed as a betrayal to listen to the other side. And I’ve learned over the years to ignore the people who are offering their voice just to try and shout down someone else.
I’m not sure how we (the homeschool community) move past that. It’s pointless to sit down and talk to someone when they can’t hear what’s being said
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