Around the globe, neighborhoods seem to be made up of the same classes of kids. These classes can be easily identified by challenges a child is willing to take on. Its not the challenge itself that sheds light on this class separation but its the childrens approach to the challenge that shows you what kind of neighborhood you live in.
1) You have the kid who says, Im not going to do it. . . You ask them why and their response is because I just dont want to. . . Then they go inside, or dig in the dirt, whatever. . . but the point is, theyre done; dont talk to them about it anymore and they sure as shit arent going to change their mind so youre wasting your time trying to convince them.
2) You have the kid who says, We better ask first. True. . . There is a wide category of things where it is wise to ask first, Are you done with that sandwich?, Does it hurt when I do this. . . ? These are questions of clarification that imply that you dont have all of the information you need to throw the sandwich out or begin the operation on the right leg (or was it the left?) But questions of approval PISS ME OFF. These types of questions imply that the parents feel that the child is incapable of making good decisions (I do understand were talking about children here but there must come a time when a child either is capable of making sound decisions or simply rebel) This phenomena also demonstrates an individuals lack of faith or complete abandonment of their own decision making process. (Wanna play Super Mario Bros.? We better ask first.) (Lets see how tall we can make this guy out of Legos. We better ask first.) (Lets put the trampoline next to the pool and jump in. We better ask first.)
3) You have the kid who says, Ill do it if you do it. This kid is almost as bad as the kid who asks permission but at least things get done. I never saw an episode of the little rascals where any of Our Gang asked, mom, dad, Misses Crab Tree or grandma for permission to start up the International Silver String Submarine Band, or throw a weekly talent show, or build a fire engine out of a couple old ladders some bicycle tires and a gutted out washing machine. Someone (usually Spanky, Alfafa or Styme) got a hair brained idea in their head and chaos and madness ensued under the regime of these visionary, appointed leaders. I know that being a follower is supposed to be some wicked thinglike it strips kids of their identity in exchange for their obedience; but choosing to follow because you cant make a decision is a crime. Choosing to follow because it sounds like fun, or because it makes sense, or even because right now, at this moment, you have nothing better to do and it (in theory) cant kill you to try, these are sound decisions because you have nothing to loose and a world of experience to gain
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4) You have the kid who says, Lets. . . (fill in the blank)!
If you were to apply this model to where I work it sucks being a number 4 kid in a number 1-2 environment. They are so set in their ways they refuse to change or theyll have meeting after meeting to consider changing approaches only to agree not to change at all because the meeting was initially made up of angry number 1 people in the first place.
I need a new job.
1) You have the kid who says, Im not going to do it. . . You ask them why and their response is because I just dont want to. . . Then they go inside, or dig in the dirt, whatever. . . but the point is, theyre done; dont talk to them about it anymore and they sure as shit arent going to change their mind so youre wasting your time trying to convince them.
2) You have the kid who says, We better ask first. True. . . There is a wide category of things where it is wise to ask first, Are you done with that sandwich?, Does it hurt when I do this. . . ? These are questions of clarification that imply that you dont have all of the information you need to throw the sandwich out or begin the operation on the right leg (or was it the left?) But questions of approval PISS ME OFF. These types of questions imply that the parents feel that the child is incapable of making good decisions (I do understand were talking about children here but there must come a time when a child either is capable of making sound decisions or simply rebel) This phenomena also demonstrates an individuals lack of faith or complete abandonment of their own decision making process. (Wanna play Super Mario Bros.? We better ask first.) (Lets see how tall we can make this guy out of Legos. We better ask first.) (Lets put the trampoline next to the pool and jump in. We better ask first.)
3) You have the kid who says, Ill do it if you do it. This kid is almost as bad as the kid who asks permission but at least things get done. I never saw an episode of the little rascals where any of Our Gang asked, mom, dad, Misses Crab Tree or grandma for permission to start up the International Silver String Submarine Band, or throw a weekly talent show, or build a fire engine out of a couple old ladders some bicycle tires and a gutted out washing machine. Someone (usually Spanky, Alfafa or Styme) got a hair brained idea in their head and chaos and madness ensued under the regime of these visionary, appointed leaders. I know that being a follower is supposed to be some wicked thinglike it strips kids of their identity in exchange for their obedience; but choosing to follow because you cant make a decision is a crime. Choosing to follow because it sounds like fun, or because it makes sense, or even because right now, at this moment, you have nothing better to do and it (in theory) cant kill you to try, these are sound decisions because you have nothing to loose and a world of experience to gain
.
4) You have the kid who says, Lets. . . (fill in the blank)!
If you were to apply this model to where I work it sucks being a number 4 kid in a number 1-2 environment. They are so set in their ways they refuse to change or theyll have meeting after meeting to consider changing approaches only to agree not to change at all because the meeting was initially made up of angry number 1 people in the first place.
I need a new job.
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we'd better see you there!