here's the problem of the day...i want my male students to reject the passivity that so entangles men in western culture today. i want them to be willing to become the strong men that they were made to be. the warriors, the defenders, the fathers, the adventurers, the lovers, the brothers...
so when i am faced with a discipline situation where the "defender" rose up in a young man but was expressed in an unwise manner, i feel a weight to tread carefully in addressing the latter while highly encouraging the former.
tough.
especially when part of me wants to say..."the next time you need to set a bully straight, make it count! put him up against the wall and give him a 'come to jesus' moment with your fist!"
alas, violence is only the answer when there are no witnesses...;)
so how to validate what's in their hearts while guiding them to appropriate expression??...man, i don't want to mess that up.
2 comments:
My in-laws said that they did not punish my husband for getting into fights when he was defending someone who couldn't defend themself. Of course I don't know the details of your situation, but I think you are totally right in being cautious. A boy can't grow up to be a knight in shining armor if he is chastised for doing so.
You said it well!!! I am glad these boys have you!!
Post a Comment