Teacher Bashing 101

I read an article  about a concerned parent recently. He had made a police report on how his daughter had been verbally abused by a female teacher in class. If memory serves me right, it went something like this, "I don't want to see your face".

Yup, that's it. I know alot of you are probably wondering about why this was even an issue. Well, according to the Straits Times, the child who was 7 was unable to answer a question and so was verbally abused by the teacher.

The teacher was apologetic after receiving a letter from dear old MOE. So apologetic that she wrote a full page apology to the parent and the child for the abuse she had scorned on the child. Well, it kind of got me thinking, should we stop there itself? Why not we "out" the teacher and hold her to public ridicule as we do to all those who offend us over the net? Would it do any good?


I am all for verbal abuse. It's a Singaporean way of life. What's the use of having the skills if you can't practise it ? How many of us, upon learning a new language, look up naughty words? I know there are two categories of people here. Those who admit they do and those who are just plain bluffing. (Yup. That's right, I am looking at you)

To those of you who wish to preserve our way of life in the arts of verbal abuse, here are some tips that I humbly provide for your perusal.


(1) BUILD A RELATIONSHIP

     That's right. Before you plan on abusing anybody verbally, ask yourself. "Have I created a relationship strong enough with this person, to tear him a new one?" Not everyone (barring sado- masochists) appreciates receving abuse, espcially from those they have no stable relationship with.

(2) When abusing, PLEASE GIVE SOME CONSTRUCTIVE ADVICE
      Being constantly bombarded with negative criticism is not healthy, even for the best of us. Instead of focusing on the negative, provide suggestions on specific areas on which to improve. Remember, we are here to nurture the child, NOT show him all 18 levels of hell.


(3) Provide AFTER ABUSE ENCOURAGEMENT
    Speak to the child, tell him that you have not given up hope. You are concerned, and the concern was what led you to abuse the ears off the child. So share why you think they can and should do better. It is more impactful when you do this

(4) DON'T ABUSE!!
      Don't take out your frustrations on a child if you have to. Having fear ruling over your child's head is not something that is beneficial. Calm yourself and communicate. Don't eradicate. We all have our frustrations, try to control your own emotions. We are the adults afterall.

Finally if all else fails, why not ask yourself, if this is how you wish to be remembered, the great abuser of souls or a great teacher?

The choice is yours.