Entries Tagged 'Behind the headline' ↓

Thomas Edsall, (New York Times, March 30, 2022,) quoted Heather L. Ondercin, a political scientist at Appalachian State University who has written extensively on gender and voting issues: 

Regardless of identification as a man or a woman, more stereotypically “masculine” individuals (male and female) — aggressive, assertive, defends beliefs, dominant, forceful, leadership ability, independent, strong personality, willing to take a stand, and willing to take risks — tend to identify with the Republican Party. Individuals (men and women) who are more stereotypically “feminine” — affectionate, compassionate, eager to soothe hurt feelings, gentle, loves children, sensitive to the needs of others, sympathetic, tender, understanding, and warm — tend to identify with the Democratic Party.

Does anyone else read the description of the stereotypically “masculine” voter and see a person who is aggressive and deeply insecure about his/her assertiveness, beliefs, dominance, forcefulness, leadership ability, independence, strength of personality, willingness to take stands, and willingness to take risks?  Maybe I have taken too many psychology courses.

By James S. Robbins, Opinion contributor, USA Today, February 18, 2022

Evidently Americans prefer a president who demonstrates the vices of the uneducated person, to one who does not lie to them, brag about how great he is, cheat on his taxes, and blame others for his vices.

The more important question is, “Why have public schools failed so miserably?”

I know why. Do you?

If my name had been on the ballot, I know I would have won because a whole lot of snow fell on my driveway last night. 

I ought to stop blogging about Trump. It is too easy to make fun of a clown.

Headline

Slur, Surfacing on Old Video, Alters Young Lives and a Town

Story

Read this NYT story https://nyti.ms/3rxt184 (12/27/2020), then think about what the principal should have done, instead of nothing.

Mr. Galligan (a mixed-race student) showed the clip (of the student using the N word) to the school principal, who declined to take action, citing free speech and the fact that the offensive behavior took place outside school.

If the school had defined the educated person as one who demonstrates the six virtues, the principal would have been expected to educate the girl, who posted the slur, about the importance of being understanding, imaginative, humble, and generous. (The first amendment does not say public schools cannot teach the six virtues of the educated person.)

Instead,

the district in August released a plan to combat systemic racism. The move was followed by a formal apology in September for the district’s history of segregation.

Ironically, the school district’s failure to adopt a virtue definition of the educated person was costly to both the girl who posted the slur (and was therefore denied admission to UT-Knoxville) and to Mr. Galligan, who was subjected to years of discrimination in the school district.

Education policy makers go to great lengths to avoid defining the educated person as one who develops the virtues we want in all citizens. How is that other definition working — the one about getting correct answers on standardized tests?

Update

If you want to know why the district’s “plan to combat systemic racism” is unlikely to be educational, read this editorial by David Brooks:

https://nyti.ms/3mW1WrS

Once again, the failure of educators to adopt an inspiring, useful definition of the educated person means we fail to educate. How could it be otherwise?

Today’s Asheville Citizen-Times front page headline:

The Big Thanksgiving Day paper

Above that:

Your complete Black Friday shopping resource!

Our local paper nailed America in two headlines–the quintessential American holiday and the quintessential American obsession. (I had to go back to put the exclamation point after the shopping resource! headline.)

Our side is corrupt, but the other side is more corrupt.

The White House Office of Science and Technology put out a press release on Tuesday giving credit to Trump for “ending the COVID-19 pandemic.” (Amanda Marcotte, Salon, October 28, 2020 5:00PM)

Donald Trump is confused. His case of Covid-19 has ended, so he thinks the pandemic has ended. Oh–I forgot–his tiny, self-absorbed brain understands only what is about him, and EVERYTHING is about him. So, there you have it. He ended the pandemic.

Our side is corrupt, but the other side is more corrupt.

Headline:

Members of Pence’s Inner Circle Test Positive for Coronavirus

Several members of Vice President Mike Pence’s inner circle, including at least four members of his staff, have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past few days, people briefed on the matter said, raising new questions about the safety protocols at the White House, where masks are not routinely worn.

Maggie Haberman, NYT, October 25, 2020

If the Trump-Pence administration were a sports team, their nickname could be the Viruses. Yes–the Washington Viruses–new NFL nickname issue solved.

Our side is corrupt, but the other side is more corrupt.

President Trump says we have turned the corner with the virus, and the economy is great. The court jester is at it again.

Our side is corrupt, but the other side is more corrupt.

Headline:

Chris Wallace Blames Trump For Debate Chaos: He Bears ‘Primary Responsibility’

Quote from story:

He (Wallace) said that initially, when Trump started engaging Biden, he thought, “We’re going to have a real debate here.”

(POLITICS 10/01/2020)

Really, Chris Wallace? You did not think, “Oh shit! Here we go?” You must get your news from Fox.

Our side is corrupt, but the other side is more corrupt.

Female immigrant detainees in Irwin County, Georgia, report that they were forced to undergo unnecessary invasive gynecological procedures (hysterectomies in some cases). Is Trump having pussies sent to him for grabbing?

When you are a star, you know, they let you do it.