Week 21: How We Talk About Teachers

Yesterday on my drive home from work, I almost emotionally broke down.

It was a hard day at school. Nothing bad happened; it was just a day at school in which I worked really hard every moment I was teaching and between classes. Some things didn’t go how I wish they could have, despite my best effort.

It’s not unusual for me to have days like this, but what made the drive home difficult yesterday was that fact that echoing in my head were the voices of people criticizing the way that teachers are compensated in American and the quality of teachers.

With all of the controversy over teacher unions and budgets in states like Wisconsin, commentators in some parts of the media have expressed critical views over teachers and their unions.  While I am open to reasonable and fact-based debates, unreasonable people making unfounded and over-generalized statements about teachers is infuriating and offensive, and it hurts.

Even with John Stewart’s defense these words still stung.

The Daily Show - Crisis in Dairyland - Angry Curds
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While I appreciate Stewart’s defense of teachers, I disagree with his action of comparing teachers with  bankers and people who work on Wall Street. My brother-in-law works for Goldman & Sachs and he has had plenty of experience with people unfairly venting their frustrations with the economy and him and his company.  I feel the same way about people who over-generalize about teachers.

Now I try really hard every single day to ignore and insulate myself from unreasonable people who spread unnecessary negativity.  I know there’s people out there who speak words of hate and ignorance all of the time, and I try as hard I can to not let it get to me. Hey, if you are racist, whatever, go ahead, it’s your God-given right to stereotype, but something about these current discussions about teachers have broken through my wall of optimism and positivity.

I didn’t chose to be a teacher to be a hero or to prove that I’m a better person than anyone else. I believe teaching is an important job but so is being a janitor.  Both deserve respect, because if they didn’t do their jobs for one night or one day, entire cities would shut down.

So what do teachers deserve?

Summer break? Well, I think everyone deserves that. We would a lot happier as a society with a little bit more free time.

A workday that ends at 3? Lots of people have weird hours and keep in mind most of these teachers who get off at 3 start at 7am so it’s pretty much a 9 to 5. Also, most teachers, including me, do lesson planning and correct papers in the evenings and on weekends. So the school day does not end at 3.

$50,000 salary? I don’t know. Does an athlete deserve a million dollar salary? Yes, no, maybe?  I’m sure there’s some economic businesspeople out there who can make sense of why certain jobs get paid what they do and why it’s logical.  But I don't really get it. 

What teachers do deserve is to be talked about and discussed with the same amount of respect that you would afford any other profession. It is unacceptable to over-generalize about politicians, business people, and public servants. To criticize without specific examples or statistics is an expression of ignorance.

The thing that we often forget when we discuss issues in our society is that we are talking about human beings.  When you say that all Republicans are against same-sex marriage or that all Democrats are tree-huggers you are making stereotypes about people that are just as bad as racial ones.

Here’s the thing. Chances are someone you care about or someone you love belongs to one of these groups. And when you misspeak about them in this way you are hurting them. 

I know this because statements about teachers that have been said by people in my life have hurt me. Hearing these people on television echo these sentiments reminds me of that pain.  Maybe I should speak up more and argue, but most of the time I just feel sad.  

After I got home, I talked to my wife, Diana and she helped me build that wall back up.  She reminded me of all the people in this world who support teachers. Even though I tell myself that it doesn't matter what others think, it does and it's okay.  She said that most Americans believe in teachers and what they do for their kids and their constitutional right to be part of a union -- and she's right.

You can't let the vocal minority overshadow the reasonable majority, and you can't let yourself talk about issues in our society without the utmost respect for the people involved.

Never forget everyone is someone's father, mother, son or daughter.

Round 8: Buffy Vs. Angel

Five years after the his disappointing experience with the film version of his beloved creation, Joss Whedon premiered Buffy The Vampire Slayer as a television show in 1997. This show went on to become one of the most important and influential television shows of all time.

To lead his show off, Whedon chose a theme by the Nerf Herders.



This punk and surf rock influenced guitar anthem perfectly introduced the show and the main character of Buffy Summers. Youthful and full of attitude, this theme barrels forward building to an intense explosion of drum hits and screaming guitars exciting new viewers of the show and reminding old viewers of the sheer awesomeness that is Buffy.

Versus:

Before he was Booth an FBI agent on Bones, David Boreanaz was Angel. After appearing in numerous episodes of Buffy, Whedon spun Angel off into his own series in 1999, placing Angel in Los Angeles. This series developed a solid fan base and expanded the “Buffy-verse” with new characters and adventures.

Darling Violetta who provided music for earlier Buffy episodes created the opening theme for Angel.



This slower more brooding theme uniquely combines a solo cello playing the melody with a rock band background. It sets the tone for inner conflict in the main character, Angel.  Instead of with a bang, the theme ends with a question mark leading the viewer into the mystery and suspense of the show.

The Winner:
Buffy all the way.

Compared to the Buffy theme, the Angel theme in lacks energy, purpose and direction.  Angel is not as dark and brooding as the theme suggest (though there were a lot "Angel brooding" moments especially in the first season).  What is powerful about Angel as a show is how the characters triumphs over their own inner demons and the theme fails to remind us of this.

Buffy's theme is a celebration and it brings forth the sense of optimism and strength that permeates the show.  It represents the meaning of the characters in a more genuine way than the Angel theme and Nerf Herder is simply a cooler band name. 

Nerf Herders:


Darling Violetta

How We Chose Our Family

If it often said that you can chose your friends but you can’t chose your family. The older I get the more I find this statement to be false.

Yes, you have no choice in who you are genetically associated with but you have a choice in the person that you marry and the way that you include people in your life to create a family in the spiritual sense.

Some believe that we have certain obligations when it comes to family but these feelings of responsibilities are in fact choices. Labeling something in your life as an obligation doesn’t mean that you don’t have a choice in the matter. Rather it’s a prioritization that is based in such deep seated values that we don’t’ questions them.

This all hit me a couple weekends ago at my cousin’s wedding reception watching my family celebrate this incredible event. This was my paternal cousin and it was truly a remarkable thing that this family could share this time together.

Recently that side of the family has gone through major changes.  Twenty years ago my paternal grandparents lived near Seattle. Two of my dad’s aunts lived nearby and one of uncles also lived within driving distance.  My other two aunts lived in Denver and Taiwan. Even with those two aunts far away it seemed like we were getting together as a family all the time. I grew up playing with my nine cousins and the time we spent together was just a part of life, nothing special.

Then thing started to change.  My older cousins started going to college and we saw less of them. Before I knew it I was going off to college myself and we simply didn’t get together as a family as much as we used to. Then six years ago, my grandmother passed away. Three years my uncle left us and last year my grandfather died.

Now my family feels very different.

Currently my paternal extended family resides in three different countries and five different states. The lynchpin, what held that family together, my grandparents and my uncle are gone.  Instead of our connection being within them it’s in all of us.  We can chose to celebrate this or not.  And we chose to be a family.

It’s in emails, phone calls and trying to get together when we happen to be in town. Most of all it’s making the most of the moments we share together.

Watching my family coming together I was struck with a feeling of peace and contentment knowing that even though we all live very different lives in very different palaces we are still connected.  Yes, there is blood that ties us together but there’s also traditions, values and our culture. But there’s something else. It’s a choice, it’s the effort, the decision we make to value each other.  In that, we continue to be a family beyond the loss of those who have passed, embracing the new people we welcome into our family and sharing our lives together as a family.

Week 20: Talking Union

Yesterday, I attended my first faculty association meeting at my new school, and my belief in the importance and purpose of these organizations was renewed in a meaningful and significant way.

When I was asked to I would join the faculty association at my new job at the beginning of the year I said yes without hesitation. I didn't do this because I felt pressured to or even because I had to. I knew that even if I didn't join, I would still get the benefits of the contract that was bargained collectively on behalf of all the of the faculty. I joined because I have faith in the power of professional associations, more commonly referred to as unions.

Ever since my first year as a teacher I've been a union member.  I believe that workers benefit from speaking with one voice, and they operate better in a job in which they feel a level of equity and camaraderie with their peers.  I am proud to be part of a tradition that is an expression of democracy and our never-ending struggle to create a more just and fair society.

Last week, Wisconsin Governor Walker, in an effort to balance the state budget, proposed a bill that would adjust the benefits of state employees and take away collective bargaining rights. (Today it passed the state assembly.) In reaction, teachers, other state workers and their supporters have been protesting in Madison. In reaction to this, a national dialogue about the legitimacy of unions has erupted throughout the country.

Teacher unions are not perfect. I've read about unions that are corrupt, stand in the way of educational progress, and have policies that keep unqualified teachers in positions. In some political circumstances, teacher unions hold an unreasonable amount of influence. On an anecdotal level, I've read or heard of illogical and unreasonable requests some groups have made during contract negotiations.

All of these issues are completely valid but they are not reasons to abolish unions and the right to collectively bargain.

It is illogical to get rid of a business practice just because there are people who misuse it. Should we take away peoples’ right to short stocks because some people illegally manipulate this practice (naked shorting) or because others misunderstand this concept and just think it is bad? No, of course not.

You cannot and should not judge a practice on the worst-case situations.

During the industrial revolution, workers were exploited and unions acted as society's conscience. Things have changed a lot since then and there are many great companies who operate without unions and their workers are satisfied and happy.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for all people. Even with the best management, unions need to exist in certain situations to advocate for groups of workers to help management understand different perspectives and needs.

We cannot just get rid of unions as a concept because there are some union organizations that are broken. Instead, we need to work to reform specific unions that need to improve and celebrate the ones that are doing great work. We should not tolerate union practices that misrepresent the needs of workers, and we should be angry at how some organizations have polluted Americans' right to organize and express viewpoints as a group.

After the meeting yesterday I'm really proud of the faculty in the room and our association president who ran the meeting. It was an incredible exchange of ideas, an affirmation of values, and an opportunity to come together—not against the administration, but for each other.

Being in a union is not about the money and benefits. It’s not about being a Democrat and it's not about being adversarial against management. Being a part of a union is about shared values, being part of a larger community, and the powerful and uplifting feeling of being part of a democracy.

Round 7: Stevie Wonder Vs. Coolio

In 1976, Stevie Wonder released Songs In The Key Of Life which featured the song "Pastime Paradise."



This beautifully and subtlety layered song reflects on people who are stuck in the past. These are people who have become compliant with the injustice in society and view the past, however flawed as paradise.  Wonder urges them to work towards a "future paradise" and realize the past is not the paradise that it seems.

Versus:

In 1995,  Coolio scored a huge crossover hit with "Gangsta's Paradise" featured on the soundtrack of Dangerous Minds.



Coolio passionately raps about what it's like to be raised and live as a modern "gangsta." The picture that Coolio paints isn’t a pretty one. It’s a life that some may idealize as a paradise but in reality is a frustrating and hopeless existence.


The Winner:
NEITHER! A third contender just swooped in and beat both songs out!



Next week: Buffy Vs. Angel!

Abt Electronics: How cookies and a fish tank create a consumer paradise.

“How much extra are you willing to pay for a great shopping experience?”

I asked this question my wife a couple weeks ago as we tried to figure out where we were going to get our new television.

Lord knows I wasn’t going to get my new TV at Best Buy. They carry sub-standard brands and my experience with the salespeople there have been lacking. The couple times I’ve asked them for help they’ve known less about the products I was shopping for than I did.

The other option was amazon.com. Now I love amazon.com. I remember when this site first launched when I was in middle school and ordering a book from them at a shockingly high discount. I order products from amazon.com probably two or three times a week and it’s not just books. I’ve gotten electronics, cleaning supplies, stuff for Buffy and even considered getting toilet paper from them once.

The great thing about amazon.com is that they have editorial reviews, customer reviews, competitive prices and great shipping prices even if you aren’t on amazon prime (which I have and love).

The last option was a store called Abt Electronics in Glenview (1200 N Milwaukee Avenue), which is a northwest suburb of Chicago (probably about 1/2 hour north on I-94). I visited this store about a year ago and bought an air filter and had a pretty good experience and after reading this article in the New York Times I knew I had to consider going back their for our TV.

Diana and I often speak about the changing economy and the relationship between online retailers, big box stores and mom and pop brick and motor retailers. When I asked if she would be willing to pay as much as $80 more for the same product but with great service at Abt, she told me that she thought it was worth it and I’m glad that she did.

Abt Electronics is huge but it doesn’t feel like any other electronics store. There is marble tile flooring, an enormous fish tank in the middle of the main room an atrium with a fountain that has shows coordinated to music. The fountain is located in an atrium that lets in natural light (seriously, natural light in a store!!). And on weekends they bake fresh chocolate chip cookies and that smell permeates the entire store.

Now men, who are often the people who like to buy electronics probably don’t care about all of these things but their wives and children do. By making the experience better for the whole family it makes the shopping experience just that, an “experience” not just a chore.

The salesman we worked with was Larry Solomon. I immediately felt great about this guy when he explained to us that the only reason that Sony television were more expensive was because of the brand name. Instead of trying to convince us that this TV, which would have given him more commission, he told us the truth and that meant a lot.

Larry had an opinion, which he was not afraid to offer and he clearly knew what he was talking about. I want a salesmen who knows more than me and has made judgments based on that knowledge and Larry did just that. This extends beyond just Larry as Abt is a story simply does not carry mediocre products. You will find a smaller variety of brands at Abt than at Best Buy and that’s because they chose to carry the best products.

After selecting a television, I asked Larry about home theater systems. Now Diana and I had talked for months about getting a new TV but this whole home theater thing was news to her.  Larry sensing this quickly defused the situation and suggested that we go home see how we like the sound on our new TV and if I wanted to come back and get a speaker system he could get me a great price whenever. This was another example of investing in the customer’s experience rather than simply working towards making the largest commission possible.  This is exactly why if I ever had any electornics needs in the future I will not hesitate to go back to Abt Electronics.


If you live within two hours driving distance of Abt Electronics, it is worth the drive to go to this store. Abt Electronics has created a consumer experience that cannot ever be replicated online and while other brick and motor stores are loosing out to online retailers stores like Abt never will.

Did Diana and I pay more because we shopped at Abt?  Maybe a little bit, but not that much more.  Regardless would I pay $80 more for a TV if it meant that I got the Abt Electronics shopping experience?

Without a doubt.

Buffy's Vacation Blog 2

Last January Buffy stayed with Aunt Janet & Uncle Jim when Diana and I were away visiting my parents.  During this vacation Buffy sent us e-mails about what she was up to in this Buffy's Vacation Blog.  Last weekend Diana and I were out of town and Buffy went back to stay with Aunt Janet & Uncle Jim.  Here were the e-mails that we got from Buffy last weekend.

*****

Sub: I'm Awesome

Good sleeping! Slept in Janet and Jim’s room all night and I was cozy. Potty early, Pilates forces people to get up which is great for me because I was so happy to have people awake!!! Kibbles is trying to eat my food so when I found that out I had more interest in getting in there to get my share. Lots of butts to smell. Awesome! Early walk, no salt…beet juice rocks!!! I climbed over some snow piles following Bitsey and I kept up really great despite short legs. Outside. Sun. Chewees. I keep following Bitsey so she can tell me what’s next. I plan on barking soon so all the boys wake up. Have a great vacation! I’m doing fine!

Love BuffMeister

*****

Sub: Family Secrets

Dear Mommy,
Staying here as a secret agent has shown me the Peterson's house isn't really all that it appears. I have found a lot of dysfunction. First, did you know when Ryan cleans his room, he actually has carpet? Wow. We found it yesterday. I want you to know that Bitsey has a mental problem. She chases the vacuum like crazy and while I ran away from the noise, she was a maniac in attack mode. I think she needs therapy.

Also, I am sad to report that Kibbles really isn't a dog. He fetches better than me and wants my food. However, after repeated butt smellings, he finally told me to bug off yesterday. This only hurt my feelings and I paced around a lot realizing that he was actually a cat. This was so confusing to me. Last night I slept on Bitseys bed in the beginning but when Janet woke up, I had moved to my own cozy bed with my blankie and smells of you all.

I am having fun in the yard with Chris, and yesterday I chased him around and got stuck a couple times in the drifts. This is only increasing my amazing agility. Say Hi back to Torpedo. Tell him he is lucky that I'm not there to herd him. Today I have big plans. It is supposed to be warm and sunny and I've gotten really in to the yard, the sun, and peeing on every possible part of the yard (and neighborhood) to show I'm here. It's been great. Right now I'm chasing around with Bitsey in the yard. She actually can play and is not just a drama queen. I'll send you a video of me in the snow, later.

Love,
Buff

*****

Sub: My Video

Here is me barking and playing with Chris outside yesterday.



Love,
-B-

*****

Sub: I need Therapy

Hi! I'm so glad you are having fun. It sounds like it's nice and warm. I miss you. Grandma and Grandpa Peterson called and they will be coming home soon. They say hi.

I was speaking very high and mighty last time about Bitsey needing therapy because now it looks like I might need it too. I showed my true craziness yesterday. I have this crazy hate relationship with Janet's boots that she just bought - rain boots with polka dots (they are so NOT cool). I'm not sure why they make me nuts but I couldn't stand it when she was in the yard yesterday and I was just driven to bite them like crazy and then I was attacking the shovel. Bitsey was looking at me like I had to get a hold of myself. I was just so out of control.

After my insanity, I spent a couple hours outside with the boys and I had so much fun that I became very very tired. Afterwards, I hung out on the couch with Alex and became a couch potato. You can see me here. His feet were nice and warm. We bonded.

I am a very good puppy even though some things make me nuts. Today the boys are at school so I am going to have a nice relaxing day at home.

Love
Buff