Education

Having earlier today criticized one of my professions’ tendencies towards self-righteousness (though it's far less of a problem, usually), I thought I’d do the same for my other, teaching.

I don’t like bumper stickers that say, “If you can blank, thank a blank,” “blank and proud,” “I’m my blank’s blank” or any other proclamation of self-worth. They sound defensive, a little insecure, and give off a little too much of a “protest too much” vibe, the kind given by Hollywood actors who gush over their spouses just before divorcing them.

I just don’t think it sounds very noble to proclaim one’s importance to society. It seems far better to express humility and gratitude and to graciously accept praise, if merited.

With that in mind, I found this video demonstrating slam poetry, a form of expression whose goal, I gather, is to elevate obnoxiousness, self-satisfaction, and pretentiousness to an art-form. If somebody asked me how much I made, I’d answer them, if they were good enough acquaintances to receive an answer to such an often inappropriate question. After all, if I wasn’t happy with the pay, I’d leave and “do,” right?

I warn you in advance if you're annoyed by whiny tirades: