People first labeling

I've been doing a great deal of critical thinking about about people first labeling. I think that a "student with autism" rather than an "autistic student" is great. People shouldn't be labeled by things over which they have no control.

But what about things over which people should have control, but don't? I think it is time to take the idea of people first labeling to the next logical level. For instance, how do you suppose one feels when labeled with the oh-so-very-damning taboo title of "rapist?" Wouldn't said "rapist" be more likely to be able to successfully re-intigrate into society with a label like, "a man with difficulties controlling his violent sexual aggressions?"

So much less abrasive, that.

Or what about an alcoholic? Alcohol addiction is unfair; those colorful drinks really just suck people in. Praise the merciful heavens that we live in Utah, where in restaurants, cocktails are no longer allowed to be mixed in public view, thus robbing all nubile potential future "alcoholics" from ever being trapped by the wiles of self medication.

"Alcoholic" is a hurtful term. Why not give them a little self esteem boost, and call it what it is (or them what they are); "people with the inability to completely avoid harmful, addicting, mind-dumbing substances." Sounds nicer, doesn't it?

How about, "Dudes who love Natty Ice, affliction t-shirts,True Religion jeans , and whores," rather than douche bags?
Or, "girl babes dipped in liquid eye liner, with muffin tops erupting from Gen-X jeans," rather than Cholas?
Maybe "men/women who don't fear needles and enjoy chemically induced existential experiences and sleeping on bathroom floors," rather than junkies.
Perhaps, "Men who are religiously and doctrinally confused, who don't realize that strapping a bomb to one's chest will result in massive external (and internal) hemorrhaging," instead of terrorists?

I think it is time to take a big stance for political correctness. I just don't want to see ANY of the good people of planet earth offended by labels. EVER.

And so it begins

Well, another day, another blog. This makes 7. Or 8. This, however, is a forced blog. A mandatory master college experience. Where I shall share my deepest thoughts, feelings, and "person who is an asshole" opinions regarding education, and the use of new technologies therein.

I shall be imparting to the world my vast troves of historical knowledge, which include (but are not limited to) several important dates during WWII; the names of at least (at the very least) 9 or 7 presidents; up to (but not promising) 2 vice presidents; one or more important women in history; and lastly, but certainly not leastly--why Andrew Jackson was the biggest badass to EVER run this country. A crazy, crazy man, that Andrew Jackson.

I love teaching, and I actually love history, and I think that I can make a rather terrific difference in the lives of the many children with whom I shall come into contact. Also, I will be delving into the world of social studies (because God help me get a job if i don't). Social studies will be great. Psychology, sociology, economics, geography--all interesting, all fun.

My teaching philosophy:
Bullet: Providing fair, and equitable education for everyone, regardless of background, race, socioeconomic status, etc.
Bullet: Recognizing that all students are diverse learners, and have distinct needs.
Bullet: Education should be one of the things in this country that provide all with an equal opportunity, regardless of class or socio economic status.
Bullet: Curriculum should be meaningful to all students.

Boom!