Year 2020

This is the year that my students will graduate high school and enter the workforce, enter the armed forces or further their education. How are we preparing our future generation to become independent citizens that contribute positively to our world? How are we making sure that these kids think well of themselves? Today, I am not so sure of our future generation. Not that I don't think they are capable, but because of two separate incidences watching how kids are treated and spoken to by their parents. Excuse me for any grammatcial errors, but I am really upset. If you watched today's Oprah Winfrey Show with Bill Cosby, you will better understand what I'm talking about.
This morning, I stop at the QT to get my cup of coffee. A mom and her two very small children are checking out, too. I go out to my car and they follow behind. The mom has 3 other adults in the car. Apparently, while she was in the store, one of the adults took her spot in the front seat. She proceeded to cuss the other adult. Although you could tell she wan't really mad, but joking, it was still inappropriate language for anyone....let alone a child. This loud screaming and cursing went on for at least 60 seconds....literally, before everyone was in the car. The kids just got in the car and seemed to be used to this. I looked at my coworker and said, this is how kids end up in school cursing out teachers and thinking its OK.
So, I get to school and I am going through homework folders, which only 12 of 21 kids have bothered to return despite the fact they get one simple homework sheet each night. Anyway, I open up a folder and the little boy comes funning over to get me to read a letter out loud to the class. The letter is from his grandmother who mailed it to him yesterday. I see the prison return address, but make no judgement and decide to read the letter to myself first. I'm so glad I did. Grandma offered advice such as, "I wonder if you got a girlfriend, don't settle with just one, you go ahead and be a playa." Then she said, "I can' wait to see your litle ass." Finally, she ended and said "You best be on your good behavior and listen to your teacher." At least she told him to listen to his teacher.
I am not making up any of these stories. These stories are not exclusive to one particular race or economic group. Its just that today I am discouraged about our future because our parents seem to care less.