Kindergarten
Today this may be preschool, but when I was growing up there was no preschool. In fact, my children didn’t attend preschool either.
In kindergarten we learn how to socialize. We meet other children our age and talk about all the things a five year old talks about. We learn our colors and ABC’s. We sing songs and learn to play nice. We learn to share. We learn to work together.
Grades 1 – 5
When I was in school elementary school was kindergarten through sixth grade. Today, many schools only go to 5th grade.
In elementary school we continue to learn and grow as people. Enhancing our vernacular [as Amanda would say]; growing our vocabulary, in other words. Reading, writing, public speaking. Counting, adding, subtracting. Connecting with others our age. Playing sports on the playground.
I was chosen as one of two kids to represent my [5th grade] class in the school kickball game – students v. teachers.
Team sports = Teamwork ?
Middle School [6th, 7th, & 8th grade]
Jr. High as it were. Again, it was 7th & 8th grade for me.
A little less elementary school, a little more high school. Changing classes. Changing bodies. Meeting more kids. Meeting new people! Defining ourselves. The awkward stage. Cliques form. Your group, my group, their group.
High School
I don’t know about you, but as much as I absolutely loved high school I would never want to relive it. EVER.
Growing up. Finding ourselves. Who are we? What do we stand for? Taking sides. Picking sides? You v. me v. them. Why we do the things we do? If you’re different, then we must mock you. If you don’t think like me, then you must be wrong. Right?
Democrats v. Republicans & Southerners v. Northerners
My take [read: OPINION] -
Democrats and Republicans are like Southerners and Northerners. They are both after the same thing, yet one does it in a more pleasant way while the other is a bit more direct.
Democrats want the money and power, but do so under the pretense of wanting to help the less fortunate. Republicans cut out the middleman and just go for the money and power.
Southerners are rude and cutthroat. They smile and shake your hand. They talk bad about you, the follow it with God Bless [his/her] soul as a form of penance. All they want is what’s in it for them. Northerners just say it. No need for pleasantries. Time is money and money is time. They get right to the point.
Tomorrow – the rest of the process and whose fault is it anyway.
You know the answer already, but may not be ready to say it aloud.
Sound off below if you are.
Part 2 – The Political Edition.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by robsellen, Anne Bender. Anne Bender said: New blog post: Why Do We Do Those Things We Do – The Set Up http://anneonlife.com/?p=5413 [...]
Twitter: websiteweekend
Yes, smiling is one thing. “Showing your teeth” is entirely another thing.
.-= Dave Doolin shares some words of wisdom ..The Starfish Principle – Trying counts as success =-.
[Reply]
Anne Bender
Twitter: AnneOnline
Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
@Dave Doolin, I think I much prefer the knife coming at me so I can at least brace for it as opposed to the smile then taking it in the back and completely being off-guard. Yet, when it comes to politicians it doesn’t matter their party, they are all corruptible with a few possible exceptions.
[Reply]
Twitter: HeatherKephart
Great post, Anne! I like your analogy. I know politics & religion are terribly important, but I am sick to death of the way they seem to inspire people who would otherwise be good, respectful friends to rip each other to shreds like pitbulls.
.-= Heather Kephart shares some words of wisdom ..The Daily Irritation =-.
[Reply]
Anne Bender
Twitter: AnneOnline
Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
@Heather Kephart, Thank you, Heather. It is so hard to listen to any political news lately. It seems to be an us v. them mentality and the rallying cry is fear. The truth is they are the ones who are afraid. Afraid someone might do something we like and they not get the credit. I honestly believe wars have started over less. It’s disheartening. I hope you check out my sequel tomorrow. It’s a bit more ranty, but has a point to follow this analogy.
On a completely different note, I hope all is going well for you. I miss seeing your smiling face and reading your well thought out, humorous, and poignant writings. I do hope you are keeping a journal of your adventures, which will undoubtedly become the basis of the story you will pen one day.
[Reply]