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I just viewed the Internet Mistakes show today. I was a bit taken aback from several aspects. There fine line that is so apparent it is scary. I just can’t help but think, isn’t it better to side on the more moral or responsible side of things than what the opposite could be?
Bottom line, I think it boils down to respect and responsibility... Let me explain:
I saw and heard every word that the 17 year old was saying. In my opinion she neither respected herself nor expressed any responsibility for herself. You could see it in how she carried herself and looked at those around her. Deep down, I think she saw she had a problem, but had never been taught the appropriate way to handle herself. I was appalled at the lack of intervention from her mother. At the age of 15 she became aware of her daughter’s drinking, yet it still continues. She was not aware of the extent of her FACE BOOK account. I think this family helps to display the very wrong turn that is happening in our society. Firstly, never would my parents have allowed any actions such as drinking underage or inappropriate language towards others. This mother didn’t seem to bat an eye. As a teacher, I see this decline in our family connections grow each year. The behaviors and attitudes of children become more “in your face” while we have less parental support. I feel for this family, and I hope that this show can be a wake up call. This young child is on a path of destruction, they just don’t see it yet. At this point, it is like she said; it is just cute fun and games. This attitude shows that she is still not old enough to make long term decisions that will impact her life.
The substitute teacher is another story. It is true that as teachers, we are held to a higher moral standing. This means inside and outside the classroom. If I was a drunk, do you think you would want me as your child’s teacher? I know I wouldn’t want that for my own children. This young man has an outside career, so many of us do. (To help make ends meet). That outside career must not put the first priority in jeopardy. This is how I see this situation. He is in a position of authority. He works with older students that… like to see the language flow. How can he correct them if he too uses that language? Double standard? Yes, you can argue that there is a time and a place, but that can be as weak as the person who needs to use that kind of language to get their message across. He had his warning from the school board after the first termination and re-hire. When he chose to repost his ‘music’ he basically slapped the school board in the face. (TIP…They don’t like that kind of behavior). He should have been fired after the second time. Not only did he repost his original music, but he added nudity to a site that he was aware students of his were viewing. He needs to think, why is it he wants to work for the schools? Is it the time, love of the learning process, or working with kids? We all know that it is not for the money! I made more money bartending and waiting tables part time, than I do as a full time teacher. My suggestion, bartend where they have visiting bands. Maybe someone of importance will see you and help you on your path.
We overall should be asking ourselves some basic questions to answer the Internet Mistakes debate. What kind of person do I want in charge of my mortgage, credit cards, children, sales person, et. If an employer wants to use public access to find out more about your character, than go for it. I would rather know that the person taking personal information over the phone, or completing my medical information have a sense of respect and responsibility for themselves. (Respect meaning that they don’t advertise their misjudgments in a public forum) If they show that restraint, than perhaps they will show that respect and responsibility toward my needs.
One more comment. The young girl who opposed the FACE BOOK site. While at first she seemed to have her act together and appeared to have a strong head on her shoulders, really upset me at the end of the show. I am sure she did not mumble to the other child about being eaten alive on the show. I am more likely to believe that it went down as first described. The way she stumbled over herself to “get out of the situation” made that clear. I was very pleased when Dr. Phil put her in her place so to speak. She didn’t add anything of value when the other young lady was on the stage. In that one fell swoop, my opinion diminished of her greatly.
Girls dancing on bars half-naked, passed out on the beach, hugging the porcelain … these are photos posted for all to see on the Web site Facebook, in a group called Thirty Reasons a Girl Should Call it a Night. These shocking and provocative pictures are supposedly submitted by the women in the photos themselves. The women say they love to have fun, and this is a way to bond with other girls just like them. But are there unforeseen consequences to letting the public behold you at your worst? Dr. Phil speaks with women on both sides of this debate. Jasmine is the moderator for the group Thirty Reasons and says, although she’s responsible for taking down questionable photos, she hasn’t found one yet! Amanda and Norma are incensed that women would degrade themselves in this way. Hear from the president of a company who uses Web sites like Facebook and MySpace to weed out potential employees. Could documenting your good time on the Internet become your biggest regret? Then, a teen who loves to drink says criticism of Thirty Reasons just reinforces the double standard of gender inequality. What do Dr. Phil and the teen’s mother think? Plus, a mayor’s sexy photo has her town’s residents outraged. And, meet a substitute teacher who says he was unfairly fired from his job two times for what’s on his MySpace page. Share your thoughts here.
