You are not special
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Personally, I feel its quite apt for the culture there. The folks there are often brought up to believe that they are special and went about behaving that they are special. To an extent where its unhealthy. So the speech is more like a wake-up call to the students.
Asia, this issue is not so exaggerated. Coz of the large population and small space, we’re often in competition with each other for the same resource etc… I would tend to believe that as parents, we need to reinforce in our kids that they are special in their own rights and don’t have to compare with each other to determine who is "better" -
[quote]Asia, this issue is not so exaggerated.[/quote]
I disagree. I think that in all developed societies, there is a danger of the young, pampered generation having a sense of entitlement. There have been many threads on this forum and letters to the editors of local newspapers about rude/selfish teens. And this is an Asia-wide phenomenon (in all major Asian cities).
[quote]as parents, we need to reinforce in our kids that they are special in their own rights[/quote]As parents, we need to inculcate humility and a reasonable degree of selflessness in our children.
BTW I found McCullough's message somewhat vague, when it came to defining \"real achievement\". -
tuition_czar:
that exact same sentence was said in the movie \"The Incredibles\". If everyone is special, then no one is special.
McCullough makes a statement on parents who overdo it in a modern society focused on collecting achievements. \"You've been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble wrapped ... feted and fawned over and called sweetie pie.\" But he adds in a video on Wellesley Channel TV YouTube page, \"You see, if everyone is special, then no one is. If everyone gets a trophy, trophies become meaningless. ... We have of late, we Americans, to our detriment, come to love accolades more than genuine achievement.\"
The character in the movie was talking about the fact that if everyone becomes a superhero, then there will be no superheroes. -
nansk:
As parents, we need to inculcate humility and a reasonable degree of selflessness in our children.[/quote] :hi5:
I think that in all developed societies, there is a danger of the young, pampered generation having a sense of entitlement. There have been many threads on this forum and letters to the editors of local newspapers about rude/selfish teens. And this is an Asia-wide phenomenon (in all major Asian cities).
[quote]as parents, we need to reinforce in our kids that they are special in their own rights
I will tell my kids, they are special only to us (daddy & mommy) and they will not be above others nor anymore special than someone else cos every child is special to his/her own parents.
Humility is a must and I also agree on the need to have a reasonable degree of selflessness. I have met people who told me that it's perfectly fine to teach their children to be selfish and fight for rights. They are not harming anyone...... :shock: :scared: :faint: -
tuition_czar:
Lol yes, I always thought that poster's tagline was a bit strange. But I think what they mean in terms of \"leader\" is not just a commander, but a leader in their own field, like a subject matter expert. Plus they are looking for regulars (which are mostly commanders)!Just like the SAF declaring proudly in its recruitment poster: Every soldier a leader.
So no followers or foot soldiers I guess. -
I think what he said reflect the real world. Shall let the kids see the real world rather than with a tinted lenses.
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Good wake up call for young adults who have been brought up with superlative praises. Excellent ! Well done ! You are the man ! You are the best ! Nothing is gonna stop you !
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You are special and precious. Learn to love yourself so that you can love others.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zeb-k-XzaI&feature=related -
One English teacher had a message for this year's graduates of Wellesley High School in Wellesley, Mass.: They aren't special.
good post!!! :imcool:
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