Monday, March 14, 2022

What Happens if The Elders are Just Wrong

 The Emperor's New Clothes, penned by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837, was one of my childhood favourites. The narrative revolves around two tailors who create a rare outfit for an emperor (spoiler alert). They clarify that this particular suit appears invisible to stupid, uneducated, and uncouth people. The emperor walks around proudly nude while believing he is wearing the most amazing suit while in fact they make no suit at all. Everyone goes along with the farce because they are afraid of being branded foolish, ignorant, or yelled down, but a young child eventually points out that the emperor is actually naked and wearing nothing at all.

Both a revelation and a straight jacket can come from education. We all have a tendency to accept the information we are given when being "taught," whether in school or at work, regardless of its veracity or utility. We don't want to upset the apple cart or disobey the rules. We just keep smiling and may even go home to tell a family member about the event even if our inner voice is screaming at us that this can't be right. However, we agreed to it at that particular time. If you are looking for the best school in Indore, this is often the proper place.

Similar to this, we are typically socialised from an early age to "listen to our elders." What if the wise people are merely mistaken? Should we correct a child for being impolite or speaking out of turn when they challenge convention and ask why or voice an opinion that is not shared by others, or should we welcome this chance for discussion?

 What subjects are up for discussion, nonetheless? the climate? Science? Cricket? Politics? Religion? gender identification When talking about a subject that is dear to them, most people experience pressure and find it challenging to accept any challenge to their way of thinking. Therefore, it is logical that we frequently respond and work to ensure that they view things our way when a child asks a question related to this pressure point. Each of us has configured our brains so that particular neural connections are made. We are powerless to resist. Or, can we?

I'm challenging you to think of a subject that makes you uncomfortable when you talk about it and to let a young person explore it in a dialogue. Perhaps after having this chat, you'll realise that the emperor really does have no clothes on and that the young person has given you the ability to see things clearly. Your school in Indore will give many thanks for this.

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