Two things

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My principal has a habit of answering every pupil in a manner that ensures they are not ashamed or embarrassed. She answers their questions without ridicule and ensures them of the validity of their question. She satisfies their need for self-assurance and self-confidence, and it is an admirable trait. It spoke to me: protect others against shame when you have the power to embarrass.

In light of that sentiment she directed me to a movie entitled "Departures" which is an arty movie that once showed at Cinema Nouveau. The movie is based on the Japanese culture of saving face and honor. It sounds like the kind of movie I would gobble up, in great dignity and composure, of course ;)

The other reminder I had today was the memory of myself singing "Ten bottles of beer on the wall" when I was but a wee child. I wondered, were I to hear a young child sing that aloud, would I not feel the urge to ask him to refrain from such songs, as they encourage debauchery, and well, I've been down that road before, and I sure don't want them to go there, etc. But of course the truth is that a young child has no idea what debauchery is, let alone the effects of too much beer, so the child is actually simply learning about rhyme, rhythm and deduction. So I have learnt to rejoice with others about their learning rather than what they are learning about.

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