"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out!"
- A phrase you do not ever want to say to your children.
In life, there are people that we look at and think to ourselves "well, thankfully we're not these people". We tend to collectively think of ourselves as morally superior and normal, whatever that word means nowadays. A lot of the time, these people we criticize are known celebrities; people that seem to get away with their obtuseness and asshole tendencies.
Yet, we as a collective are not ones to judge these celebrities. Many of them have children, some more loyal to their parents than others. None the less, these celebrities that are parents do indeed love their children, and would do anything to protect them and/or advance their own endeavors. How I see it, one could be a pig, a drunkard, a philanderer, a cheapskate, an Anti-Semite, a druggie, a prisoner, or even a complete piece of shit. So long as they are loving their children and their children love them; there is hope. Yet that hope ends when the unforgiveable crime occurs. That crime being allowing and/or directly participating in the killing of their child.
For Dr. William H. Cosby Jr. Ed.D, any sense of redemption ended on January 16, 1997. It was on that day that his son, Ennis, was killed in cold blood while near the Los Angeles Freeway changing a tire. I am convinced Ennis' father, Bill Cosby, allowed and authorized a hit and run murder on his only son.
How can you say that, you might be thinking? Look at the evidence and the lies and the deceptions Cosby has done in his 78 years of his life. Particularly up to 1997, these infractions included:
Raping and drugging by force 40 or more females of all races and economic classes.
Forming a false image by being the white man's black man.
Dissing former co-workers and friends when felt convenient. Among those include:
Richard Pryor
Sir Sidney Poitier
Lisa Bonet
Malcolm Jamal-Warner
Harry Belafonte
Flip Wilson
Spike Lee
Stevie Wonder
Denise Johnson
Arthur Ashe
Jimmie Walker
Sherman Helmsley
Janice Dickinson
Robert Culp
Having the gall and temerity to go on television and dis his own movie Leonard Part 6; even though he wrote the script!
Removing socially and culturally important African-American entertainment shows like Amos and Andy.
Looking down on fellow African-Americans who did not have $400 million in the bank.
Fathering an untold number of illegitimate children in addition to his 5 own children.
Using his comedy shows as fodder for his bad deeds.
Bilking Temple University for unseemly amounts of money.
Forming a hatred on all races while trying to be post-racial.
Subjecting his wife, Camille, to 50 plus years of physical, emotional and mental abuse.
And most importantly:
Being a lousy parent to his five children. Bonus points for his disgust with Ennis and Erinn.
We know that of his five children, Ennis and Erinn were the most concerned and upset over the coming revelations of Bill Cosby fathering Autumn Jackson. We know the both of them confronted Cosby early that January to tell him to stop his ways and force a settlement and acknowledgement of past deeds. We also know that Ennis had plans to take measures into his and his sisters' hands in order to have Bill Cosby be treated for sexual addiction at the least. Yet, of course, a person like Bill Cosby would have none of it. Especially from Ennis, whom he had a tense relationship.
It is where the above quote went from a threat to a promise. It is where January 16, 1997 happened. A white immigrant was hired by Cosby to make a contract hit on Ennis Cosby; starting with mucking up the car Ennis was driving. It was followed by the most obvious sort of drive by shooting one could imagine. And with that, Ennis was gone. The light of the Cosby family; the one who could right the wrongs of his father, was no more.
I remember months after Ennis' killing when the Autumn Jackson lawsuit was put into place. It was then that I knew; Bill Cosby had his son killed to distract from the revelations of his two-faced fucked up life. Why it has taken 18 years and an unsealed admission of Cosby administering Quaaludes to more than one female rape victim is something that boggles my mind. Many think the statute of limitations have run out on any charges Bill Cosby faces. Perhaps that is true for rape and drugging. It is not true for murder. And if I am not mistaken, full punishment according to California Penal Code Law pertains to Cosby's actions that fateful day.
Bill Cosby: You Killed Your Only Son. Admit it to all that had once cared for you and looked up to you like I did. And then be Punished for these crimes for all the remainder of your life. When you do pass on, I hope Ennis is there waiting for you to send you on your eternal damnation in the hell you made for yourself. Ennis Cosby deserves justice after these 18 years. Let us all hope this vile being, for whom I am almost tempted to use the N word on, gets the punishment he deserves.
Love your children and you will find peace. Talk to you all later,
Robert
Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Sunday, April 19, 2015
The Root Problem
This past week, I was watching local news stories and reading in New York newspapers the growing number of children and families opting out of the New York Regents Standardized Tests for English and Math for Grades K-8. These tests are more well known nationwide in different formats as The Common Core. The Common Core, initiated in 2010 and advancing from the Leave No Child Behind Act of 2002, is a ongoing of series of tests given throughout the school year (September of one year through June the next year) that are used to give elementary, middle and high school students a leg up on using critical thinking and newer approaches to problem solving.
It is designed to we hope have students in the United States be in close proximity with the achievements of students in most other countries. For example, students in the US are 27th in mathematics development amongst so called first world nations; this is out of 34 countries. They are one above Sweden and one below Slovakia. Think about that. In the likelihood that High School students will be going to university, and the certainty that at least one math course is required, the math classes will most assuredly Not involve simple arithmetic and algebra and calculus. These will involve problem solving matters and statistical data that actually make a difference in one's life. It was the approach I was given in my mathematics course at Hofstra University, including writing essays that involved mathematical approaches to determine the legitimacy of opinions. If a student does not understand math at an early age, how will that student understand anything for problem solving in post high school life?
Put it another way, and this does tie in with English testing: knowing only basic knowledge of a literary work such as plot, themes, statements and intent can be explained by any educator until they are blue in the face. It usually does happen that way. Once the tests come, and it has occurred in many cases, the questions in multiple choice and short answer form are more specific to the inner details of the literary work more so than in what was talked about in class. Here is an example:
1. Explain what the author was attempting to say on our current everyday lives with the shifts in character development towards the end of the novel. This should be in essay form and will be worth 5% of the grade.
2. What did the main character eat on page 159? This will be worth 95% of the grade.
I note this is an extreme look, yet understand the purposes of the value of these questions. The what did the character eat question is far more important, for one known reason. It will determine whether the student actually read the novel! Platitudes and meme knowledge of a novel is one thing; any person would know the answer. It is more important to read the novel and know of what you write and speak. If they cannot answer #2, it proves they did not even read the novel. And since they did not read the novel, they have no idea what the fowl they are talking about.
This is as if a division problem is solved by a calculator; it is needed, but you do not know how it needed to be divided. The need to go deeper in thought and approach to anything is of such great importance in this ever changing world in which we live in. Along with an approach to have students be committed to do what needs to be done in the tests and not just get by.
It is rather upsetting to me that blame is being put on educators, administrators, parents, society at large, political leaders like Gov. Andrew Cuomo, etc. that are all in one form or another fighting like children. There is really only one grouping of people that need to be held accountable for the success or lack thereof in tests and life advancement. It is going to stun and shock many of you, yet these people are:
The Students Themselves!
Look, an educator, administrator, parent, political figure and other adult leader can pontificate, educate, enlighten, open minds and do whatever is necessary on their end. Yet, it is not them that are taking these tests; it is not them that will be facing newer futures in a more technology driven world; it is not them that are now in a position where university enrollment is more active than even when I graduated from Hofstra 9 years ago. It is the student that is causing the problem, or will cause the success.
When I graduated from Farmingdale High School in 2001, there were some 80 or so seniors that were not going to graduate due to effectively being poor students, if not being ne'er do well people at the time. One of my educators, who also happened to be an important figure with the Farmingdale Federation of teachers and is now retired, mentioned that the not graduating list that year was the largest he had seen in his then 35 odd years teaching. I assume that list in years hence has only grown, though slightly. In the end, those kids chose the path to a life without an education as opposed to a life with one. I guess this is because, particularly when high school comes, students look at school as a social outing filled with cliques, love interests, sports, popularity and other like minded stuff we see in movies and TV shows. I am here to you it is not; it is the time to learn before we are needed to gather together to get through this thing called life. When one turns an advanced age, the world pretty much welcomes you with a middle finger if you are not careful. Everything needs to be earned through knowledge.
The Common Core is at least a start in the right direction for turning students into actually being ready for High School, University, and life afterwards. It provides them to think about the correct answer, and not just state the answer. And it is the indication that a student knew and read the literature and media provided, instead of by meme memory which usually gets twisted into simple parody easily. And yes, the Common Core gives the true purpose of what a pre-University education should be; a learning apparatus for our younger ones. It never was for me a social gathering petri dish; indeed while I have attended a 10 year reunion and still will go to future events, I did not go to the prom, and I am proud of it! I will say that many of my fellow classmates thought otherwise, although they did passed their grades. For me, the high point was getting out and going to Hofstra University.
Now for a pop quiz: here is a music video named amongst the oddest ever made.
Question 1: Name the song referenced in this Daryl Hall and John Oates hit song from their lyrics. It is worth 10 % of the grade.
Question 2: Explain the video that Hall and Oates themselves have difficulty in explaining. This will be worth 90% of the grade.
Talk to you all soon,
Robert
Bonus question: I referenced two songs during this essay. Please name the songs.
It is designed to we hope have students in the United States be in close proximity with the achievements of students in most other countries. For example, students in the US are 27th in mathematics development amongst so called first world nations; this is out of 34 countries. They are one above Sweden and one below Slovakia. Think about that. In the likelihood that High School students will be going to university, and the certainty that at least one math course is required, the math classes will most assuredly Not involve simple arithmetic and algebra and calculus. These will involve problem solving matters and statistical data that actually make a difference in one's life. It was the approach I was given in my mathematics course at Hofstra University, including writing essays that involved mathematical approaches to determine the legitimacy of opinions. If a student does not understand math at an early age, how will that student understand anything for problem solving in post high school life?
Put it another way, and this does tie in with English testing: knowing only basic knowledge of a literary work such as plot, themes, statements and intent can be explained by any educator until they are blue in the face. It usually does happen that way. Once the tests come, and it has occurred in many cases, the questions in multiple choice and short answer form are more specific to the inner details of the literary work more so than in what was talked about in class. Here is an example:
1. Explain what the author was attempting to say on our current everyday lives with the shifts in character development towards the end of the novel. This should be in essay form and will be worth 5% of the grade.
2. What did the main character eat on page 159? This will be worth 95% of the grade.
I note this is an extreme look, yet understand the purposes of the value of these questions. The what did the character eat question is far more important, for one known reason. It will determine whether the student actually read the novel! Platitudes and meme knowledge of a novel is one thing; any person would know the answer. It is more important to read the novel and know of what you write and speak. If they cannot answer #2, it proves they did not even read the novel. And since they did not read the novel, they have no idea what the fowl they are talking about.
This is as if a division problem is solved by a calculator; it is needed, but you do not know how it needed to be divided. The need to go deeper in thought and approach to anything is of such great importance in this ever changing world in which we live in. Along with an approach to have students be committed to do what needs to be done in the tests and not just get by.
It is rather upsetting to me that blame is being put on educators, administrators, parents, society at large, political leaders like Gov. Andrew Cuomo, etc. that are all in one form or another fighting like children. There is really only one grouping of people that need to be held accountable for the success or lack thereof in tests and life advancement. It is going to stun and shock many of you, yet these people are:
The Students Themselves!
Look, an educator, administrator, parent, political figure and other adult leader can pontificate, educate, enlighten, open minds and do whatever is necessary on their end. Yet, it is not them that are taking these tests; it is not them that will be facing newer futures in a more technology driven world; it is not them that are now in a position where university enrollment is more active than even when I graduated from Hofstra 9 years ago. It is the student that is causing the problem, or will cause the success.
When I graduated from Farmingdale High School in 2001, there were some 80 or so seniors that were not going to graduate due to effectively being poor students, if not being ne'er do well people at the time. One of my educators, who also happened to be an important figure with the Farmingdale Federation of teachers and is now retired, mentioned that the not graduating list that year was the largest he had seen in his then 35 odd years teaching. I assume that list in years hence has only grown, though slightly. In the end, those kids chose the path to a life without an education as opposed to a life with one. I guess this is because, particularly when high school comes, students look at school as a social outing filled with cliques, love interests, sports, popularity and other like minded stuff we see in movies and TV shows. I am here to you it is not; it is the time to learn before we are needed to gather together to get through this thing called life. When one turns an advanced age, the world pretty much welcomes you with a middle finger if you are not careful. Everything needs to be earned through knowledge.
The Common Core is at least a start in the right direction for turning students into actually being ready for High School, University, and life afterwards. It provides them to think about the correct answer, and not just state the answer. And it is the indication that a student knew and read the literature and media provided, instead of by meme memory which usually gets twisted into simple parody easily. And yes, the Common Core gives the true purpose of what a pre-University education should be; a learning apparatus for our younger ones. It never was for me a social gathering petri dish; indeed while I have attended a 10 year reunion and still will go to future events, I did not go to the prom, and I am proud of it! I will say that many of my fellow classmates thought otherwise, although they did passed their grades. For me, the high point was getting out and going to Hofstra University.
Now for a pop quiz: here is a music video named amongst the oddest ever made.
Question 1: Name the song referenced in this Daryl Hall and John Oates hit song from their lyrics. It is worth 10 % of the grade.
Question 2: Explain the video that Hall and Oates themselves have difficulty in explaining. This will be worth 90% of the grade.
Talk to you all soon,
Robert
Bonus question: I referenced two songs during this essay. Please name the songs.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
The second part of my suggestions on ending bullying
Last post, I talked about how newer parents have brought an increase in tolerance, however obliquely, of child bullying. As I mentioned before, the concern for me is the school kids themselves. I, to be honest, have never been one to just consider children to be innocent of all doings.
This is especially true now given our overall access to social media. None the less, social media can and is used responsibly. Here is what I think could be done to alter these problems with these issues.
First and foremost, the schools need to begin educating students on how to properly use social networking at the schools and outside the schools. I remember when it was customary for public service assemblies and/or films to be shown to address social issues. This provided at least a temporary sense of community when all of us needed to be together for something to learn about our lives.
Secondly, there was once a time when schools were allowed to use a "Scared Straight" sort of event that showed students the consequences of bad actions. Although it is not akin to physical criminality yet; perhaps as part of potential settlements yet to come, students that were accused of bullying others need to be publically called out and be needed to answer for their actions. I of course would not want to take this idea too far; that is to say, have the bullies be bullied. Yet, I would think a public outing would suffice.
One other idea to be considered involves parents. Since the school districts only are responsible for the well being of children to a certain point; the parents and extended family need to be involved in looking after their children in what they will doing any matter related to fellow students and people their age. Of course, the level of degree to which these oversights on children will be needed depends on the child's behavior. I think the more likely the kid becomes a bully; the more intense the monitoring of the child needs to be.
It is difficult, admittedly, to have the answers be given that will please everyone. In truth, it would be much simpler if many of these school kids would behave correctly at all times. None the less, preventative measures must be taken in nearly all means to be certain bullying ends; and as well, to put an end to needing to settle accounts by means of law. Feel free to comment on these ideas. I will certainly respond.
Best wishes to all,
Robert
PS. I plan on blogging at least one post a day. What is on my mind, may well be on this page.
This is especially true now given our overall access to social media. None the less, social media can and is used responsibly. Here is what I think could be done to alter these problems with these issues.
First and foremost, the schools need to begin educating students on how to properly use social networking at the schools and outside the schools. I remember when it was customary for public service assemblies and/or films to be shown to address social issues. This provided at least a temporary sense of community when all of us needed to be together for something to learn about our lives.
Secondly, there was once a time when schools were allowed to use a "Scared Straight" sort of event that showed students the consequences of bad actions. Although it is not akin to physical criminality yet; perhaps as part of potential settlements yet to come, students that were accused of bullying others need to be publically called out and be needed to answer for their actions. I of course would not want to take this idea too far; that is to say, have the bullies be bullied. Yet, I would think a public outing would suffice.
One other idea to be considered involves parents. Since the school districts only are responsible for the well being of children to a certain point; the parents and extended family need to be involved in looking after their children in what they will doing any matter related to fellow students and people their age. Of course, the level of degree to which these oversights on children will be needed depends on the child's behavior. I think the more likely the kid becomes a bully; the more intense the monitoring of the child needs to be.
It is difficult, admittedly, to have the answers be given that will please everyone. In truth, it would be much simpler if many of these school kids would behave correctly at all times. None the less, preventative measures must be taken in nearly all means to be certain bullying ends; and as well, to put an end to needing to settle accounts by means of law. Feel free to comment on these ideas. I will certainly respond.
Best wishes to all,
Robert
PS. I plan on blogging at least one post a day. What is on my mind, may well be on this page.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Preventing the next bullying lawsuit (Part 1)
Hello to all who read this blog and hopefully comment.
Last night, I mentioned what I think needs to be done in order to stop this rather growing trend of online and school bullying that has been a far more saddening problem in the 14 years since I graduated high school. I know the title mainly refers to not having this go through another lawsuit. Yet I think this goes beyond the courts and schools. Eventually, we need to notice the differences of children and parents from a not too past era; and those of today.
First, let me mention that this is not to claim that a past era of schooling like my 12 years in the Farmingdale School District (1989-2001) were halcyon days. Clearly, they were not that rosy; and they were not "good old days". Yet, I have often mentioned an interesting fact. My High School Senior class was the last to graduate before 9/11/2001. Thus, we seemingly were the last to be a bit more free around the premises. On the flip side, I know Farmingdale did not increase its rate of successful graduates going off to prestigious universities (such as Hofstra for myself) until well recently.
None the less, a lot has changed. Initially I thought a lot of this was for security reasons. I cannot, for instance, go into any of the schools to meet up with former educators; lest I or someone else become a real life Wooderson. Little did we know there are issues to be addressed with the parents and students of today.
Many parents of grade school, middle school and high school students are from a post boomer generation. It stretches from the latter 1960s up through people my age. Now, most people are as individually different as can be. Yet, many (and I include myself) are expecting gratification and what we want, but not really need, now. With that in mind, we get upset should things not go our way. Sadly, with that sort of selfishness comes selfish behavior. And yes, this reflects on the younger impressionable minds of school students.
I'll give an example. A fellow 2001 graduate that I keep in touch with on Facebook related a story from the past Christmas holidays. Being a music teacher, he led about 600 school kids across Long Island for a NYSMMA concert. The children were okay; yet some of the parents were not on their best behavior. The night of the performance at Tillies Center, two parents got into a fist fight with each other! One other parent yelled at his/her child for almost fainting. Now again, I was not there. Yet, I am not surprised that some behave this way.
Now, one way to alter this behavior would be to have prospective parents of school children required before every school year to be taught behavioral issues and study obedience to others. And to further the idea, have these parents pass an exam on what they learned from these courses. This may seem a bit much; yet I would be willing to do it myself once the time comes. Perhaps some visual aids on what not to do would be a welcoming idea.
That of course is regarding parents. It is though the behavior of the younger children that concerns me more. I say this because while the parents are aware of the day to day activities of their children; it seems more and more as being a mere observer at times. This though requires me to write another post as this might be too long!
So, I will have more tomorrow for this conversation on ending the bullying epidemic. Consider these posts a trilogy of sorts. It has been a bit of a long night.
Talk to you later,
Robert.
PS. Any comments on how to spruce up the website and blog are more than welcome.
Last night, I mentioned what I think needs to be done in order to stop this rather growing trend of online and school bullying that has been a far more saddening problem in the 14 years since I graduated high school. I know the title mainly refers to not having this go through another lawsuit. Yet I think this goes beyond the courts and schools. Eventually, we need to notice the differences of children and parents from a not too past era; and those of today.
First, let me mention that this is not to claim that a past era of schooling like my 12 years in the Farmingdale School District (1989-2001) were halcyon days. Clearly, they were not that rosy; and they were not "good old days". Yet, I have often mentioned an interesting fact. My High School Senior class was the last to graduate before 9/11/2001. Thus, we seemingly were the last to be a bit more free around the premises. On the flip side, I know Farmingdale did not increase its rate of successful graduates going off to prestigious universities (such as Hofstra for myself) until well recently.
None the less, a lot has changed. Initially I thought a lot of this was for security reasons. I cannot, for instance, go into any of the schools to meet up with former educators; lest I or someone else become a real life Wooderson. Little did we know there are issues to be addressed with the parents and students of today.
Many parents of grade school, middle school and high school students are from a post boomer generation. It stretches from the latter 1960s up through people my age. Now, most people are as individually different as can be. Yet, many (and I include myself) are expecting gratification and what we want, but not really need, now. With that in mind, we get upset should things not go our way. Sadly, with that sort of selfishness comes selfish behavior. And yes, this reflects on the younger impressionable minds of school students.
I'll give an example. A fellow 2001 graduate that I keep in touch with on Facebook related a story from the past Christmas holidays. Being a music teacher, he led about 600 school kids across Long Island for a NYSMMA concert. The children were okay; yet some of the parents were not on their best behavior. The night of the performance at Tillies Center, two parents got into a fist fight with each other! One other parent yelled at his/her child for almost fainting. Now again, I was not there. Yet, I am not surprised that some behave this way.
Now, one way to alter this behavior would be to have prospective parents of school children required before every school year to be taught behavioral issues and study obedience to others. And to further the idea, have these parents pass an exam on what they learned from these courses. This may seem a bit much; yet I would be willing to do it myself once the time comes. Perhaps some visual aids on what not to do would be a welcoming idea.
That of course is regarding parents. It is though the behavior of the younger children that concerns me more. I say this because while the parents are aware of the day to day activities of their children; it seems more and more as being a mere observer at times. This though requires me to write another post as this might be too long!
So, I will have more tomorrow for this conversation on ending the bullying epidemic. Consider these posts a trilogy of sorts. It has been a bit of a long night.
Talk to you later,
Robert.
PS. Any comments on how to spruce up the website and blog are more than welcome.
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