I am far from a political activist or even a parent… however, after watching RealSports Episode 144 last night [with Dana], I am horrified for the future of American kids. It only begins with banning dodgeball (which is the basis of this discussion) but it extends to some “New PE” educators calling for the elimination of musical chairs or anything competetive where there might be a “winner” and a “loser.”
This is where I am horrified. Why can we not teach our children that there are winners and losers in life. From real competitive sports like football and baseball to getting a job. Not everybody makes it on the varsity football team or gets the job they apply for.
This goes far beyond a simple game. I found a great blog post that makes a lot of great points and it points to an article called “What’s Wrong With Dodgeball.” by Matt Labash (the link on my source site doesn’t work… so it must not be on the web anymore.) In my opinion, “NOTHING.” I played dodgeball as a child and I am a well adjusted adult. I was not horrified or terrorized by the game or being a “loser.” I was not the most athletically gifted and was often a prime target but I never felt like a loser.
In the RealSports piece, there is a school in Phoenix, AZ where touching is not allowed. TOUCHING? Really? A high-five? A hug? A hand-shake? How does this help kids? Oh, and at the same school, traditional tag is not allowed. They do “shadow tag.” They don’t touch the person to make them “it.” They step on the person’s shadow. I just don’t get it.
These are things that make me not want to have kids. I really want to be a father, but not if what is taught in schools contradicts what is being taught in the home. Dana and I have very similar views on raising children and disciplining children and what it means to be a “winner” or a “loser.” I want my children to know that they can’t win at everything, but also that winning isn’t everything. It’s how you play the game (learn how to follow the rules) with class and dignity. If they can do that, they are a winner in my eyes.
