buhi
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Post by buhi on Apr 28, 2016 16:37:56 GMT 7
I am a product of it.
Or am I?
The conditions were right when I was young, a child.
Mother from the East End, Scottish immigrants and very beautiful. Thanks to her I received my good looks. Sisters unfortunately did not,oh dear, my father was not a hansum man.
Grandfather, father's father was fairly wealthy, through hard work and no doubt a bit of luck or dare i conceive he was not beyond bending the rules , greasing some palms. Well , he later was of the Masonic Order.
Mentioned before a strecher bearer in WW1. After that , who could blame him for seeking a life, by whatever means. Be assured, not mafia, a very somchai.
Meritocracy?
His wife, my grandmother, born on the Sandringham Estate, daughter of the royal gamekeeper.
Meritocracy.
My father and let's be honest, we did not get on, in the words of Steve Earle,
"I was my mother's worst fears."
He pushed me to succeed. He in fact failed in part, I was kicked started by a teacher, son of a welsh miner, who spelled it out to me. Then I saw my father's desire.
Meritocracy.
But he did not know that word or concept; he was out for self and family.
And as a father I too am. But I know the word meritocracy and also know that with some money, some influence, you can provide a better education, better chances for meritocracy.
Plus I live in Thailand.
Something about stuff that up your pipe and smoke it comes to mind.
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pathumseb
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I found you at last!
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Post by pathumseb on Apr 28, 2016 17:51:15 GMT 7
I think my issue with it would be that it is stagnated. One of the interesting things about being back in the UK for a month as been the realisation that it is still a country of class and money first and foremost. My parents would say 'that's just the way it is", which in my opinion is the result of an education system that is used as vehicial to maintain the political and social status-quo. I'm not a parent yet but as a teacher of young kids I feel that children should be taught to think for themselves, no one else, but unfortunately nowadays it seems like either they are taught to follow all religions/cultures completely, or taught to not think for themselves and be good little minions. Luckily for me some decent international and private schools teach independent thinking skills.
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bowie
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Post by bowie on Apr 28, 2016 18:42:27 GMT 7
I think my issue with it would be that it is stagnated. One of the interesting things about being back in the UK for a month as been the realisation that it is still a country of class and money first and foremost. My parents would say 'that's just the way it is", which in my opinion is the result of an education system that is used as vehicial to maintain the political and social status-quo. I'm not a parent yet but as a teacher of young kids I feel that children should be taught to think for themselves, no one else, but unfortunately nowadays it seems like either they are taught to follow all religions/cultures completely, or taught to not think for themselves and be good little minions. Luckily for me some decent international and private schools teach independent thinking skills. And who can pay the fees for those schools? Have you missed the point, Fletch has not. I would send my son to Patana, a place where I was a respected teacher; I cannot afford the fees. Compromise, I send him to a fairly good Catholic school (boy that hurts my principles) and teach him at home. And the fees for the catholic school are beyond most. Back to meritocracy. And an aside, my snide remarks about inheritance. |
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buhi
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Post by buhi on Apr 28, 2016 19:07:54 GMT 7
My second teaching post, hundred of years ago; I was pushed by the good powers that be (were) to move from a deprived area school in Norwich (Lakenham) To a very middle class school (Spixworth), to broaden my horizons as I was marked out as a potential head.
I became lazy and lost my flair. The powers that were intervened and suggested a move to the West Earlham area would be a positive move and a kick into gear.It was, although I only stayed a year there, promotion to a headship post followed.
There were good state schools then and some bloody good teachers.
But you will not break down the class system; money buys the best and that includes education.
I fought it and drove myself mad.
Late on, after years of teaching the underprvileged in Bangkok and their teachers, I threw in the towel and enjoyed six years of bliss at Patana.
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bowie
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Post by bowie on Apr 28, 2016 19:28:44 GMT 7
Seb, you went to a privileged school, your parents could afford it. Meritocracy, they knew to pay as they had wealth. Do you really expect equality?
I did not go to a fee paying school, in fact as a bloody rebel at eleven I deliberately ducked up the 11 plus exam. My head teacher was furious, called my parents in to explain.
No avail, I was adamant, even then, duck the system.
Naturally I was a fish out of water, but swimming extremely well, in the Secondary Mod. Top in everything, yes even sports.
I also learnt from my peers, real life skills.
I never compromise.
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buhi
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Post by buhi on Apr 28, 2016 19:48:00 GMT 7
Some of these insights have indeed resurfaced with my son moving on to Secondary education. He has to compromise now, but understands why.And that is not really compromising. Subtle.
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bowie
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Post by bowie on Apr 28, 2016 19:56:10 GMT 7
Musical Interlude
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Post by rgs2001uk on Apr 28, 2016 21:25:40 GMT 7
It would be trite and glib of me to say, farang tink too mutt, now I undertsnd the feeling of my Thai neighbours.
Like the moment when your brakes lock
And you slide toward the big truck
And stretch the frozen moments with your fear
And youll never hear their voices
And youll never see their faces
You have no recourse to the law anymore
And as the windshield melts
My tears evaporate
Leaving only charcoal to defend
Finally I understand
The feelings of the few
Ashes and diamonds
Foe and friend
We were all equal in the end
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buhi
Crazy Mango Extraordinaire
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Post by buhi on Apr 28, 2016 21:37:07 GMT 7
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Post by rgs2001uk on Apr 28, 2016 21:58:36 GMT 7
We can Rage Against The Machine all we want to, sometimes its just the way it is.
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Post by rgs2001uk on Apr 28, 2016 22:02:44 GMT 7
Is this the Greatest movie ever made?
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Post by rgs2001uk on Apr 28, 2016 22:41:36 GMT 7
The movie that did wonders for the Turkish tourist industry. Loving this scene, mushkala, arabic for problem,  . |
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Post by rgs2001uk on Apr 28, 2016 23:56:42 GMT 7
Ever heard of this lot Buhi?
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buhi
Crazy Mango Extraordinaire
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Post by buhi on Apr 29, 2016 10:15:08 GMT 7
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