Sexuality

In today's class we dicussed sexuality, something that has started to become more mainstreamed, but there is still many people who pass judgement and are very critical of people who are anything but heterosexual. It is unfortunate that we cannot just let people live the lives they want to live and be supportive and understanding, but this is the world we live in and there is not one thing that everyone can agree on. So, where does this leave teachers? Teachers need to be open-minded towards many lifestyles and identities. It is part of the teachers job to help youth find who they are and to offer support and guidance. It is also important that they teach/model accepting behavior to people who may be different than the majority (for instance). Sexuality does have a place in education, but it is important for the right professionals to address certain topics. Youth needs this resource, who are we to deny them of it?

Suicide

Today's topic, suicide, really hits home for me. In high school, one of my closest friends committed suicide by stepping in front of a VIA Rail train. Before this, I never knew that people would step out in front of trains to end their lives, and the idea that youth can find web sites telling them about different ways to kill themselves, offering tips and addressing this situation like it's okay, like it's cool even, is absolutely horrifying to me!!!
What youth truly needs is guidance, support, and attention. This is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed with teens, and resources should be provided. Teachers and parents need the tools and resources to know when and how to talk to teens and what warning signs to look for, so that preventative measures can be taken if there is a need.
It's sad to think that youth feel like there's nothing to live for, if they are turning to suicide than we must have failed.

Slumdog Millionaire

I just wanted to comment on the clip of Slumdog Millionaire that was shown in class. I had not had the chance to see this movie yet, but I did hear a good deal about it and I saw that it won an Oscar, so I thought that it must be good! But the clip shown in class was enough of a taste to intregue me to watch the whole film, it is my intention to rent it as soon as time allows!!! I found it rather interesting, with the North American traditions twisted in, such as the game show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and the action/violent scenes typical of American films. It is also interesting to see how people live in different parts of the world, and the lives of the children, afterall children are a huge part of my work. I am sure that I will not be disappointed by this movie! (I hope!)