School help for my wife?

[OlgaH]

Olga,

During Soviet days you could have written anti-American propaganda for the Soviet radio broadcasts.  My wife’s mother did that for the Soviet broadcasts to South Africa.

Gator, is it Anti-American propaganda  when US TV shows documentary about black movements or not long time ago I watched CNN "Scream Bloody Murder"   

[Blues Fairy]

I would like to see the actual essay on Rosa Parks of which Nata's opinion was requested.   If nothing in the essay was conducive to the politically correct answer the instructor was expecting, then why is she supposed to read his mind.  On the other hand, if the essay clearly conveyed a social message, then it's her mistake not catching it and she should put in more effort to understand the context.  

It's funny that Blake chose Tiger to represent the dark and twisted and fearsome in God's creation - I personally find tigers super lovable and beautiful, glorious cats.    The fact that fire is mentioned so many times in the poem suggest that Tiger represents the sins of rage or pride, as opposed to Lamb who is the Christian symbol of meekness and humility.

[Gator]

Gator, is it Anti-American propaganda  when US TV shows documentary about black movements or not long time ago I watched CNN "Scream Bloody Murder"   

Olga,

Racism is America’s darkest chapter, and I certainly am not saying your feelings are anti-American.  In fact, I am pleased that you are sympathetic to the plight of the oppressed.

What I am saying is that the your expressions have a penchant for the melodramatic, which is the style of the broadcasts made by wife’s mother to South Africa.  That was the connection.

By the way, Rosa Parks made her decision to not go to the back of the bus over 50 years ago, so what you are feeling was felt a long time ago.  Even longer as Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published 150 years ago and was responsible in part for intensifying the conflict between the states about slavery.

[OlgaH]

Blake's "Tyger" is one of the "Songs of Experience" when "Lamb" is one of the "Songs of Innocence"

What is innocence? It's meaning is not only sinless, guiltlessness, but also without experience or knowledge of...   We gain our knowledge through experience.  Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was forbidden. Why? It is knowledge that let people to question almightiness and to push people to compete with God. It is knowledge that let people to cure of  diseases and it is knowledge that let people to invent bacteriological weapons. Knowledge  can make your way bright in the forest of the night and knowledge will terrify your mind and grasp your mind dreadfully when you are between mercy and cruelty and you come to understanding that sometimes you must be cruel to be merciful... Knowledge is cognition of the universe and awareness of your place in the universe. Knowledge is Art and War.  Knowledge is hammer and anvil that let you create sword and plough...

The beautiful and fierce Energy of mankind is knowledge. And who "gave" the "forbidden fruit" to people?

From Faust by Goethe (a contemporary of Blake)

Faust.
...Well now, who are you then?

Mephistopheles.
Part of that Power which would
The Evil ever do, and ever does the Good.

Faust.
A riddle! Say what it implies!

Blake's "Tyger" is still a riddle with many variations of answer, probably like the nature of the knowledge's Energy  that has been given us by...  

And maybe we should read "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell"  
http://www.levity.com/alchemy/blake_ma.html

[OlgaH]

Olga,

By the way, Rosa Parks made her decision to not go to the back of the bus over 50 years ago, so what you are feeling was felt a long time ago. 

but I'm able to feel it, despite of time and my not American origin. I'm able to feel when I read how wives were forced to repudiate their husbands and publicly denounce them as "enemy of nation" during Stalin's repressions, I was able to feel when I read  "A Golden Cloud Spent the Night" Pristavkin http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/aug/14/pristavkin.anatolii.obituary though somebody reading all that stories and novels will find them to be melodramatic 

[aikorob]

I have been trying to dig a little deeper on this, to try and figure out a solution----but thwere may not be one.

In the very first class, the assigned essay was about social services---how the government must have more programs for people who don't work---more free medical, more money if more children are born, etc, etc.

The instructor asked "what do you think of this, and if you were the author , how else could you help poor people?"

Nata's answer was that you could not help all poor people; that those who were able to work, must do some labor for their stipend; and any government help should be directed to those where it would do some actual good.

Of course the instructor was shocked by such a conservative answer, and told her that her answer was not politically correct.

[mies]

In fact - your wife's answer was correct. This is one of the views on the problem - make people work and give them some salary, not just give them money. If you look at the people selling newspapers at the streets sometimes - these people are unemployed, and rather than just giving them money the state offers them a job - individual integrates better into the society when (s)he is performing some beneficial for this society activity.
Moreover, in the country of capitalism such as the USA is - i would not expect to hear such socialistic views as the instructor expressed. To me the instructor of your wife appears as rather narrow-minded person who does not see beyond the essays (s)he assigns to students. Your wife on the contrary - is reasonable and educated person, who objectively reacts on the situation.

How to help your wife? Since she already knows what kind of answer is expected - she should just be giving this answer. Optionally - if she knows English sufficiently well - she can bring arguments to support her viewpoint and prove that she is right. For example she can ask "I can offer more ideas for programs for poor, just tell me how higher you want to have federal and state taxes". or "We can give money to poor and finance by our taxes the crackheads, stimulating further the flourish of criminal activity in the illegal market for drugs. Hence, with giving money to people who do not work and are not offered job - we will also need to increase funding of prisons and police departments. Optionally - instead of giving money to people who do not work - we can offer them free educational programs and make the community colleges free for the poor."
I am not sure this will improve her relationship with the instructor, but at least instructor will be cautious humiliating her in front of the class with "you did not understand the essay". Yourself - also should have a higher and better opinion of your wife rather than presenting her on this forum as uneducated and slow-minded person. 

[Shadow]

The problem is that the education in Russia does not fit the line of modern education.

In the USA and as well in current education in Western countries it is not common to learn facts, instead people are taught how to think.
This leads to (IMHO) utterly stupid questions as 'what are your emotions about that'. To which I might answer : I felt sleepy and tired.
And would fight to the school board if the teacher would give a low mark. He asked a question, I give a truthful answer.
If he wants to hear a certain answer, give a better question.

[Gator]

It is always a problem when the student is smarter than the teacher, as in Nata's case.  I am serious as this appears to be the case.   

For sure Nata has a more comprehensive and enlightened view of the world and she is not limited to a narrow perspective.  Thank God that teachers like hers are stuck in their jobs rather than leading businesses.

[Fashionista]

Nata's answer was that you could not help all poor people; that those who were able to work, must do some labor for their stipend; and any government help should be directed to those where it would do some actual good.

Of course the instructor was shocked by such a conservative answer, and told her that her answer was not politically correct.

Heehee  .  I think i know what the root of the problem could be - your wife is more intelligent than her instructor.  I had the same problem back in Russia, they never liked my interpretations.  Fortunately, i knew the facts, so they couldnt give me a low grade.

What mies said, perhaps she can pretend to have been indoctrinated to the extent satisfying her instructor 

[ConnerVT]

Of course the instructor was shocked by such a conservative answer, and told her that her answer was not politically correct.

I'll go back to one of my favorite sayings, that I've posted on RW forums for years:

Never try to teach a pig to sing.  It wastes your time, and annoys the pig.

It seems that her instructor is one of those educators who, after being indoctrinated to a liberal viewpoint, is now out spreading the word among the masses.  His primary goal isn't to teach English, but to instill his biased viewpoint on his students.

The irony is that Nata, from the former Socialist Republic, probably has a much better perspective of the subject than the idealized views of the instructor.

Going back to my time worn chestnut above, the instructor will not likely change his view on things.  Nata will need either tailor her work to meet the instructor's views, or stand her ground (idealogically) with well designed, well written counterpoint.  Neither choice is really fair to her, but in today's American society, it is the choice that many must face.

[Blues Fairy]

Moreover, in the country of capitalism such as the USA is - i would not expect to hear such socialistic views as the instructor expressed.

Sorry to disappoint you but most colleges and universities in USA are deeply entrenched in liberal agenda and they perpetuate the brainwashing of the next generations.  There was a big story about a public policy student who couldn't graduate due to low grades given to him by the faculty for his right-leaning views.  Many universities have started to document cases of discrimination against conservative students.  College employes have donated eight times more money to Obama's campaign than to McCain's. 

If the tensions between Nata and her instructor are indeed along the ideological lines, she has an opportunity to launch an exciting battle of minds.  I bet her common sense and experience of living in a "country of developed socialism", spoken publicly, can overturn many wavering minds - provided that she's not afraid to argue her point and commands enough factual evidence to beat her idiot instructor.  I certainly would go for it if I were her.

[groovlstk]

Sorry to disappoint you but most colleges and universities in USA are deeply entrenched in liberal agenda and they perpetuate the brainwashing of the next generations.  There was a big story about a public policy student who couldn't graduate due to low grades given to him by the faculty for his right-leaning views.  Many universities have started to document cases of discrimination against conservative students.  College employes have donated eight times more money to Obama's campaign than to McCain's.

Sadly, this is true, and I'm not a Republican so I don't have an axe to grind.

I think most people aren't brainwashed, though - they simply figure out what will get them the best grade and then act accordingly. Most students who adopt a more liberal viewpoint during their uni years will gradually move back to the center or right once they leave the ivory tower and have to fend for themselves.

I used to think the term "ivory tower" was a little silly, but it's true - some of these tenured profs live on campus in this idyllic little fantasy world where few laws of modern life apply. They're like Peter Pan - although they'd change the name of their gang from the Lost Boys to something more gender neutral

[OlgaH]

This leads to (IMHO) utterly stupid questions as 'what are your emotions about that'. To which I might answer : I felt sleepy and tired.

A person can feel sleepy and tired after reading or listening when he has a problem reading a text or listening to a speech, in such case the issue can be addressed to an author, and/or to the the person, for example the person absolutely is not interested in a topic and indifferent to a problem, it is not important for the person and a problem touched by the author doesn't brother the person at all, or person just can not understand the topic or problem due to his lack of knowledge of subject. 

I would not say the questions as 'what are your emotions about that' or "what do you feel.." are stupid questions. Trying to put emotions and feelings into words a person first of all discloses his attitude to a subject, his thoughts and understanding.

This is from tips for writing a college essay:

Admissions officers want to learn about you and your writing ability. Write about something meaningful and describe your feelings, not necessarily your actions. If you do this, your essay will be unique. Many people travel to foreign countries or win competitions, but your feelings during these events are unique to you.
http://www.quintcareers.com/collegegate3.html

[Shadow]

I would not say the questions as 'what are your emotions about that' or "what do you feel.." are stupid questions. Trying to put emotions and feelings into words a person first of all discloses his attitude to a subject, his thoughts and understanding.

That has always been my problem. I usually shield my emotions and feelings to a level that I seem indifferent.
Which is why my imaginative work always scored the highest.

[OlgaH]

Never try to teach a pig to sing.  It wastes your time, and annoys the pig.

I was not at the class and I can not be sure what exactly a conversation was about, so I will abstain from calling the instructor a pig, or idiot and so on.

As I understood he asked about people who don't work and probably he meant the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women, mothers with many children, people with no job due to unemployment... and so on, the categories of population that must be protected by the government.    

I just don't think it would be politically correct if the government announced point-blank: Sorry, but the State can not help all of you!"

[OlgaH]

That has always been my problem. I usually shield my emotions and feelings to a level that I seem indifferent.
Which is why my imaginative work always scored the highest.

Good that you were able to use your imagination.  I guess your imagination was not just "высосанный из пальца"  (made up out of whole cloth)  , but there was some knowledge of subject 

[Gator]

Being political correct in America is so impop-rtant.  And it places great pressure upon us. 

Even the more conservative FOX news has changed its policy and is cowering down to the President Obama.


In response to President Obama's complaint that FOX News doesn't show enough Black and Hispanic people on their network, FOX has announced that they will now air  "America's Most Wanted" TWICE a week rather than just once...

[ECOCKS]

Ah Gator......

 

[Blues Fairy]

the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women, mothers with many children, people with no job due to unemployment... and so on

Of all the above, only the people with disabilities are anywhere near eligible for gov-t support.  Why all the rest would expect the taxpayer to pay for their lifestyle choices and retirement is beyond my understanding.

I just don't think it would be politically correct if the government announced point-blank: Sorry, but the State can not help all of you!"

You seem to misunderstand the term political correctness.   If the government said, "having many children is not welcome in our country" - that would be very politically incorrect.  But not providing for those who choose to do so - that's a different story.

[ConnerVT]

Never try to teach a pig to sing.  It wastes your time, and annoys the pig.

I was not at the class and I can not be sure what exactly a conversation was about, so I will abstain from calling the instructor a pig, or idiot and so on.

You misunderstand the meaning of the expression.  It is not meant to demean the instructor by calling them a pig.

Rather, it is meant to express that pigs can not sing.  No matter how much effort you may expend trying to teach it even a simple melody, a pig is incapable of singing (and likely has no desire to do so, either).  If you attempt to teach a pig to sing, you will waste your time, as it is a futile effort.  And the pig will also be unappreciative of your efforts.

[OlgaH]

Of all the above, only the people with disabilities are anywhere near eligible for gov-t support.  Why all the rest would expect the taxpayer to pay for their lifestyle choices and retirement is beyond my understanding.

what about orphans?

Blues Fairy,

A woman have a child and she is pregnant with the second child. Her husband suddenly died. What she has? Child, pregnancy and mortgage, and every employer finds an accuse not to give her a job.  Would you,  being the government of a country where she lives, politically correct tell that woman that all her problems non of your business because it was her lifestyle choice?

I don't think I should mention Russia where the death rate much higher than the birth rate and child benefit for the first child (till his one and a half year) is 1900-2000 rub per month and for the second child 3500-4000 rub and to rent one room flat in Russian province cost 6000 rub.

And who will work  in the future when the most part of population will be retired?

With all my heart I wish  everybody to have a well paid job (and never be fired because of crisis or pregnancy), to have your own home (with no mortgage)  and enough money to cover not only basic expenses in retirement but also medical expenses... and not be a lone elderly.

[OlgaH]

Never try to teach a pig to sing.  It wastes your time, and annoys the pig.

You misunderstand the meaning of the expression.  It is not meant to demean the instructor by calling them a pig.

I perfectly understand the expression, I don't agree with applying in this case.

[OlgaH]

Being political correct in America is so impop-rtant.  And it places great pressure upon us. 

Gator, do you think its better to close benefits for millions unemployed people and just tell them sorry, you are not our problem and you are on your own?

[Turboguy]

I would bet they would take job hunting much more seriously.  Lots an lots of people are on unemployment by choice.  Many look at unemployment like vacation pay.  They worked for x weeks now they are entitled to 6-9 months vacation. 

Others are laid off from a union type job and the amount of pay they can get by not finding a job is more than they could earn working at McDonalds and actually having to do something.

Some consider it an occupational benefit.   Like a roofer that can't work in the winter.  He can work hard all summer, save money and collect his unemployment in the winter.   

Still there are people who do have trouble finding a job and it is a neccessary part of our society, it is just abused too much.