Social outweighs crucial education

Why is a good question. It’s almost like this is the human condition these days, this is the environment we have to live in. So far, all the indications are that the MP shooter was a pretty normal kid. He had friends and non friends in school just like we all did; but for years, I have felt there was way too much pressure on kids to be popular. Schools, especially middle, junior and high schools, have become popularity contests and that status in the social hierarchy is all important to too many students. Anything that’s a negative personally, whether it happens in school or not, that threatens your social status, becomes a personal crisis. That’s why bullying in schools is receiving so much attention. As we so sadly witness, so often, crisis turns into tragedy.

School should be fun years but education is far more important. Too often it’s the other way around. We rank 21st in the world in quality of education, but No. 1 in violent gun deaths among developed countries, according to Wikipedia. Countries like Cuba, Armenia and Slovakia rank higher in education than we do. Maybe we should do more teaching and demand more from students and parents as well as teachers and administrators. Progress should be all important. Overachievers should be especially honored and encouraged. I don’t think it’s possible to over-emphasize the importance of those years.

You can’t force a kid to learn or even to go to school, but if you make it rewarding to all kids we are a less likely to create losers who find other ways to express themselves.

Don Curtis

Clinton

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, April 26

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Solar panels are visible along the rooftop of the Crisp family home on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Federal, state program will put more roofs to work

More families can install rooftop solar panels thanks to the state and federal Solar for All program.

Schwab: From Kremlin to courtroom, an odor of authoritarianism

Something smells of desperation among Putin, anti-Ukraine-aid Republicans and Trump’s complaints.

Providence hospitals’ problems show need for change

I was very fortunate to start my medical career in Everett in… Continue reading

Columnist should say how Biden would be better than Trump

I am a fairly new subscriber and enjoy getting local news. I… Continue reading

History defies easy solutions in Ukraine, Mideast

An recent letter writer wants the U.S. to stop supplying arms to… Continue reading

Comment: We can build consensus around words that matter to all

A survey finds Americans are mostly in agreement about the ‘civic terms’ they view as important to democracy.

Comment: Raising stamp prices won’t solve USPS financial woes

The consistent increases in prices is driving customers away. There are better options for the service.

Patricia Robles from Cazares Farms hands a bag to a patron at the Everett Farmers Market across from the Everett Station in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Editorial: EBT program a boon for kids’ nutrition this summer

SUN Bucks will make sure kids eat better when they’re not in school for a free or reduced-price meal.

toon
Editorial: A policy wonk’s fight for a climate we can live with

An Earth Day conversation with Paul Roberts on climate change, hope and commitment.

Snow dusts the treeline near Heather Lake Trailhead in the area of a disputed logging project on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, outside Verlot, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Move ahead with state forests’ carbon credit sales

A judge clears a state program to set aside forestland and sell carbon credits for climate efforts.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, April 25

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.