As an educator… I constantly wonder where I fit into things. Obviously, part of the exploited in more ways than one… But is it even possible to have an education system without exploiting anyone? What would it look like?
This isn't AGAINST the idea of anti-work. I'm just a baby leftist. I love teaching and working with kids because it's the best job, and neither my school nor parents were upset when our class got a cease and desist letter from Nestle (some of my kids did a GREAT video essay about chocolate that was taken down from YouTube). But it still feels like I'm a part of a horrible system or that maybe education is always a part of the system.
I hate homework but I still believe there's value in being taught sometimes you have to do crap things you don't want to, and to build up the stamina to do it. (Walking every day for health, reading a book to learn something, keeping informed… All of that requires stamina that needs to be built up over time). Learning to wait to speak so you're not shouting over people and so others are hearing you. Not using hanging out in the bathroom to avoid tasks because the task will still be there. Being civil to people when you disagree and explaining why or why not their opinions make sense… There's a lot kids need to learn but at the same time sometimes I wonder if I'm fooling myself or just deluded that I believe they need to learn it.
Any thoughts?