Describe something you learned in high school.
Like many people, there are some things I wish I had learned in high school. What’s that old adage? “If I knew then what I know now ….” Yet, for all of us, there are things we learned in high school – good and bad – that continue for the biggest part of our lives. For me, it happened in Ms. Norrick’s literature class.
I enjoyed telling stories. I enjoyed reading stories, watching stories on TV, and it was a Bible story that endeared me to Jesus. In Ms. Norrick’s class, I learned the power of words beyond just entertainment and enjoyment. So much so that I pursued a degree in composition and literature in college.
Stories in print, audio, visual can be entertaining and an escape from whatever and that is powerful in and of itself. They can have deeper meaning using symbols and underlying themes through setting, characterization, and choice of genre, time, voice, and other literary conventions. This is one thing Ms. Norrick taught me.
Another thing she taught which may be the most valuable is that if you’re not diligently reading a story for its deeper content, you still come away with something unconsciously that questions or confirms ideology you believe. Being unconscious or careless makes it somewhat dangerous.
Finally, after she taught us how to conscientiously read a novel, she no longer spoon fed us an interpretation. Her class was not lecture but conversation where she asked us what we thought. Why did the author do this here or have a character do or say that? If we answered or struggled with an answer, she’d ask where else in the story helps us find or confirm what we think.
I try nowadays, sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing, to apply what I learned from Ms. Norrick to not only the media, but others’ words, social media posts, political rhetoric. That hasn’t always been the case, though. Being indoctrinated or spoon fed the “right” answer is easier, quicker, less restrictive for the teacher and student.
Indoctrination thwarts this god-given ability to think for yourself. Indoctrination is the worst way to teach. It is also, in my experience, a poor way to preach. I believe it is a poor way to parent as well. Unfortunately, I think many of our volatile divisions in the U.S. is a result of indoctrinating and oppressing diverse thought.
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Benefits of Reading a Book Education
Douglas Knight
I have the rich life full of a sinner wounded by misunderstanding and punishment but blessed by mercy and forgiveness.
Knight Writer 