Build Your Own Philosophy, Period 2, 3/8/10

[tyler_gone]

Our fathers were our models for God. And, if our fathers bailed, what does that tell us about God?

Unlike in most weeks, there's no attribution to go with the quote.

"So our theme of the week," Tyler said -- and if he seemed a little grumpy, it was the natural aftereffects of a weekend spent in diapers -- "is parental issues. How badly mommy and daddy screwed us up, and how badly we're going to screw up our own kids in turn."

"I don't need to hear about how your mommy never bought you the cool sandals, or whatever your actual issue is. I don't care if you never knew your parents. But one thing about building a philosophy is, you gotta live with it. And your children will be the most helpless beings you'll ever get to inflict your philosophy on."

"I admit, that's big. Most of you won't have to think about it -- not counting the weekend after prom -- for ten years. At least. Some of you won't have to think about it ever."

"But today, I'm asking you to think about it. Take some time and decide what you want to teach your kids. It can be a religion or the golden rule. It can be leading by example. It can be never quitting. And, statistically, for some of your kids it'll probably be what you teach them when you take off -- for divorce, for a job, because you die." A pause. "I hope you're all exceptions."

He gestured to spur the class into action. "Pair up and talk about it. If you can't talk about it, sit alone and write about it. If you don't want to talk or write, sit and stair at the ceiling."

"Also," he added as an afterthought. "Speaking from recent personal experience? Whatever else you decide today, find a philosophy that bans strained green beans. They taste like crap."

Comments

Re: General Class Stuff [3/8]

[trigons_child]

"You are not one of those who chased me away," Raven said. "And I think that if you had been there, you would not have let Zatanna condemn me so easily. Your heart is not hard."

Re: General Class Stuff [3/8]

[blondecanary.livejournal.com]

Dinah smiled back at Raven, then frowned, thinking of Black Canary. "I think, I don't know. The one I was this weekend-- she wouldn't have condemned you either, I think." She remembered the other Dinah with Roy, and her voice firmed. "No. She wouldn't have. But I don't think I want to meet the one who did." She smiled at Raven, then teased, "Just think. Maybe I'll meet a mini-Raven in my world someday, who's, like, twelve or something."

Re: General Class Stuff [3/8]

[trigons_child]

"She will not be like me," Raven said, her smile growing. "This place has changed me so much. For the better, I hope."

Re: General Class Stuff [3/8]

[blondecanary.livejournal.com]

"No, she won't," Dinah, but mentally resolved that if she *did* meet another Raven who needed help, she'd suggest Fandom to her. "And considering you're a lot braver than you used to be, and you helped save me last week, and you have a boyfriend," she sing-songed the last word, "I'm not surprised!"

Re: General Class Stuff [3/8]

[trigons_child]

Raven blushed and ducked her head. "I...how do I know for certain if he is my boyfriend now?" she asked. "I must ask him. I do not wish to assume and be wrong." Like how wrong she'd been about thinking she'd been in love with Chuck.

Re: General Class Stuff [3/8]

[blondecanary.livejournal.com]

"Hmmm. Do you want to kiss anyone else? Date anyone else?" Dinah paused, then slightly more seriously, "Does he? If the answers to these questions are all 'no', then..." She grinned. "I get ultimate teasing-you-rights!"

Re: General Class Stuff [3/8]

[trigons_child]

Her cheeks turned even more pink. "I enjoy spending time with Andy, and I have told him he is special to me. And he has said I am pretty on the radio." She was very glad she hadn't run into an Andy who was not her Andy over weekend. That would've been traumatic.


[Time for me to sleeeeeeeeeeeeep.]

Re: General Class Stuff [3/8]

[blondecanary.livejournal.com]

[sleeeeeep well!]

"I think we have a winner," Dinah said with a grin. "Because I've heard those broadcasts too, and he doesn't talk about other girls like he talks about you."

Re: General Class Stuff [3/8]

[trigons_child]

"And I have not kissed any other boys since Andy and I began to get to know each other," Raven murmured shyly.

Re: General Class Stuff [3/8]

[blondecanary.livejournal.com]

"Awesome," Dinah squee'd softly. "Told you there was a guy out there for you, didn't I?" Waaaay back after the Chuck fiasco, six months before. But still!