I apologize in advance for this post, but I quite frankly have had enough. If it matters, I posted this would required membership to read because I understand this content is the typical effort I make to offer content I think is potentially educational.
I doubt if is is surprising to any regular Internet user that you encounter plenty of social media content you regard as objectionable and unfair. Mostly, I simply scroll through this material without much of a reaction. I am having trouble doing doing this with criticisms of those I regard as experts in ways that offer nothing to support the claims made limiting any opportunity to challenge the claims made. I encountered the following pronouncement which is typical of the type of comment that annoys me.
I was a college prof some years ago and also had opportunities to observe K12 classrooms. I don’t remember ever witnessing the type of objectionable behavior hinted at here. Maybe times have changed with everyone functioning in a more hostile environment and even encouraging more educators to comment on current issues. I doubt this is the case, but I admit it is a possibility.
The type of ambiguous complaint that is the focus of this Facebook post has become much more common. Immediately, I react because there is nothing specific about the complaint or even an assurance that the complainer was a witness to inappropriate behavior.
I imagine educators reading this trash and not feeling like there is a reasonable way to reply. Most educators do not teach subjects that would naturally bring up the type of content likely to be offensive – maybe social studies or English composition. I suppose the biology teacher might explain evolution or maybe something related to the biological definition of male and female and perhaps the difference between the genetics and concepts such as gender identity. Since the accusations are so often so vague I have to work hard to imagine exactly what topics or comments might rise to the level encouraging parents to react.
Frankly, it seems of greater potential concern that parents poison their kids understanding of many now politicized issues. What these kids now believe can make situations difficult for educators and for other students. What does the teacher do when positions are taken in class when arguments are advanced that are simply wrong or clearly not in keeping cultural norms.
I understand the issue of anecdotal reasoning. Someone has had a personal experience or has an acquaintance who has had an experience that is rare, but this experience does fit the position being advocated. When people are emotionally involved such evidence may be sufficient, but in rational situations most of us can take rare events into consideration.
Empathy is a part of this problem. Have the complainers considered the impact their claims could have on others again without clear identification of problem, circumstances, or the actual target of the accusation?
I have little to offer in terms of advise. I sometimes take the time to respond based on the issues raised here. What specific behavior has prompted this attack? How often has it happened? Did you witness the type of issue you have described or is your position based on other nonspecific complaints you have witnessed on this platform? I have no idea if such responses impact the poster, I do want those attacked to understand others did not support the claim being made.