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Once upon a time, long long ago, I taught at a boarding school, and I lived in the (mixed) Upper Sixth boarding house, which was somewhat too progressive for me.
Before I joined, I was briefed by the House Master, who turned out to be the worst person I’ve ever worked for.
Before I joined, I was briefed by the House Master, who turned out to be the worst person I’ve ever worked for.
As part of the induction tour he pointed out Smokers‘ Corner, that part of the grounds where, if kids wanted a cigarette, they could go. This was over a decade ago, and most schools have such unofficial concessions. Perhaps especially boarding schools.
To begin with I thought well, thanks for telling me, because it’s never fun to try to enforce school rules, only to be told that actually we usually let that one slide.
But then, this man being a complete moron, when the Upper Sixth assembled he SHOWED THEM SMOKERS‘ CORNER.
But then, this man being a complete moron, when the Upper Sixth assembled he SHOWED THEM SMOKERS‘ CORNER.
This, of course, completely changed the whole dynamic. It was so destructive that I can’t believe it was an unforced error: more the consequence of at best a cynical indifference to the proper management of a year group.
Sometimes the authorities have to wink at offences. Yes, they do. I know you agree with me: you just disagree about *where* police officers should use their discretion, which is why sensible police officers are essential.
But publicly announcing loopholes is a very bad idea: it implies that really the rule doesn’t matter at all. And Twitter this morning is full of why: the outrage at Cummings is more than balanced by „well *I* want to go and see *my* family too.“
Yes, for now such people are still then piously saying „but I won’t, because I Care More Than You.“ But at least some of them are feeling like they’ve been taken for fools by their leaders, and they’re right.
