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My sentiment has been that this high school-level authoritarianism seems to be in vogue on a larger cultural level than just educational settings. Largely, stat

My sentiment has been that this high school-level authoritarianism seems to be in vogue on a larger cultural level than just educational settings. Largely, status quo maintenance is seen as a positive, so don't rock the boat, don't get out of line. In another era, I would have referred to this as "conservatism" but the silly political posturing makes this term less useful (since this authoritarianism has no political boundaries it seems). Even now, I'm hesitant to discuss this here (or most places) because, despite the best intentions in arguing a position (even out of pure rhetoric), I face the high probability of being punished for going against "the collective's" thoughts. Because disagreement means punishment is in order. You're wrong, I know it, fuck you, downvote, whatever. And, if the collective severely disagrees with you, it is, apparently, acceptable to let it be known to your employer, spouse, parents, local pizza shop, etc.

kakarot 9y ago
I think you're getting it backwards. Real life isn't taking notes from high school authoritarianism. High-school authoritarianism is modeled after real-life authoritarianism. It's teaching kids how to "behave" as members of society. Don't do what we say? Go to "time-out". Slowly have your freedoms taken away from you until you're compliant. See these officers? They are here to make sure you listen to every one of our ridiculous requirements. Better tuck in that shirt and only wear a brown or black belt! Want to dye your hair? Individuality is distracting and will not be tolerated!
- HarryHirsch 9y ago
  You forgot: if you pay money you get away with bending the rules, as seen here (it's a fundraiser for a sister school washed away by Hurricane Harvey): Students may wear sweaters or hats for a donation
  - kakarot 9y ago
    Oh yeah, that one too. I grew up dirt poor and never really was able to take advantage of that aspect. My biggest takeaway from high school was to get as tight as possible with the authoritative figures who have direct control over you in order to have the highest degree of freedom. To appeal to their intellectual side. I went to several different high schools and this strategy kept me out of a lot of trouble and provided many opportunities.
    - dsfyu404ed 9y ago
      Make a few friends at the very top or a lot of friends at the very bottom. Administrators can get you permission to use the cool new AV equipment to record the demo for some project thing you're doing. Janitors work just as well in a pinch though.

kakarot 9y ago

I think you're getting it backwards. Real life isn't taking notes from high school authoritarianism. High-school authoritarianism is modeled after real-life authoritarianism. It's teaching kids how to "behave" as members of society. Don't do what we say? Go to "time-out". Slowly have your freedoms taken away from you until you're compliant. See these officers? They are here to make sure you listen to every one of our ridiculous requirements. Better tuck in that shirt and only wear a brown or black belt! Want to dye your hair? Individuality is distracting and will not be tolerated!

HarryHirsch 9y ago
You forgot: if you pay money you get away with bending the rules, as seen here (it's a fundraiser for a sister school washed away by Hurricane Harvey): Students may wear sweaters or hats for a donation
- kakarot 9y ago
  Oh yeah, that one too. I grew up dirt poor and never really was able to take advantage of that aspect. My biggest takeaway from high school was to get as tight as possible with the authoritative figures who have direct control over you in order to have the highest degree of freedom. To appeal to their intellectual side. I went to several different high schools and this strategy kept me out of a lot of trouble and provided many opportunities.
  - dsfyu404ed 9y ago
    Make a few friends at the very top or a lot of friends at the very bottom. Administrators can get you permission to use the cool new AV equipment to record the demo for some project thing you're doing. Janitors work just as well in a pinch though.