1. What are the things that one learns from their parents in their home environment? Ways of being are learned through observation and conditioning from the adults who surround us. Ways of being as opposed to doing. Teachers teach ways of doing but really only the parents/gaurdians teach ways of being whether they acknowledge it or not.
2. What are ways of being that we, as a society deem appropriate, acceptable and necessary for success? My answer is being happy, perhaps not all the time but at least content; being responsible-recognizing that our choices have consequences and being open to the reality of what they are; being respectful-treating all other beings as they truly are, which is precious; being honest- understanding that no true value comes from deception; being open- recognizing the fact that each person's perspective is her/his own and no more meaningful than anyone else's; there are probably more but for now that's it.
3. The next question becomes, whose responsibility is it to teach children ways of being? the teachers or the parents? Looking back at the roots of public education, we see that education was meant to enculturate the masses so they did not become reckless hoodlums. At that time it was done through religious values and the fear of god's wrath. Now though, we find ourselves free from the church's oppression. If the parents are not teaching acceptable ways of being should we let those children fall victim to unacceptable ways of being: cheaters, liars, sloths, et al? Or, should we the educators take it upon ourselves to assist in correcting the misgivings?Perhaps reteaching the parents, helping them evolve and become conscious of their ways of being. In the hopes that they will rise to their sense of responsibility and begin to create an atmosphere where their children have the tools to be successful.
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