Sex, Lies and the Classroom by James Wilcox
This story is the
crossroad where violent indifference meets disillusion. O’Connell is a teacher
in a high-school in the center of a poverty-stricken district. He has a twisted
sense of superiority about his seven-year tenure and refusal to give in like
his fellow teachers who have left the school for “greener pastures.” His pride
is wrapped up in the challenge to save the students by holding them to a high
standard. Tyreshia, one of the students O’Connell is trying to save, refuses to
be a part of his program and lashes back.
I honestly
couldn’t relate to any of the characters. O’Connell appeared arrogant as he saw
the school as a challenge to overcome by forcing students to conform to his
standards. The students were to do things his way and brook no argument or
debate. I felt this was a sharp contrast to his home life where he allowed his
young children to walk all over him by interrupting his conversations with his
wife and each other. It was if the statement were being made that rules and
expectations are meant for the bad kids at school.
The students
O’Connell taught who lived in abject poverty were even less relatable. I have
never lived feared for my life walking home from school. I was never
propositioned with drugs or prostitution. Going home meant a safe place. I can
only imagine the horror of this reality. I could, however, feel the ring of
truth to this tale. When you have several generations caught in the loop of
ignorance, poverty, and pain, blame seems a momentary relief. O’Connell
personified the act of life holding them down. The choice to attack him was a
cry for some measure of control in the lives destined for failure.
I generally don’t
read books of this kind because of the harshness about life it brings to light.
That being said the story was compelling, original and gripping. I had to
know what decision Tyreshia was going to make when O’Connell’s fate rested in
her hands.
This is a great
for read for those that enjoy a story with one dramatic punch after the next.
 |
| James Wilcox |
Wonderful, provocative review that will probably make me buy the book. I'm a first grade teacher who can tell anyone who asks that the biggest problem facing education is the lack of parenting that results in students with no reason to learn. I can relate to how the teacher behaved and agree that if one caves in to the system, teachers and students lose. However, your portrayal of him at home deepens the easy acceptance of his student management techniques--if teachers understand and believe in why they hold certain standards, they apply them first and foremost to the children they love most--or should.
ReplyDeleteSorry to go on, but I'm in the worst of 18 years as a teacher, working on an essay collection on the subject, and really liked your review!
Thanks.
Leslie
Thank you Leslie! I hope you will publish your essays so I can read them. Teaching and parenting are two of the the most important roles in life in my opinion. If either is lacking it makes a huge impact on a child's life.
Delete