Nigel 
September 4th, 2009In a recent post I chatted about the differences between healthy and destructive self-esteem.
A disturbing article in the Independent (Philip Hensher) described some instances of the narcissistic type of self-esteem. It has become increasingly common in teenagers and young adults, at least in the developed world.
I’ve stumbled over the narcissistic type as a teacher. Here are things a few students say or imply:
“Why shouldn’t we talk while you’re teaching?” – well, because you’re distracting me and making it harder for some other students to learn.
“Why should I say where I downloaded my homework from? I read it and understood it?” – Well yes, but you didn’t actually do anything to develop your own thinking and writing skills. You just used research skills, and you gave the impression it was your work.
“Why should I hold the door open for you? Okay so your arms are full with books, but I’m in a hurry.” – possibly because I held a door open for you last week when you were loaded, and it’s polite, and considerate, and well never mind maybe one day you’ll join the human race.
“My parents pay your wages so you do what I say.” – er, no. Your parents pay school fees to the Governors with whom they have a contract. The Governors then employ and pay me, and they appoint a Headmaster to run the school and sort out how I should do my job. And by the way, I’m paid by the year on a monthly basis so it’s not a wage, it’s a salary. Thank you for asking.
Our niece's wedding included a sunset cruise on Lake Windermere with refreshments and a jazz band
Yesterday we drove back from a niece’s wedding in the UK Lake District. Stopping for coffee at a Little Chef plus Burger King I felt a bit chilly so headed back out to the car to fetch my fleece. As I reached the door to leave a family arrived at the other side. The young daughter, half my height, tried and failed to pull the door open. I gently pushed it for her and stood to one side to let them in. The daughter flounced past me. The overweight parents followed. Not one of them looked at me or spoke. I considered cheerily saying “Thank you” as they passed but decided there was no point.
On my return they’d finished looking at the menu. They stood up noisily and made for the worker who was serving someone else at the till. She got an earful. Apparently burgers in the Little Chef (table service etc) were far more expensive than burgers in the Burger King, and this was outrageous. The worker looked puzzled. Well, you would. If you don’t like the prices don’t eat here, but be nice to the paid staff. They repeated their complaint louder and stormed out.
