Hot for teacher

Becoming a parent is a relatively easy and often pleasant exercise — a sweaty embrace followed nine months later by the hard bit, which is raising passion’s progeny. That’s why governments are so keen to help. They understand, you see, that some parents have very peculiar ideas. For example, quite a few remain infected with the laughably antiquated notion that it is their responsibility to determine when and how their kids learn about sex and, far worse than that, what they learn.

Can you imagine! Here we are, miles down the road of the sexual revolution, and there are still some fuddy-duddies who refuse to accept that modern youngsters need to be au fait with the opportunities presented by personal ads and new-fangled mobile apps. That’s why the Victorian government has taken it upon itself to instruct students as young as 12 in the art of hooking up with those of similar bent. Many parents will never be able to grasp that advice on finding others with an interest in, say, hot times “in the fast lane” with a 30-year-old “blonde bombshell” is absolutely essential in the shaping of a decent, well-rounded and non-judgemental personality. All this will combat domestic violence and, quite possibly, climate change as well.

Regrettably, some parents refuse to abandon the belief that they are their children’s physical and moral primary guardians, which is why Victorians are blessed to have James Merlino as their state’s education minister. He understands that parental authority does not extend very far beyond the moment of conception and, more than that, how the state will always know what is best for everyone, young and old alike. Here he is, as quoted in today’s (paywalled) Australian:

Victorian Education Minister James Merlino said he understood parents’ concerns but they could not “stick their head in the sand’’.

“I understand those concerns and I know they are challenging ­issues,’’ he said. “But we can’t as a society stick our heads in the sand and think our kids aren’t exposed to these issues.

“We trust the professional judgment of our teachers to choose the resources that are ­appropriate for their students.’’

Got that? If you can’t see the urgency in introducing adolescents to the delights of arseless chaps and other subcultures that make the Mardi Gras parade such an eye-opening spectacle, well you’ve “stuck your head in the sand.” Much better for teachers to decide what is appropriate and which values need to be inculcated.

To meet just a few of such educators — albeit those who required remedial lessons in right and wrong — follow the link below.

— roger franklin

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