I didn’t take Con Law in high school. I didn’t really enjoy history, government, or current events discussions in high school, either. Con Law, though, was a tempting title. It implied a serious student, ready for some serious business. I was curious. (And serious.)
The glassy-eyed, robust, seemingly dazed teacher who oversaw the proceedings liked to talk a lot, I had been told, and yet I only heard him speak a few times, and couldn’t understand him. I was a bit nervous for what might happen behind his classroom’s closed door. A student-driven class can be brilliant, or it can be a let-down. Amongst lots of bright and socially-conscious, politically-minded students, I decided perhaps I wasn’t up for the challenge. I elected “Brain and Behavior” as my elective; but in hindsight, perhaps the subjects aren’t too far off!
Nonetheless, Bill O’Reilly would probably have classified me as a “moron,” since he explains in the introduction to his new book “Kids are Americans Too,” that “many American kids are complete morons.” He goes on to explain that these morons are “too lazy to figure out what their country is all about.”
Well, that isn’t very inspiring on the surface, but perhaps this shock-value will encourage the kids to read on. They could laugh along, convincing themselves that they won’t be a moron.
This book, which I received free-for-review from the Parent Bloggers Network, is designed for kids to give them an overview of what if means to be an American, or at least how complex the freedoms that we have end up being. It is “Con-Law-Lite,” although the topics contained therein are likely to spur many discussions and debates amongst teens and adults alike.
There are two main themes of the book: avoiding apathy and recognizing the importance of balance between rights and responsibility.
The existence of this book serves to tackle the first: if the reader is aware of the complexities inherent in interpretation of our country’s (and states’) laws, then spouting off such things like, “I know my rights!” with a puffed chest and an empty head is less likely than sitting back a bit to analyze the situation at hand, and to respectfully offer a compromise. The instruction of the book is to address the second.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Your rights and my rights have to be balanced against the legitimate rights of other people as well.” I enjoyed this lesson of thought, rationalization, and avoiding confrontation, but I couldn’t help be a little confused given O’Reilly’s rather confrontational, almost bullying nature on his programs. He parodies this on “Ask O’Reilly! Special Feature” interviews throughout the book. (He also attempts a few raps, the lyrics of which are hilarious.) He has a sense of humor about his television and radio persona, such as joking about how he becoming a Supreme Court Justice would be everyone’s worst nightmare.
O’Reilly admits that on his program he rants about court decisions that are “in [HIS] VIEW (his emphasis) are ridiculous… or dangerous” but says that he “respects the SYSTEM.” (again, his emphasis.) Although he interjects his opinion a few times on real-life case-scenarios, he repeatedly points out that opinion and interpretation are flexible, and that it is important to realize that the Constitution was written by a “collection of True Patriots [which] was very, very human… different in diversity of human talent s and human flaws.”
Nothing is clear-cut. Nothing is simple. But recognizing the complexity is the key. This book is about the Big Picture, not the answers to specific questions. Rather than clear answers, the concept of process and ideals therein is supposed to be clear. Perhaps in piquing their curiosity, this book will encourage kids to talk about the case-study decisions they consider odd, surprising, or not in-tune with “their times.” Continued interest in current events can stem from this basic education that brings up the ambiguity, conflicting views, and need for interpretation.
Initially, I got the impression that the book was written more on the offensive, Understanding My Rights, as if the child already had to worry about having their rights violated in some way, but perhaps this is the appeal for a teenager. After all, while I complained about the title of The Great American Bathroom Book
O’Reilly plugs his TV show and radio program frequently (cultivate ‘em young, eh?) But I imagine I would do the same if I were in his position. And really, that is what this book is about: thinking about the other person’s perspectives, and the “greater good” when considering how individual “rights” mesh with community goals, expectations, and pleasantries.
That doesn’t mean roll over and be meek. “Kids are Americans Too,” encourages kids to request things when the argument is logical and well-thought-out – and respectful of their parents’ rights. That’s something I could get behind! The concept is framed in a winning way for the teenager: whine and you won’t get to stay out late, but acknowledge the reasons why staying out late may be a concern and point out reasons for the exception, and the parent may provide some leniency.
Engage with one’s parent rather than leap into confrontation and an expectation of a fight.
But, the parents don’t get the final say, necessarily. The educational system is its own entity with “greater good,” and to my surprise, schools in Mississippi and Florida can decide to punish students by wooden paddle. Really. See page 37.
As we adults know, and the kids will too after reading this book, we never “get our way” all the time: that would be impossible, but also irresponsible. It is scary to think of how “the greater good” could be shaped very differently depending on who is in power at any given time. Vote, people, VOTE. (And THINK.)
There are “quizzes” at the end of each chapter. I am happy to say I scored 100%. Maybe I am not a “moron” anymore, especially since I tacked the “Extra Credit” at the end, an eight page glance at the Bill of Rights (or Bill-On-Rights, if you want to be cute about it.)
If you also don’t want to be a moron, or you don’t want your kids to be morons, go pick up a copy of “Kids are Americans Too,” at Amazon.com
