A Woman's Weekly

I sent Middle Sis to her classroom today as I normally would everyday. Upon reaching her classroom door, I gave her a kiss as I normally would and gently nudged her in. The first lesson of the day was English.

She quietly greeted her Teacher the Good Morning. And then, she was reprimanded on her feet.

I too was taken by surprise but I stayed to see what would transpire.

Before my very eyes, Teacher raised her voice loudly to Middle Sis asking Middle Sis what had Middle Sis forgotten to do. The mere raising of her voice caused my Middle Child to break down right in front of the class and the tears came. It seems that Middle Sis hadn’t knocked before coming in to class. “I am already in the class.” said Teacher to inform Middle Sis that it was a requirement before entering class.

Middle Sis looked at me and I nodded for her to come out of the classroom and do as told. I noticed that while the Children was quietly looking at what was going on, other Children looked to see what I would do.

When Middle Sis was finally allowed to sit I turned to go away, but I decided I would give Middle Sis a reassuring smile so I went and looked in through the window. Middle Sis did not look at me. And so I left.

There’s this part of Chinese culture that honors their Elders and gives them due respect that I look up to and teach my Children accordingly. But when a Teacher takes this to mean that she can oppress a Year One child to submit to her demands the first thing in the morning, it pisses me.

I hate to say this but I think it is Chinese arrogance.