Adults These Days: Stealing from the Internet

So yesterday at dinner my niece says, “Grownups always talk about kids being on their devices; look at your guys!” I looked up and around the dinner table (we were at Topp’t Pizza), and sure enough, all 4 adults at the table had their heads down, scrolling through their phones.  In my defense, I was doing research (I needed an Arizona Cardinals jersey for a gift.)

I looked at my gorgeous, freckled-faced angel and said, “Grownups are hypocrites.”  And we are.  I mean, kids these days?  Let talk about grownups these days.

One of the things we (I am speaking as a grownup) do that we know is wrong but we do it anyway is steal pictures from the internet.  Teachers are notorious at copyright infringement (although a lot of people do not understand the copyright laws, and I encourage you to really research it; they are more flexible than you think.)  As teachers, we are almost forced to break copyright laws.  I am not saying I have done it, but it was easy and cheap.

I mean, it’s not totally our fault.  Technology makes it so easy!  When I was planning a huge conference and Apple was coming, they were all like, you can’t use our images and stuff.  And I was all like, dude, it’s on Google…

Google, however, makes it easier NOT to steal pictures on the internet.  Did you know that with the advanced search option (which hardly any of us use because Google is so smart she IS an advanced search), you can filter your results based on user rights?  Additionally, there’s a site devoted to it at CreativeCommons.org.

With Technology making it easier to share and get your hands on information and primary resources, it’s our job as educators, and as grownups, to model good behavior.  So put your phones away, start giving credit to those pictures you use in your powerpoints and on your graphic organizers, and use Google’s advanced search options.

I swear, adults these days...

Catching Feels

I have been told, both in my role as director and in seeking my seat on the school board, that I have to have alligator skin.  I have to be able to take the verbal punch and stand up, brush myself off and move on.

So why is it that, in the professional world, there are so many decisions made based on whose feelings may or may not get hurt.  I mean, really?

Which is it?  Do we need alligator skin or do we need to make decisions based on whether or not a colleague might "take it the wrong way" and feel bad about him/herself.

How about neither.  I do not need alligator skin if people are responsible for their words and actions. No matter how angry, frustrated or hungry you are, you are still responsible for how you treat people.  And I still have a right to be upset.  Or not be upset.  Moreover, the decisions I make for students (or in your case, for your business) are not based on how others might feel about them.  If it makes someone look/feel like a bad teacher, maybe, just maybe, that person might consider some professional growth.  Or at least some reflection.

I am reminded of one of my favorite movies, The Invention of Lying.  No one can lie because it had not been invented yet.  Everyone spoke the absolute truth.  I often wish the world was like that.  Mostly because the things that come out of my mouth would be more socially acceptable.  It is important to be honest.  But just because one thinks it doesn't mean one has to say it.

I'm not saying walk up to anyone and tell them exactly how you feel.  But what I am saying is be honest with yourself first, and then be honest with others.  My bestie is one of the most honest people I know.  Does she hurt my feelings sometimes?  Yes.  Do I get over it?  Yes.  Am I a better person for having heard it?  Most of the time.

Imagine if we all had relationships where we could respectfully be honest with each other, make decisions because it's what's best, and not have to put on our alligator suits everyday.

Perhaps the next time we feel obligated to do or not do something, ask ourselves how we can better build the relationship we have with those it will affect.  Because let's face it, green isn't everyone's color.