After reading Prager's speech, my first thought is that he would have a hard time doing everything he proposes to do. He starts off by addressing the students and faculty and informing them that he is honored to be the principal of their school. But shortly after, he begins to tell them about how he is going to change the way the school operates. To be a good principal, you have to acknowledge the rules and policies that were in place before your arrival. It is acceptable to change a few things to better the educational environment but Prager is attempting to modify the way that students are taught along with student behavior. He wants to eliminate all obscene language on school property but he can't be in all places at all times. Just because he tells the students to watch their language doesn't mean that all foul language will disappear. He also informs the students that a formal dress code will be in place. This dress code will not allow the students to be themselves, for they are forced to show up to school dressed the same as every other student. I also do not agree with Prager's choice to end all ethnicity. Student diversity is an integral component of a good school. By "eliminating" ethnicity and identifying everyone as American, he is basically telling all of the students to forget where they came from, forget their ethnic background, and conform to the new standard that his is trying to push onto the students. Prager is also suggesting that the teachers only teach students things that are considered "american". I don't think that it is possible to teach that way. That would eliminate all of the history of other countries that ties in to the history of the United States. In my opinion, Prager is starting off his new job in a terrible way, attempting to change the way that a public school is run. I believe that not only the students, but the parents of the students attending this school will feel that their school will not be a positive educational environment. It is great that Prager wants to make the school a better place for the sake of education, but he is, without a doubt, going about it the wrong way.

Taylor's Response

To start off, I respect Prager’s emphasis on trying to make the school a better place. However, for the most part, I do not agree with the ways in which he feels the school should be improved. I feel that Prager’s idea of basically eliminating the focus on different ethnic groups, races, languages, religions, etc would never work and furthermore is very wrong, and maybe even unlawful. I feel ending such celebrations and clubs will just put an end to the school-sponsored activities he does not believe in, rather than his argument of making the school only care about the national identity of American. It is impossible for the administration of a school to prohibit gatherings based on race, religion, language, sexual orientation, etc. These aspects of someone will never be changed, or taken away, and therefore I believe they shouldn't be taken out of schools. If anything, I feel that more of these clubs and celebrations should be embraced. We can only grow, as Americans, if we are open to the other Americans around us. I do agree with Prager’s second proposal of teaching all students to read and write in English. Without doing so, as Prager argued, one will not be ready for the work force in America, as English is used as the primary language here. Even though I personally do not like the idea of a dress code, I can understand Prager’s point of view for that proposal. I also agree with Prager as he says “no obscene language will be tolerated anywhere.” Not only is such language unnecessary, it is insulting and could potentially cause many altercations in the school that could be avoided by implementing this rule. Similarly to the way in which I agree on the importance of one’s character, scholarship and humanity in schools, I also feel self-esteem programs are important as well. If they are eliminated, I feel some of these qualities may not be achieved by many students, and these programs can help a student get onto the right track, and eventually allow them to attain it themselves. Lastly, I do not agree with Prager’s outlook on the use of classes and warning against on topics such as smoking, caffeine, sexual harassment, global warming, safe sex, etc. For some students at the school, these classes and lessons about such topics are the only time the people are made aware of the problems. Therefore, if we eliminate these classes and lessons, I can only see the problems getting worse. Overall, I feel Prager wants to make schools focus more on education and making them a better learning environment, but the ways in which he proposes to do so in his letter seem completely wrong to me.

Kyle Hadel's Response

My initial response to this speech was one of surprise and concern. Due to the fact that in society today people strive to be as "politically correct" as possible, in my mind someone of prager's status should also be very politically correct in order to survive in the public school system. But personally i see the light in his statements, as Americans we claim to be attempting to unify but in reality we are more separated then ever. Finally I feel that prager's overall idea is a step in the right direction but he is taking it to far when he states that he will implement a dress code, condescendingly accuses the students of not knowing the pledge, and blatantly implements all these policies at one time. I feel that today being this aggressive will only get you removed immediately by the parents and students that do not identify with your policies, they would immediately put too much pressure on people above the status of principle.

I feel a better approach would be to implement some of these policies one at a time in order to allow the student body and their parents to adjust and realize what prager is trying to do. Second I feel that if he implements a dress code he will never be able to employ all his other policies due to the fact that he would make enemies of the student body immediately.

I do feel that prager has a point when he states that we as high schoolers focus to much on what is on the surface. We strive to fit in or stand out in a positive manner so to be popular or just to avoid being picked on. I feel that if he applies some of these policies then some or the majority of this will be eliminated.

In the end prager basically slaughters current public education with out ever directly referring to it. His policies are the opposite of what is considered acceptable, due to the fact that todays public education encourages individuality. For example the black community has developed meeting and groups that only identify with their own ethnicity, like black history month, black music awards, etc. would it be considered acceptable if we where to have a white history month or a white music awards? So, do i think what prager is trying to do is right, yes, but is it allowed, no, the world today would never allow it unless he went about it in a less abrupt way.

William Connor's Response

My initial impression of Prager is that he is rather pompous and a seemingly racist man. One argument that stood out to me was that about "e pluribus unum." Yes, it's from many one but that doesn't simply mean that all races should assimilate to this so called American culture. America, as was intended, should be a place of individual identity, freedom, and culture shouldn't be drawn out of that. It's in no way undermining the motto. Another thing which deterred me is that he blatantly stated that "people have their priorities backwards." First off, it bothers me that people care so much about the outward appearance of another, they'll still contain the same capability. In his final sentence also, he once more he made a relatively risky assumption stating that we probably don't know the words to the pledge as if he were all high and mighty. However, the way in which he set up clubs to revolve around the arts was quite interesting. "To think beyond yourself." Then again, he somewhat contradicts himself by implementing the importance of another language which is, in a sense, identified with culture. Furthermore, I appreciate his stand against obscene language.

I don't understand how one's race could even be overemphasized in the first place. Moreover, to take pride in your ethnicity is in no way narcissistic! Culture is not based around an individual, it's a whole group of people therefore it's in no way self oriented. Why should we even have to speak about our character? Does it not come out through observation of how we react to things throughout the day and what we say without trying to directly pinpoint our characteristics?

Pragers view on the education seems quite unusual to me however some aspects I can understand. He proposes that we not implement any sort of political matters into the education. I think this would ultimately lead to a large portion of the students having no sense of nationalism or understanding of the law. I think it's incredibly detrimental to be oblivious to the laws one must abide by and those that protect them. Although, at the same time, it seems smart to base the school system on academics, however, once more students are cut of from more abstract ideas

There is no doubt that it's possible to teach in this manner, but is it right, safe? To be blind of all that the world of education has to offer seems to me as counterproductive. Yes you'll be smart academically, but in what will you implement these skills?

Morgan Jones

I agree that people come into to schools and separate themselves due to their race, sex, religion and interests to form a “clique” or just your group of friends (whatever you call it its all the same). This is common among all people not just in high schools but the lack of differences in these areas will not stop human nature. I believe that for some they find their own personality in their race, sex, religion and interests. I know this because I define myself due to the fact I am a female, I am a Christian, I love to dance and I love AFJROTC these truths help me define who I am and what I do. He states that your individual identity is important but how can you take away the factors that help determine that and still know who you are. Many people embrace their culture and the fact that the U.S is made up of many different cultures is what makes us unique so I do believe there is an “American” culture per say it is everyone’s individual identities that make up our culture. I think that being around people who share the same culture, race, sex or religion is healthy and that interaction is needed in the life of the individual thus taking away groups that help you identify with these things is not healthy. I think that students who don’t speak fluent English should learn English because the US is the only country in which it expects natives to learn other languages to accommodate those who move here and won’t learn the language. Don’t get me wrong I think that every person should be at least bilingual but if you move to a different country other than the US you would have to learn their language to communicate with others. (Ms. McCarthy this one’s for you) I believe that students should take pride in the way they dress when they come to school and not where your pajamas and slippers but I believe that if a person s covered from their high chest to their knees( or close within an inch or so) I don’t think it should matter what it says or how it does it because the issue is that people show way to much skin these days and people of the opposite sex can’t concentrate.

Brad Devore on prager's speech

When i first read Dennis Prager's speech i was initially overwhelmed with a disposition of disgust and aggravation. I perceived Prager as a authoritarian that cares more about the public opinion than those of the concerned students, faculty, and parents alike. His speech was so played it is almost impossible to buy into it. If he were to become the principal the schools reputation would drastically diminish and eventually lose respect to even the most foolish critics. I was in shock when he said your culture and religion would not be honored. Though i do agree this is a country that has gained its own vast culture and traditions, but it is repugnant to even consider requiring somebody to leave behind a culture that they hold so much pride for.

One thing i did agree with in the speech was when he said it was integral to learn english, this being probably the only thing i agreed with. Though i agree that we must judge somebody on there character, where somebody comes from displays what they believe in and what they acknowledge as sacred. I believe that those who clench there culture even when faced with the threat of being considered a outcast shows the character that should be credited by overcoming odds that not many would face. Even though profanity is not always considered intelligent, Dennis Prager must endure the reality that not everyone in high school is perfect, nor is anybody else, in my eyes perfection is a blind goal only pursued by those who are senile enough to truly believe that they can attain perfection. One should not reach for unattainable goals but attempt to acquire realistic ambitions that can be grasped.

Basing academic grades on your clothes is absurd. Freedom is one of the few things students enjoy in school, taking away our freedoms is the most unamerican affair i can even imagine. This great country suffered a war and many obstacles to even gain independence in the first place. A wise man named Patrick Henry once said March 23, 1775 "Give me Liberty Or Give Me Death". Taking away the single thing that allowed our country was founded on is outrageous beyond belief. The ignorance of taking away the education of realistic threats such as smoking, health, drunk driving, and many other controversial subjects just shows how little Dennis Prager even comprehends about the real world. Although he can attempt to cloak the real problems high school students have failing to accept these real issues only shows the weakness of not only the school as a whole but the leader as well. A general that cannot command his soldiers is one that will fail in any and all aspects of anything he/she attempts.

The greatest leader is not the one that is disguised as perfect, but the leader that is willing and able to face and retaliate to problems whether they be minor or considerable. Dennis Prager's way of teaching will not work because he is unable to perceive the truth that we are not carbon copies but we are all unique in many aspects and for us to succeed we must stick together and may have to go the extra mile for certain students that are faced with considerable and complex issues that may have different solutions. Might I add that even the suggestion that Dennis Prager doesn't even believe i have the mental capacity or intelligence to articulate the Pledge of Allegiance stands as the single most demeaning and belittling thing anybody has ever inquired about me. Dennis Prager does not hold the sagacity to be a janitor, and i hold a considerable amount of respect for the janitors which is why I don't believe he should even attempt it.

Michael Casper's response!

My first impression of this speech was that, while his arguments made sense, he must be a real prick. His views on being American is like a warped version of Nativism. Although I agree with not tolerating obscene language - because it's just really isn't necessary - some things like the formal dress code I disagree with. Please, seven hours in small, hard chairs, with the air conditioning broken? I am not gonna be wanting to wear a polo. Also his complete disregard for other cultures is aggravating, because America is not a "melting pot," but rather a tossed salad, where many cultures come together to create a mixture of influence in our nation.

Now, I can see how he thinks that color, race, and gender are being overly-emphasized in our current school sytem and I can also agree that that's not what makes up your identity and humanity, but calling it narcissm is way over the line, and that's not true anyways because if you're interested in your culture, then you're not preoccupied with yourself, but of other people in your culture. Oh, and by the way, RELIGION ISN'T A PHYSICAL TRAIT. It's an interest, and therefore should fall in his "criteria" of allowed extracurricular activities. People can change their religion, just like they can change their interests, activities, disposition.

Overall, Prager is trying to make a monotone school. He thinks that schools are providing too much extra help just because of physical traits, when it's the individual that really counts. Things like academic achievement should probably be left solely up to academics, but it's a bit extreme to completely swipe the school of anything pertaining to culture. In my mind's eye, I see Prager as an quixotic individual who is ultimately a hypocrite because his rules and regulations do not follow his "want" for individualism.

Lastly, trying to avoid political issues is ignorant, because some of those issues are legitimate problems that need to be addressed at a public high school. If you think about the amount of time students spend at school (more than a quarter of the whole day), and the often-seen disconnect of students and their families, sometimes the public school is the only place where education for these issues is possible.

And that's what I think.

"A Speech Every American High School Principal Should Give"

Read "A Speech Every American High School Principal Should Give" by Dennis Prager.  Here is a link to the speech if you don't have your hard copy:
"A Speech Every American High School Principal Should Give"

In a thoughtful, well written response, consider your beliefs and opinions the following questions. For your original post, please post a NEW POST; then, respond to at least ONE of your classmate's posts by COMMENTING on it while, of course, respecting personal opinions and beliefs (sentential adverb, what?!).

Your rubric is as follows:
Blog Posting Rubric
You do not have to answer all of these, but think about them for your response. Support your feelings using the speech and even specific quotes you found particularly interesting/intriguing:

1. What are your initial reactions to Prager's speech? With which ideas that he presents do you agree? Are there any with which you disagree?
2. According to the speaker, Prager believes that we harp too much on superficial characteristics such as the color of our skin and the language we speak and not enough on our "humanity" and "character."  Do you agree? Why or why not?
3. What is Prager opining about American education? What does he propose we teach young people?  Do you agree that this is the direction we are heading?
4. Do you think that it is even possible to teach in this way? Why or why not?

I will be commenting as well. I hope you enjoy this exercise; get used to this form of discussion as many of your college courses will be set up this way!

YOU MUST POST AND COMMENT BY 11PM ON FRIDAY, MARCH 11TH TO RECEIVE CREDIT!

To Mrs. McCarthy

Hey Mrs. McCarthy is Shane my flight from Mississippi to Charlotte is being delayed for 2 hours due to technical problems so i think i get back into town at like 2:30a.m. or later so do you think i could get a one day on our homework because i do not have it with me to do. Wish i brought it!!!

just found disposition in a nonpoint song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkezwFMBN9Y