BFTP: Cynicism and distance

I worry no matter how cynical you become, it’s never enough to keep up.
Jane Wagner

In a recent comment, a reader pondered, "I found myself last week wondering if it is possible to grow old without growing cynical. So far the answer for me is apparently, no."

I've asked myself the same question wondering if aging must leads to a permanently skeptical view of the motives of others. Unless one deliberately adopts a Pollyannaish mind-set, can the thinking person avoid cynicism?

Reflecting a little on this, I've noticed that the farther away, more abstract or larger something is, the more cynical I tend to be about it. Some examples...

• I am cynical about religion on the whole (especially fund-raising TV evangelists, moralizing political philosophies, and the general ju-ju that is a part of most religions), but I have absolutely no doubt that my pastor son-in-law and his church is a genuine blessing and comfort to its members and community.
• I am cynical about the teaching profession and its willingness to change, but I know and admire lots and lots of individual teachers, librarians, and administrators who are changing and have devoted their lives to making schools a better place for kids.
• While I am deeply, deeply cynical about both federal and state government and politics, the few individual legislators and state employees I know personally are dedicated, thoughtful people, and I still believe in participating in the legislative process as much as possible.

Studies often show that while the general population gives "education" in the U.S. negative approval ratings, individuals give their own children's schools high marks. While most people are against higher taxes on general principle, we often vote increases to fund local projects like schools, libraries, recreational facilities, or civic centers. And no matter how reprehensible politicians are as a species, we nearly always return the incumbents to office.

Any take-aways from these idle musings???

• Probably the fastest and most meaningful way we could decrease cynicism and actually improve schools is to allow no district to grow over 10,000 students in size. Small school districts (not small schools or small class sizes), lead to more parental contact with administrators, less bureaucracy, and more local accountability by elected school boards. After a certain point, economy of scale is not economy at all.
• When anyone proposes a good "change theory," I will continue to respond: "Yes, that sounds good. Can you give me an actual example of a time that worked in a school building?" Let's start with what works in practice and build theories from that.
• To avoid cynicism, look at individuals, not groups. We are better spreading the word about fantastic individuals and programs that we are bemoaning the "state of education." For every problem stated, one should be required to report on an example of an antidote to that problem. Or it simply becomes whining.
• I will continue to advocate that individual teacher and librarian bloggers "Praise locally; complain globally." Not just to keep out of trouble with one's administrators, but to increase the likelihood of their writings making a difference.

Peanuts character Lucy once said, "I love mankind. It's people I can't stand." This old cynic just might reverse that. 'I don't trust mankind, but I have faith in people."

Thus endeth today's sermon.

Original post November 29, 2009