Question: Very few people participate in team sports. Obesity is a growing problem at all age levels. Most people hit the gym for things like circuit training, swimming, Pilates and yoga.
So why is physical education still stuck in the 1950’s with a complete emphasis on team sports and almost none on life long activities that promote healthy weight and healthy lifestyles?
Instead of being indoctrinated into the ritualized tribalism of Organized Sports, what would be so awful about a program of Tai Chi, Yoga, anatomy, and nutrition, to teach kids how to live in the bodies they will be in for the rest of their lives? The current football-based P.E. model will leave most of them drinking cheap beer and eating fatty foods in a smoky bar by age 30. As for strategy, learn to play chess. As for teamwork, how about a civics class where we learn to get along and reach reasonable compromises, instead of beating each other to a pulp and risking brain injuries. School districts would have enough money for academic programs if they weren’t dumping tax revenues into athletic facilities that have nothing to do with the core educational mission. I’ll never vote for a bond issue that includes astroturf and lights for a high school stadium. I pay too much already for things I don’t agree with.
2 words: Alumni Donations. One of the very few ways that alumni can relive their glory days as a BMOC is to read about, or watch on TV, the varsity games in the news.
Randy B Premium Member about 11 years ago
I don’t like the font.
SusanSunshine Premium Member about 11 years ago
I’m with Jane…. HATED gym…. three left feet….and love the hat!Alexi…. the words seem to fit…. at least for that stanza….
but somehow I doubt Jane’s motivation is the same!
IQTech61 about 11 years ago
Question: Very few people participate in team sports. Obesity is a growing problem at all age levels. Most people hit the gym for things like circuit training, swimming, Pilates and yoga.
So why is physical education still stuck in the 1950’s with a complete emphasis on team sports and almost none on life long activities that promote healthy weight and healthy lifestyles?
grainpaw about 11 years ago
Instead of being indoctrinated into the ritualized tribalism of Organized Sports, what would be so awful about a program of Tai Chi, Yoga, anatomy, and nutrition, to teach kids how to live in the bodies they will be in for the rest of their lives? The current football-based P.E. model will leave most of them drinking cheap beer and eating fatty foods in a smoky bar by age 30. As for strategy, learn to play chess. As for teamwork, how about a civics class where we learn to get along and reach reasonable compromises, instead of beating each other to a pulp and risking brain injuries. School districts would have enough money for academic programs if they weren’t dumping tax revenues into athletic facilities that have nothing to do with the core educational mission. I’ll never vote for a bond issue that includes astroturf and lights for a high school stadium. I pay too much already for things I don’t agree with.
Millilong about 11 years ago
And Jane wonders why she’s not butch.
Lamberger about 11 years ago
2 words: Alumni Donations. One of the very few ways that alumni can relive their glory days as a BMOC is to read about, or watch on TV, the varsity games in the news.