Escape Adulthood with Kim & Jason

September 10th, 2007 at 1:18 pm

by Jason | Adults Are Ruining Everything

This from Minette, a regular contributor to the discussion on this blog:

They are continuing this entire stupid idea of banning all possible hits to self-esteem even in the corporate world. I work for a government agency and we do a lot of training. I’ve been told that I can no longer use red ink to correct my trainees’ work because it would “hurt their self-esteem.” I have to use green ink. I’ve gone ahead and done this like a good little girl but my first reaction was, “Life sometimes sucks. Get over it!”

Yet another example of Adultitis running rampant. If red pen hurts your self-esteem, I have a news flash for you: you need a new self-esteem. Kim also was forbidden from using red pen when teaching kindergarten.

Here’s what I want to know: What happens when green becomes known as the evil and vicious self-esteem obliterating ink?

Technorati Tags: self esteem, red pens, red ink, grading, Adultitis

8 Comments on the Chalkboard »

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No color is safe. Maybe light pencil strokes are the most appropriate way to grade? Not too obtrusive and therefore not too self-esteem-ruining.

Comment by Lisa Braithwaite on 9/10/2007 @ 3:09 pm

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I like the way you think, Lisa. Mixing up the media. Perhaps watercolor could add a touch of softness to any harsh criticism.

Comment by Jason on 9/10/2007 @ 5:26 pm

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As a proofreader I use a RED PEN and HI-LIGHTER every day at work. If I didn’t, corrections needed may get missed, wasting everyone’s time with continual edits. Thank goodness some of us know the difference between productivity and nonsense!

Comment by Libby on 9/10/2007 @ 6:50 pm

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How about we just get rid of wrong answers all together! 2+2=8? If that’s what feels right to you, then it’s ok by me. Here’s your gold star kid.

Comment by Beau on 9/11/2007 @ 6:00 am

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Libby — I wish more people knew the difference between productivity and nonsense. You’re a dying breed!

Beau — I like your idea. As a creative type, I’ve always felt math needed to be a little bit more touchy-feely.

Comment by Jason on 9/11/2007 @ 11:22 am

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Wow - I got a citation in the blog! I’m so honored! I like all the other ideas here. Personally when I’m editing my own work I use red ink and highlighter just like Libby. It does help me keep track of the edits I need to make on my reports.

Comment by Minette on 9/11/2007 @ 3:31 pm

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It was funny to read this. When I worked for as government-contracted employee I used to use pink, purple, green and whatever other color ink I could. (Usually for interoffice communication). I was about the only person to do so - everybody knew that it must be Shirley’s work if it was colorful. :0)

Comment by Shirley on 9/11/2007 @ 4:05 pm

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Shirley — Sounds like a pretty good little “personal brand.” I bet you were one of everybody’s favorite coworkers!

Comment by Jason on 9/11/2007 @ 4:39 pm

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