Censored!
If you recall this post, just over a week ago, I wrote a critical essay about the education system in Japan for a group of Fulbright teachers visiting Japan. Today the teachers are visiting, and just yesterday afternoon I was informed that both my essay and a speech I was to give were being omitted from the program, at the request of the Fulbright program coordinator.
Their reason was that they wanted the American teachers to only learn through their experience, and not the opinions of others. I would say "fair enough" if they had given such information earlier. The other teachers at my school have agreed with most of the points in my essay and have been very supportive of it. At least one of them feels certain, as do I, that the given explanation from the program coordinator is just a nicer way of saying "We don't want your negative opinions."
Hurrah for censorship!
posted by Chris @ 9:24 AM
5 comments
5 Comments:
my anger on this subject has diminished somewhat. After further evidence, it seems that they probably did not even read my essay before deciding to omit it. Basically, they just wanted no input from outsiders at all, which is slightly less offensive as it means they didn't just decide that they didn't like what I had to say. It still bugs me, but I'm mostly annoyed by the miscommunication..
Yeah, that's balls. It does seem strange that you'd been requested to write something in the first place though. I'll be sure to include you in my plan to fight The Man once I get it going though, don't worry.
The thing was I was asked by another Tanabu teacher, not the Fulbright people, so part of the problem is miscommunication. The teacher was great about it. He had a good, original idea. He stuck up for me, and he was painfully discouraged by the results.
Aww... well, good on the Tanabu teacher. Props to him; The System is very difficult to fight here.
You didn't think they would actually listen to you did you?? ;)
That's a shame though, and rather disheartening. Is there a way you can get your essay to the visiting teachers anyway?
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