Why do I hate compulsory schooling, do you ask?
There are two reasons. First, I’m against coercion on principle. But, more importantly, it makes mornings a living hell as I become a complicit actor in projecting State power–and an awful father.
So what did I teach Number Two Son this morning?
Did I teach him that one of the great joys of life is learning? No.
Did I guide him in disciplining himself? No.
I taught him that the Bigger and Stronger One gets what he wants through fear and force. Perhaps a more useful lesson, considering that power relationships pervade life, but not the lesson I wanted to teach.