I can’t understand how some students get so fixated on some perceived slight from the teacher because they got called down for something they didn’t do or something someone else was doing at the same time and “Why are you picking on me?” type nonsense that they end up escalating the whole non-issue into a referral-able offense. It’s like someone getting pulled over because the officer wanted to give them a warning about their speed and the person ends up assaulting the officer. What could have ended in a matter of moments will stretch out to a few years as a result of their decision.

“Why am I in trouble?” she asked.

“You aren’t in trouble,” I said. “I’m just talking to you.”

But soon enough, the disrespect of her body language and tone of voice does indeed end up getting in trouble.

I just can’t understand that.

A teacher tells you to be quiet; you feel you weren’t talking then and that it’s unfair — say “Okay” while showing at least a modicum of respect and let it die a quick and natural death. Don’t start arguing about how it’s unfair or how someone else is talking, all the while letting an aggressively disrespectful edge take over your voice. It just won’t end well for you.

A police officer pulls you over and says you were speeding; you feel you were going about the same speed as everyone else — say “Okay” and be respectful and hope for a warning. Don’t jump out of the car and start cursing the police officer, threatening physical violence. It just won’t end well for you.

Picture from this Evening