What an Assbag
Received this nastygram last night regarding such an important issue (*eyes rolling*):
To: CatherineDu.Robinson@outinleftfield.comWhich is worse? That this creep CC'd one of my superiors or that he/she compared me to someone who committed crimes against a child.
From: Sbushhart@aol.com
I find your blog both offensive and naive, the same qualities found in
Debra LeFave. To indicate that you contemplated advice provided to you by
several co-workers, and then decided that you would disregard their advice on a
moral issue that effects you and the students you teach and influence seems
to be contradictory to someone who is educated with children's care in mind.
This has been of great concern to parents even more so lately, and yet seems
to be of lesser concern to teachers and staff. You may attend as many
classes on ethics as is mandated, but your being void of a natural instinct
to recognize the difference between right and wrong (only a little leg and
bra? what is your line that you will not cross over?) makes me question
whether you chose the right field. You are right about one thing in your
blog. Had you not had a picture to view that you are more than a recent
graduate, I would have confused your psychological thumbing your nose as
coming from a child.
Take your pick.
posted by kate @ 5:43 AM
47 comments
47 Comments:
I would assume your superiors already know about your blog, so that should not be too big of a deal... comparing you to Lefave is wrong -- this person obviously feels that his/her moral code is somehow superior to yours.
I have other comments, but they are far too profane to post here...
This quote, however, always gets me through:
It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.
-- Teddy Roosevelt
Is your blog required reading to the students you teach? Do you force your co-workers to read it? I think it is no on both counts, so he/she needs to get over it and change the channel.
"Jealous of the rhyme and the rhyme routine"
"more than a recent graduate"
Ouch!
Debra Lafave is HOT!
Ignore the Ignorant, my dear!
While I am certainly "not a recent graduate", having just retired... and, I am a blogger with multiple interests...I am amazed how much of the 1950s mentality comes through...not in blogs themselves, but in the comments placed by usually "anonymous" persons.
Let me suggest several things here:
1. Those fellow teachers who find the photo to be out-of-place are either not at all attractive and/or incapable of communication in the open which you have chosen to do.
2. While your politics and mine are usually at opposites, I read your blog and find the thoughtfulness and intelligence refreshing!
3. You do place yourself in an open position to be "shot at" with the photo; however, that is your choice. The teaching profession today faces lots of challenges...not the least of which is the emerging image of the teachers who engage in other than educational opportunities with their students. This has wrought the usual conservative response of over-kill. Thus any teacher (female, of course) who chooses other than neck-high blouses and loose clothing becomes a target. It is unfair, but a fact of life.
I wish you the best, and enjoyed the picture as a part of "you"... not all there is about you!
Good Luck!
Duke DeLand
I'm surprised that Sbushhart@aol.com could take time off from handing out bibles door to door to send you such a lengthy, yet moronic, email.
I hope you gave it the attention it deserved and deleted it within 8 seconds.
Thanks for the support, guys.
And Jim, that quote made my day.
ooooh controversy. This is good. What a creep.
Or was it elia's winged monkeys?
This is about to get interesting for you --
Isn't it amazing how this wonderful community tries to shut down every bright, giving, brilliant voice?
Jim, that is one of my very favorite quotes. I knew I liked you despite your political leanings. You've got a nice way about you.
Just be bolder. I know you cannot be victimized. Also, I see more skin passing by Plant where Mayor Iorio's daughter graduated from.
No offense, but some of these kids really SHOULD wear more while you look perfectly ladylike.
Great spirits are always met with violent opposition. albert einstein
keep on truckin wonderwoman.
wow...5:43 in the morning....your up and at 'em aren't ya??
:-)
how embarrasing, I put your instead of you're....I'm just tired...
Teddy Roosevelt, the quote above, was a republican just so the liberals know, and probably one of the best republicans in the history of the united states.
If we had any republican politicians that could hold a candle to him today, democrats would be nothing more than a fringe minority party, kind of like they were back in 1905.
Rich never misses a beat.
Offensive & Naive - You should print out three copies of that e-mail and take a picture with each copy covering very specific portions of your anatomy. Keep the wine and ice cream, though.
Assbag is a terrific word.
I would like to see any student coming to school in a bathrobe...I am as liberal as they come, but teachers must, for better or worse, live with a higher standard of morality. Are students assigned the blog to read? Doubtful, but they most certainly read it and see the photo, along with their parents. As a parent, I find it offensive, and absolutely ludicrous that a teacher would "show some leg" and wear a robe on a public forum. I hope she never comes NEAR my kid...she does not belong in education.
you wanna see kids coming to school in robes and you call her debra lafave?
Hey assbag - Maybe YOU should become a teacher so you can protect all the innocent children from ...life. Geez - you'd think she had posted a porno film on her site the way this guy is talking! It's a freaking ROBE! That's more than I wear when I go get my mail and water my plants out front and - dare I say - I'm a teacher too??????? Get real, assbag! Worry about something important!
As a parent of a Plant student, I must respond. Students who are inappropriately dressed are, rightfully, sent to their AP for a dresscode violation. Students can easily accesss this picture, as my son did. If this teacher were at Plant, I would be calling her supervisor immediately. And before you know-it-alls try to "classify" and "type" me, I am a liberal Bush basher, who TRULY cannot stand the right wing Bible carrying Christians. However, I know decorum when I see it, and this teacher lacks any whatsoever. Anyone who has a child in school needs to ask how they would feel if they saw this picture of the child's teacher on line for the WORLD to see. (And what gave Mrs. Robinson--(an appropiate name?!?) the right to publish the E-MAIL address of the person who sent the e-mail? No taste, no class.
She has every right to publish the email and address -it was sent to her. Does that person have the right to try to violate her 1st amendment rights? If the person was embarrassed about what he/she was saying maybe it shouldn't have been sent. At least "Ms. Robinson" has the decency to stand up for what she believes. Plantparent are you also going to look up all the teachers at your child's school on Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office website and call administrators on those you find? Believe me - you will find some. Get a grip. The reason we live in this great country is because we all (yes, even teachers) have the right to do and say what we believe and not be punished for it. Trying to persecute Ms. Robinson for her actions is downright barbaric and asinine. I am proud to be in the same profession as someone who holds so strongly to their convictions even in the face of adversity and persecution.
next they'll be going after your content.
can't wait to see a new pic. but when you decide.
It is mind boggling that those who are teachers, or at least they SAY they are on this site, use language such as "assbag." Some example you set for the students...no wonder Florida is near the bottom of the barrel, what with teachers bearing their boobs and using sewer language. And by the way, any teacher on a police web site is well known to administration, and must complete whatever punishment they are given to receive or renew their license. Will SOMEONE tell me where the line is? How much boob is allowable--first amendment?!?--before a teacher is guilty of bad taste? Nipples, perhaps? Please, this Mrs. Robinson is naive at best, and psychotic at worst. My kids will NEVER be taught by her, I can guarantee that!
Anonymous, you are seriously annoying. Also, you're a moron. I'm wondering if you find yourself more comfortable being taught by an old hag with no hint of sexuality about her. Which makes me wonder about you, frankly.
Look, this is real simple. If you want to put pictures online, well yeah, any dumbass can find them. But also, it's a little moronic for that same dumbass to be offended by something that doesn't personally relate to them just because they can find it online if they want to use the google.
And it is no "mind-boggling" that a young, intelligent teacher would use the word "assbag" when it accurately describes someone.
Typical Plant parent. As long as it's not endangering my kid, I don't give a flip. Not that Kate's endangering anyone's kid. I daresay everyone's children are safer in a world with Kate in it.
The parents claiming that Mrs. Robinson will never teach their children have no clue. She is one of the minority in teaching that truly cares about the education of her students and has the intelligence to go with it. It is a shame that these people are dwelling on a picture on a blog that is done on her time. As long as the activity is not criminal, the school system does not pay enough to dictate what teachers do in their spare time. I am very conservative and wish I could one day have her as my daughter's teacher. Her opinions and views are independent of her teaching ability and how she presents herself in the classroom.
I wonder what other sites these people's children are allowed to view. Maybe these parents ought to be monitoring their children more instead of complaining about Mrs. Robinson.
"Maybe these parents ought to be monitoring their children more instead of complaining about Mrs. Robinson." I was thinking the same thing myself! Nobody has been forced to visit this site. They came here all on their own and got their panties in a wad instead of just leaving! That is mind boggling to me!
"done on her time...do in their spare time"
hmmmm.... I would question whether Mrs Robinson is posting during her own personal time, or is she doing this on taxpayers' time? Written rightthere in the classroom? This can easily be confirmed by observing the times posted.
Nobody is forced to visit this site? Perhaps. But as my son here at Plant can confirm, students find it and share it amongst themselves. I would imagine students at her high school will be doing the same...they love looking up their teachers on Google. Sure, they look up porn too, but they LOVE finding dirt on teachers. Mrs. Robinson will be a "hot" topic for discussion, I am sure, which will make her "superiors" at "Superior" High School most "pleased" . (By the way, I thought Plant was "Superior High School," but Mrs. Robinson doesn't teach here. Where DOES she supposedly "teach?"
Blogger allows you to post date entries at different times. So you can't tell a thing by looking at posting times. Computer genius.
First of all, how can anyone call themselves "liberal" and at the same time be a complete prude? I don't think that is possible.
Secondly, plantparent, if you are offended by this website and it's picture, DON'T LOOK AT IT. And I've got news for you - your darling son and his friends are looking at MUCH worse material on the internet than this, I can guarantee it. Certainly you have seen teenagers show up to school in much more revealing clothing than what you see here.
So how about getting down off your high horse and joining us in the 21st century?!
What kind of teacher calls another human, even one she disagrees with Becky, an "assbag." I would expect this from a student, who would at that point be suspended. And wake up Miss Becky...there are plenty of us liberals out here who have taste, and don't have to flaunt their bodies like a little tart. "Coo-coo ca choo, Mrs. Robinson..." And yes, I am quite aware that my son looks at "worse pornography", sadly enough. Robinson is only R rated porn at best.
What kind of parent would allow her son to view porn on the internet? Parents, right or wrong, are held to a higher standard than that. And isn't that illegal? Seems to me YOU are the one with the poor decision making skills!
Plantparent needs to get a life. This is a PG13 site at best. And a kid who uses assbag outside of school would not be suspended. And this site is OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL.
For christs sakes there is a war going on...aren't there better things to argue over that Katie's picture!!!
Last I heard freedom of expression still exists!!!
Mrs. Robinson's picutre is NOT out of school anymore, birdbrains. Students are already sharing the site. At least MY daughter did, and she is a Sickles sophomore. I am disgusted with teachers today. No morals, no brains.
Hmmm, getting suspended for calling someone an assbag? What if they are an assbag? Kate, if you need to sell ads with all the hits your getting, gimme a call.
Jeez. Kate, I hate to tell you but this will get worse before it gets better. Crusaders like to create Holy Wars, it's just a fact of life. Gear up for the fun. People love to get on their high horses. It's the simplest rule raising your own status - trying squashing someone else's.
Jim - that is by far my favorite TR quote, and I agree with whoever's sentiment it was that if the GOP had leaders like they did in 1905 it'd be a different country.
As for everyone else, Kate's not dumb by any means and I'm pretty sure she knows damn well the pot she's stirring. Good for her.
(Oh yeah, and LaFave was pretty hot in a skanky biker-chick who'd leave you for the next best ride sorta way ...)
But as my son here at Plant can confirm, students find it and share it amongst themselves. I would imagine students at her high school will be doing the same...they love looking up their teachers on Google. Sure, they look up porn too, but they LOVE finding dirt on teachers. Mrs. Robinson will be a "hot" topic for discussion, I am sure
Your kids need to get out more.
BTW, Anonymassbag, if you have the balls to stand up and say something, have the tits to say it with your name....posting anonymously and bashing someone who isn't afraid to stand behind their beliefs makes you look like a....wait for it....assbag.
Secondly, plantparent, if you are offended by this website and it's picture, DON'T LOOK AT IT. And I've got news for you - your darling son and his friends are looking at MUCH worse material on the internet than this, I can guarantee it. Certainly you have seen teenagers show up to school in much more revealing clothing than what you see here.
Ten bucks says the kids like to look at Dad's collection of Colt fisting videos.
So, Anonymous, PlantParent, and Parent....one question.
What are the three of you REALLY angry about?
Plantparent needs to stand in the hallway during class change and listen to the obscenties that the students use. If every student that used a term like "assbag" was suspended, the halls would be empty and parents would be complaining about the harsh punishment. The school environment has changed significantly from 20-30 years ago. Unfortunately, this is due to a lack of parenting in the home. (Having knowledge of the child on porn sites, yet targeting a someone in a robe.) Give us all a break and stop visiting these "offensive" sites.
Teachers will always be held to a double standard...it's the authority figure "thing"...I personally feel it is best to blog anonymously, especially when working in a field that deals with the public...one never knows what on the Internet is being archived and by using a real name, one never knows what may come up on a background check. I have figured out a way to blog and publish in the print media anonymously...as a writer, that's what I like best about the field...no one has to know who I or my family are. And also, I have to work and make a paycheck...some of my views just might not match up with corporate America....just a wild hunch!
The MANY double standards that educators are held to is specifically the reason I quit teaching. Granted, I do not have an education degree, but my degree allows me to teach, and it was absurdly, confusingly and dishearteningly difficult for me to remain in a school system that was desperate for teachers. I was in a school that was surprised day-to-day that I kept coming back. I gave it my best attempt, and I really and truly applaud - with all I have - any teacher who is committed enough to endure what public education asks of it's educators. These folks in no way get their proper due.
We shouldn't have to live anonymously, any of us.
I maintain that we can't be as effective anonymously. You either have the courage of your convictions or you don't.
Period.
Courage of convictions? I've walked the walk of a life I would not wish on anyone. So nah, it's not about courage.
An alias is often used by writers who are noted in other fields. It keeps the two worlds separate.
Addressing effectiveness. I imagine the measure of how a writer effects one's own personal society is best left for the individual writer to determine. Some measure by hits on a blog, by response, by number of comments logged, by the number of op columns printed in the local rags, and some by the effect their words have on the community.
Many writers have rocked their world in their time by writing under a pen name.
Half the fun is sitting back and watching the effect.
Excuse me while I run through my looking glass to keep my river rafting date with bad boy Huckleberry.
BTW _ My 8 year old son thinks your picture is great!
We should aspire to teach our children that there is nothing wrong with the human body, and that Ben & Jerry's is a great ice cream!
Also that a little sense of humor will go a long way... ;-)
Love it, Addison!
I'd rather anonymous commentary than none at all - which is why I allow anonymous comments on my site.
However, if someone is staying anonymous because they're afraid of repercussions (be it personal or professional) then they are not as valuable as those who are unafraid to stand up without a mask.
I rock, in other words. Simple as that.
Y'all just don't get it, do ya? Students DO use profanity and act like jerks. TEACHERS, on the other hand, should know better. Mrs. Robinson sounds like one of the students walking the halls...she has no class, and does not belong in a classroom.
"Ya'll"?? Are you SERIOUS?!
I seriously doubt Mrs. Robinson speaks this way in class. And how she chooses to speak on her off time is her own business. She should not be judged as a teacher just because she isn't a stuffy old windbag on her off time.
Maybe you would sound a little more credible if you didn't write using the word "Ya'll"...
At its face, there's nothing obscene about the picture. I'm a high school teacher (not to mention a younger one than you), so I think I pass the 50s-mentality/old prude test. At its face, what I'm seeing is a moderately attractive woman dressed in a bathrobe, showing off a little bra and leg. In other words, there's nothing vulgar that's directly repulsing me.
I do believe, however, that real problem is in the messages you're sending with the picture. First of all, you're sending the message that you're an educator for the American Youth (thanks for fighting the good fight). You're also taking an amature attempt to photograph yourself with your legs and robe open in front of a glass of wine and carton of ice cream. Undeniably novel and artistic, but what kind of message is your picture sending? It definitely says you crave attention. I mean, after all, those kids love wine and ice cream. It also says you don't respect the opinions of those people who might not want their daughters looking up to women who spread themselves out like an after dinner dessert. A picture like yours doesn't call to my mind respect for progressiveness. If anything you've convinced me that we need to put more money in education, if at least to pay for better standards for hiring the pillars of our community.
Anyway, nothing really more to say here that people don't already know; but in summation, if I saw you passing by like that on the beach...I might give ya a whistle. But knowing that you're responsible for molding and changing the lives of children, I just can't take you seriously as a professional.
Mr. F
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