Open thread, May 17-31 2013

If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.

I think that's a little vague. My impression is the following (in the US):

Many people will claim to respect teachers in the abstract. Charitably I think this is based on fond memories of their favorite teacher, less charitably based on a sense that respecting teachers is something people feel like they ought to be seen doing.
However, actually being a teacher (e.g. on a date) is not likely to garner a great deal of status relative to other professions.
Also, students generally don't seem to respect their teachers (but this is also vague).

Agree with the OP that the basic problem seems to be a vicious cycle (again, in the US).

It's even worse in here Italy -- ISTM that most people would agree that most teachers these days are incompetent.

11Emile13y

It´s probably something like Linus's "I love humanity ... It's people I can't stand". I wonder if there isn't the opposite effect for some group, like CEOs, where people may have somewhat negative feelings about the abstract concept, but show a great deal of respect in person.

2fubarobfusco13y

Another question would be whether people who interact with teachers qua teachers — for instance, parents of students; coaches, principals, or other school employees — treat them as moral and social equals, or as inferiors. It seems to be a common complaint from schoolteachers that some parents, for instance, consistently treat their children's teachers as inferiors.

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Open thread, May 17-31 2013

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Open thread, May 17-31 2013

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