DON'T Get Me Started!

Oh, man - I'm furious. Ever so furious. I have so many issues running through my mind, that I don't even know where to start.

#1 - Media's slant is not always the accurate one. I have been burned before and I am now wiser than I was. I've learned that any study can be skewed to go pro or against any issue. I've learned that they think we are dumbed up enough to take their words as solid truth. I trust nobody who gets paid to put makeup on and stand in front of the camera and tell a story according to the angle he/she has chosen to look.

#2 - I think Tim Hartford is a moron. I just read an article entitled "Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails - There's finally proof that boys DO ruin school for girls". Here's a snippet from his article.
Boys pollute the educational system, it seems, for a number of unmysterious reasons: They wear down teachers, disrupt classes, and ruin the atmosphere for everyone. And more boys are worse than fewer boys, not because they egg each other on but simply because more of them can cause more trouble in total.

I like girls. I AM a girl. I think that females have historically been oppressed. But, that doesn't mean that I think that females have to rise in ranks at the expense of males. In my fantasy world, people will be looked at as individuals, not genders - and rise according to merit and competency.
As a mother all boys I have a different perspective on this whole gender issues thing. I see a backlash coming from female oppression. Instead of improving the problem by looking at individuals instead of genders, I see males becoming oppressed - which doesn't solve the problem, just changes it.
Looking back at my education, the boys were the ones who got in trouble more often. But not ALL of the boys - just a couple a year. So, take it out on the boys who need to be parented better - or medicated. Don't lump all of them in one disruptive group.
And - why is it that they can be more disruptive? Instead of focussing on the fact that boys are generally more boisterous and demanding - think about why they are. Teachers think of it as being disrespectful, disruptive, etc. I think of it as character traits that can either be molded negatively or positively. As a mother, I'm going to teach my Garrett that his boldness needs to be used appropriately - or that Ben's sense of humor can be used respectfully. But, please don't tell me that my boys, who have stayed at the very top of their classes throughout their schooling, are a drain on girls. And parents of those cute little girls whom I love and respect - please don't blame schooling issues on my boys. Look at your child's characteristics and help her use them to her benefit - that's the best way she'll thrive in her education.
And, by the way - if girls are going to be running the world - Great. I think we have a lot to offer and a different perspective. But I also think that our combined perspectives would be more beneficial than anything.