There are always two sides to every story; just like there are two sides to one's subconscious. Some like to think of it as the 'devil' and the 'angel.' However, it's viewed, we cannot deny the fact that we all have some type of internal struggle with a decision and a choice to make.
I recently gave my students a choice. To come on a day when (let's just say is a 'senior day') or not. It was their choice. Immediately, they were talking among themselves by thinking of what they would do at home. Then I stated, "I have an announcement to make on Monday. If you are here, it could pertain to you. But you need to be in class if you want to know the announcement." Right away there is small talk in the classroom.
One student asked if it was extra credit. I wanted to smile because students know that I do not give extra credit. I simply said, "no." Another student stated that it wasn't fair because they chose to go away that weekend. I asked how was it (as the student put) not fair? I am not taking any grade away nor am I giving an assignment that they could not make up.
The fact is that many feel this way to where "it's not fair" if it doesn't pertain to them. It's funny how things are fair. I mean was it fair that my father fought in Vietnam, worked his whole life for his family, and then when he has his first (and only) grandchild, Cancer took him away from us? Was that fair? Was it fair that he left my mother alone? Was it fair that just as I got married, my mother got GBS, paralyzed, and almost died? I could mention more stories from my life and others. But that is not going to fix the "it's not fair" policy.
Unfortunately, we will find many times in our life that things do not seem fair. The idea of fairness is not justified by any means. But we know fairness is just a term that is loosely thrown around to be used as an excuse. Yet, the game continues and when my nine year old didn't win a game, all of a sudden: 'it's not fair.' So, when does it become fair... when it benefits us?
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