THE EDITOR, Sir:AS A concerned past high school teacher, I am writing in response to the author of "Does size really matter?"
This is the most absurd comment I have ever heard in my life. You would think we have come far enough to be able to give a person his/her due without any sort of discrimination. One's size does not dictate the ability of the person to conduct a job adequately. Are we to hire or appoint persons of intimidating size without the requisite qualifications to be teachers, doctors, policemen, firemen, soldiers etc.?
Lack of respect cannot and should not be correlated to the size of teachers in a classroom. This lack of respect is a result of parents and the wider society not instilling and demanding respect from the young. As a past teacher, it is disheartening to see the level of disrespect permeating our school system because of parents who are themselves disrespectful.
This is an insult to our teachers who dedicate their life to teaching our youngsters to be strong, respectful and intellectual individuals; who stand in the classroom on a daily basis and put up with the disrespect meted out by students and still try to give of their best. They are the mothers and fathers of our society, they have fostered the development of so many in our beautiful country and the world over. To all the students reading, I hope you take heart in this letter and demand of those around you a high level of respect and provide the same yourself.
I am, etc.,
CONCERNED ADULT
San Jose, California
