Academic education and bullying have been working hand in hand for centuries to educate young people in the western world. Lord of the Flies is a famous book about society and civilization that has been required reading for English or Social Studies for generations. Mankato was the “Big Town” that the Wilders in the Little House on the Prairie books went to for deliveries and excitement (on TV only, apparently). I lived through a mash-up of the two books in my 8th grade English and shop classes at the same time. Things got “out of hand” in a way that would have blown up the internet, and reputations, these days, but times were very different then, and it was very well hidden from general awareness and the media.
I close with how too many Americans today want to return to the “Good Old Law of the Jungle Days”. I guess they are assuming they will be on top of the heap. People have been doing that for about a million years. It’s time to grow up. We are STILL trying to form that “More Perfect Union” penned by Thomas Jefferson back in 1787. (Yeah, I know. I’ll get to him.) That union is more at risk now than almost ever, thanks to that selfish gene working through authoritarian politicians, sociopathic CEO’s and oligarchs, local street thugs, and schoolyard bullies. Our form of government was formed to combat the worst impulses of the selfish gene. You should want it to win. Please listen…
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10 thoughts on “Podcast Episode 001 – Lord of the Flies Invades Little House on the Prairie”
What the heck was that?
Wow! Of course I never knew. How great that you have had the courage and the wisdom to tell this story- especially now. Your voice is wonderful for easy listening. Boy, I was right there with you in those shop rooms. Such good detailed descriptions. Sounds like a TED talk to me.
Great! I enjoyed this.
I think the sound effects work, and the music adds a “drive” (so does your narration, which moves very quickly).
The narration would be too quick, except for your having good diction, good writing and good logic. Your likely “smart audience” will be able to keep up, but to no one’s surprise probably, the people who really should hear it will most likely never run across it, and may not be able to “get it” if they do. On second thought, maybe the bullies are not your target, and you’ve done well to address the people of good will who will hear you out, by encouraging them to listen (to their children, for example), to speak up, and to act!
You’ve got a voice for radio!
This is quite an exceptional piece. It is riveting and I sat too long.
The idea of a TED talk is appropriate. Perhaps there is a different medium as you are presenting here; but the TED talk is one that is familiar to those of us who don’t spend a lot of time with podcasts and such..
I was away from my computer for at least a week and it was refreshing.
What about Saturday’s NPR story programs?
My wish is that you would be invited to address the 7th and 8th graders in your small mid-western city as a “favorite son”.
Instead of thinking of ways to promote, I ought to return to my own expressions of gratitude and pride.
You have given an amazing testimony within an indelible story.
A great pod cast. I was there with you and our other friends during that time. I also had my “experience” during shop class. I’m sure I suppressed the memory of those times , it was also great to relive it. You have a wonderful way of retelling it and connecting the story to our current crazy times. Currently living in the Twin cities for the last year has been a interesting time.( chain link fences, boarded up stores, national guard )
Waiting for your next one podcast.
Thanks for doing this.
Good story, well produced and I like your voice. My 5th and 6th grade math teacher had a pledge paddle that she threatened us with but luckily never saw it in use.
Wow, Greg! Good thing you were well grounded and had a functioning moral compass at a time when most kids couldn’t tell north from south. An experience like that could’ve knocked many kids of that age off center. A mutual friend told me of your podcasts. Glad to have the opportunity to quasi-connect with you again.
Thanks, Robin. I think I peaked early in the grounded department. It’s harder to say that about much of the time since! Maybe I’m bi-modal and can peak again! It was 2012 when we passed through your hood. My little buddy Bob left the next year. Occasionally wondering how you’ve been. Take care!
Greetings from lower North Mankato!
I remember sitting on Max’s couch and listening to the tales of Mr.Alps (or maybe it was some late night session at Duck Lake?).
Whatever the case, I remember the ‘little green men”!
Your podcast was as riveting as listening to Nick Danger- and I thoroughly enjoyed it- I’m hoping that another episode is not long in arriving.
I see others of our class weighing in- this may end up being a trip down memory lane for many.
Thanks for sharing your podcast!