Each week, I take my child to occupational therapy, because an authority figure once made this recommendation--and, after all, my son seems to enjoy the recurring session. He exits with a smile; the therapist says, "He is really maturing, emotionally, and, today, he stuck some stickers on a sheet of paper"; we all drive home.
Yesterday, a *new* expert dropped an "OT" bomb. "The practice can, in fact, be counterproductive. Too many occupational therapists want to make the world comfortable. Let's modify this....Let's purchase that special chair..... But, in truth, the world is a challenging place. You want your child to find comfort *in* discomfort...."
As my head began to spin, I recalled "The Simpsons," and its observations about adult idiocy. At the start of Season Four, Homer and Marge believe they are doing what is best for their kids, by sending them to "Kamp Krusty." But the camp is, in fact, "a Dickensian horror story," and the kids survive only by setting up a Lord of the Flies scenario and turning their evil overlord into a hostage.
I feel for Lisa's teacher, in "Kamp Krusty"; wearily, she hands out final report cards. "If you're in agreement, we will ride out the clock in silence.....I have nothing more to say to any of you...."
On my tougher days, I also identify with Bart's teacher, Ms. Krabappel, who will not adjust Bart's "D" average, and who makes no effort to care about Bart's desire for "peace at home." She simply says, "Sorry, that's your grade....Have a DEEEEE.....lightful summer...."
Perhaps the show's smartest comment on authority happens in the opening credits: Bart is standing at the chalkboard, copying a sentence one thousand times. The sentence: "This punishment is not boring and pointless."
Thank God for the therapeutic power of art.
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