School 1969 vs. School 2009

Scenario: John and Tom get into a fistfight after school.


1968 - Crowd gathers. Tom wins. John and Tom shake hands and end up mates.


2008 - Police arrives; Armed Response Unit arrives and arrests John and Tom. Mobiles with video of fight confiscated as evidence. They are charged with assault, ASBOs are taken out and both are suspended even though John started it. Diversionary conferences and parent meetings conducted. Video shown on 6 internet sites.


Scenario: Mark won't sit still in class, disrupts other students.


1968 - Mark is sent to the principal's office and given 6 of the best. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.


2008 - Mark is given huge doses of Methylphenidate. Counseled to death. Becomes a zombie. Tested for addiction. School gets extra funding because Mark has a disability. Drops out of school.


Scenario: Bill breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him the slipper.


1968 - Bill is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.


2008 - Bill's dad is arrested for child abuse. Bill is removed to foster care and joins a gang. Psychologist tells Bill's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Bush's mum has an affair with the psychologist. Psychologist gets a promotion.


Scenario: Mohammed fails high school English.


1968 - Mohammed retakes his exam, passes and goes to college.


2008 - Mohammed's cause is taken up by local human rights group. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that making English a requirement for graduation is racist. Civil Liberties Association files class action lawsuit against state school system and his English teacher. English is banned from core curriculum. Mohammed is given his qualification anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.


Scenario: John falls during break and scrapes his knee. His teacher, Mary, finds him crying, and gives him a hug to comfort him.


1968 - John soon feels better and goes back to playing.


2008 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces three years in prison. John undergoes five years of therapy. Becomes gay.