Conformity

We recently watched the movie School of Rock, in which a self-absorbed guitarist is ejected from his band, impersonates his nerdy roommate as a substitute teacher; and teaches fourth graders about individuality, rock music, and life skills such as lying to parents, clandestine surveillance, soundproofing ones room, and stereotyping. As the mother of sons who used to be fourth graders, and as a former elementary teacher, I could choose to deplore the introduction of adolescent values into the lower elementary classroom. Like the rest of us, though, I realize those values have already percolated to kindergarten: one movie makes no difference.

What I ponder is conformity. Denny teaches his temporary charges about rebelling from “the man” (anyone in authority), and forming their own culture. Do they? They mime traditional rocker hairstyles and clothing. They mimic the postures and stage routines of the greats of rock…who became notable because they were unique. Individual. Original.

Of course the movie features the obligatory revelations, enlightenments, and acceptance of the artist persona (within the bounds of upper class conventional behavior). Everyone learns something, most characters release their inhibitions, there’s parity and ultimately transcendence of racial, professional, and generational boundaries.

But in his own adolescent-type rebellion, Denny demonstrates the most stringent kind of conformity. This is how a music star stands. This is my conception of your role, from lead guitarist to backup singers, to security. Yes, Denny adapts their jobs to their talents (for the classroom stars; the 10 leftover students, are given remainder positions). In his single-minded determination for force his own goals, Denny becomes the basest kind of stereotyped rocker and rebel. He’s a conforming user.

School is not kind to the nonconformists. Exceptionally smart or not ready to learn, they are ridiculed, isolated, patronized, or ignored. None of us want this path for our children or our students. Even when we hold up to them the example of the greats like Einstein who did not fit into their childhood classrooms, we send a double message: be smart and successful; be accepted by your peers and lead the clique. By molding students to fit established roles, we and Denny do those students a disservice. We lessen their potential and our selves. There’s a place for nonconformists. We need their insight and their vision. They set fire to our discussion groups and amaze us with themselves.

We need to appreciate them for who they are. By telling them how to not-conform, we do just the opposite.