Surviving the African Parent

  There are two ways to tell this story. From their point of view and from my point of view. I will choose to tell it... from my point of view Obviously. So. It's open class day, academic review day (anything you call that dreaded day your parents come to talk to your teachers). In general, its a very miserable day because, for starters, both parents and teachers are talking about you in your presence as if you are not there for more than half of the conversations. Sometimes, teachers actually send you out of the room so they can talk about you! However, that's not the worst of it. (As I am sure you are already aware of) The worst part is what they SAY. Somehow, their recollection of events, and YOUR recollection of events always manage to remain on opposite ends of the spectrum. Who else had said one of the following in your mind or out loud during these events: "That's not what happened" "That's not how it happened" "That's not true" ...

 

  There are three subjects our parents usually care about. You know it, I know it, they know it. So why do they get mad if you don't do well in ALL subjects. They don't ask about or want to hear about THOSE subjects but if you do badly in them its Armageddon . Remember all those conversations like.. "Mom/Dad, I got a 95% in (insert one of THOSE subjects) " and they say "What will you do with (insert subject) in life?" But if you don't do well in it... Well, we all know where the story goes from there.

 

  It was, is and always will be... The Ultimate Academic Crime.  A big deal at home. You bring home a grade, eagerly awaiting commendation from your parents. They look at the score Purse their lips and say... "What happened to the remaining (insert number) marks?" Then come the follow up comments ranging from "Did you dash it to the teacher?" to "Did you throw it away?" Some other interesting variations include... "Did you give it to (insert hydra classmate name) ?" "Did you use it to play ball?" and the all time favourite "Did you give it to your teacher to (insert activity) ?" What was your usual follow up? I'd love to hear it.

 

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