Standard; noun; 1 - level of quality; 2 - moral principle
The word ‘standard’
can mean different things to different people, which is why I put the two major
definitions above.
I have noticed that
people’s moral standards vary depending on their background and their
upbringing. Both my parents are quite prudish, and the same goes with the rest
of my family. I have previously addressed the fact that I have strong morals,
most of which come from how I was raised. But, as I have progressed through
school, I have witnessed many different types of behaviour. The majority of my
friends are like me; usually polite and well behaved, following the rules. Personally,
I think life is easier when you follow the rules and are a more pleasant human
being; people will like you more and be more willing to help you if you get
stuck.
But some people do,
of course, set lower standards for themselves, enthused by their background and
family. Making trouble for teachers (people who try to help them) and those
around them, falling into bad habits and ignoring rules.
And I think this is a
real shame; just because they haven’t been given the best start at life, doesn’t
mean they can’t improve their standards, their quality of work, even quality of
life. If they could up their moral standards and the quality of the work they
produce in school, I am 100% sure they would notice a few differences in their
life. Low moral standards often result in your peers having low respect for you
and your actions. Girls who sleep around with anyone and are undoubtedly going
to be looked down on, instead of being viewed as a role model.
If more people in my
year would just buckle down and work, actually putting some effort into the set
tasks, rather than messing the teachers about and disrupting lessons, they
would like school more too. You get out what you put in, right? By working
harder and not bugging the teachers, perhaps they’ll find the time they spend
in school more enjoyable, or pleasant. Teachers will praise them, not shout at
them.
I don’t understand
how people don’t see this simple logic. We are incredibly privileged to have
free education in the UK, and I often find myself wishing the troublemaker could
be swapped with a child from a third world country, with no education but desperately
hoping for one.
I know I am lucky
coming from the background I do, but I don’t always feel it. However, sitting
here, writing this article makes realise just how blessed I am to have the
family I do, coupled with opportunities and options that so many people don’t have,
while thousands of British school kids just throw it away.
This kind of went off
topic but never mind.
