Aaron, who runs the YouTube channel aaron0883 is now a blogger on schoolsucksproject.com. Aaron is a self-described market anarchist, rational egoist, and atheist, influenced by the work of Ayn Rand, Harry Browne, Stefan Molyneux, John Caldwell Holt, and Alice Miller.
He has made some superb videos on the topics of childhood, parenting and education, and he is very active in the SSP forums.
Here are some samples of his work:
I received an email yesterday from a listener who expressed concern about the recent increase in foul language on the show, specifically the use of the ‘f-word.’
As a general rule for the podcast, I try to avoid strong language because I think it makes for a better overall presentation, but the occasional curse can put some extra emphasis in the right place. Even when engaging in conversation, I am careful to monitor the number of swears I say, especially during frustration, while trying to get a point across.
I have noticed that other people swear a lot; many even insert the f-word where a short pause would do just fine. And while I am sorry if anyone else objects to recent swearing on SSP, but I’d like to point out that the f-word might not be one of our biggest problems, communication-wise right now. Aside from the numerous challenges we face in talking about liberty, another concern I have is the word ‘shit.’ Hold that thought.
It’s always interesting and instructive to observe how some people talk, how their thoughts become their words, and how they often seem to choose words that reinforce comforting or convenient thoughts. Language is very important, and it’s potency is often overlooked. It is one of the most powerful tools (along with threats, violence, and compulsory school) of those who seek to manipulate, and it is definitely the most powerful tool of peaceful folks who only hope to persuade others. But much of our language seems to be increasingly abstract and meaningless.
When I work with students on their writing, I regularly call attention to the use of vague and nebulous language (e.g. thing, good, bad, guy, etc…). But when I look at the pop culture that surrounds young people, I can certainly understand why many of them don’t put a premium on clarity.
For example, I remember in the 1980’s a soft drink company marketed its product with the slogan: “Coke Is It.”
Well…that’s pretty hard to argue with, isn’t it? Since it says nothing, explains nothing, and promises nothing. I guess it’s better than “Coke Is A Drink.” or “Coke Is A Proper Noun.” But “Coke Is IT” was somehow one of the most successful advertising slogans ever. Didn’t anyone think about it?
Things have only gotten worse. For a while, the McDonald’s slogan at the end of its tv/radio commercials was (no joke): “Dadada-da-da!”
Now that being said, consider the destructive power of government school, where slogans and euphemisms just as inane are repeated for 12 years…about things far more vile and destructive than soda, or even McDonald’s food.
As a result of school and this culture of communication, I constantly hear people accept, say, or even repeat things that make virtually no sense. And I rarely see any of them stop and reflect on how totally senseless and insane what they just said actually was.
Example: “You are the government.”
So anyway, “shit”: While I don’t know the full etymology, when I was born, three short decades ago, I think this word had just one meaning. It was only a reference to feces, and there seemed to plenty of other words to describe other (non-fecal) items and situations.
“Shit” expanded to describe items of poor quality: “what a piece of shit.” That also made sense, as both definitions addressed something undesirable: something that you would not want to own, rely on, hold in your hands or have in your mouth.
Then shit’s definition broadened again, to basically include items or situations in general: “what do you think of this shit?” And this was the turning point, “shit” was now out of control. Things continued to get worse, and by the 21st century, “shit” could describe almost anything. Maybe you just need a filler, so why not end your sentence with: “and shit.” For no reason.
In recent years, shit finally did a complete crossover, and actually became a word to describe something great: “It’s the shit.” And I understand that some young men today even express their desire to have a physical relationship with an attractive female stranger, by announcing to their friends something like: “I’d tap that shit.” Holy shit, that’s terrible.
It reached a breaking point for me this past week, while I was at a gathering where food was being served. Someone pointed to one of the food items, and said: “that shit is delicious.” After thousands of years of verbal communication, I’d like to think people could continue to maintain two separate words for their food and their excrement.
I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve logged telling kids about the emotional rewards of positive thought. But having a positive outlook may be more of a challenge today, in a world where everything around us is apparently turning to ‘shit.’ A thesaurus is like $2 or totally free online; it doesn’t have to be this way.
However, I don’t see a problem with calling things “the balls.” That says a lot.
Coke Is The Balls.
or
Bababa-balls!"
Beat that, Madison Avenue.
If anyone has any type of feedback about any past or future episodes, please post them of the page for that episode.
Google likes a lot of activity on a site, and I think more commenting could ultimately increase visibility. The show has reached a point where several related pages appear on the first page of results when the phrase, “school sucks” is entered. That’s great, but this page is not among those results yet.
Thanks, and I hope everyone is enjoying the new site.
-Brett
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