Waiting2BwithHim Posted October 1, 2011 Group: Advanced Member Followers: 1 Topic Count: 248 Topics Per Day: 0.05 Content Count: 373 Content Per Day: 0.08 Reputation: 113 Days Won: 5 Joined: 04/18/2011 Status: Offline Birthday: 09/10/1963 Share Posted October 1, 2011 By Lori Preuitt The common practice of saying "God bless you" after someone sneezes is a part of American culture. But it sparked a controversy at a Bay Area high school this week. Teacher Steve Cuckovich docked his students' scores after they said "bless you" in the middle of class. He says talking of any kind is disruptive and takes time away from class. Cuckovich teaches health at William C. Wood High School in Vacaville. "The blessing doesn't make any sense anymore," Cuckovich told the Fox affiliate in Sacramento. "When you sneezed in the old days, they thought you were dispelling evil spirits out of your body. So they were saying, 'God bless you,' for getting rid of evil spirits. But today, what you're doing doesn't really make any sense." Some parents were furious with the teacher, claiming his rule was anti-religious. Cuckovich apparently listened to the parents. He says he will no longer deduct points from assignments for the disruption, but he added he will continue to control his classroom. On Thursday, the district made it first comments on the issue. Superintendent John Niederkorn said that Cuckovich thought the students were sneezing in dramatic fashion with the intent of disrupting class. "It was brought to the District’s attention a few days ago that students were disciplined for being disruptive in class. The teacher believed that students were dramatically sneezing and responding in repetitive fashion “Bless You”. One of the concerns is the social convention of saying “Gesundheit”, “God Bless You”, or “Bless You” after someone sneezes. Of question is whether a series of these repeated remarks by several students constitutes freedom of speech or a classroom disruption and merits student discipline. Vacaville Unified’s Administration is continuing its investigation of this reported classroom disruption. We are reviewing the impact of this disruption and the student grading policy. Certainly a blessing by one individual to another after a sneeze is a welcomed acknowledgement of a social norm. Hopefully it is not abused as a disruption of classroom instructional activities." Dr. John Niederkorn, Superintendent. Neiderkorn's final word on the matter is still to be determined. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldShep Posted October 1, 2011 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 1 Topic Count: 20 Topics Per Day: 0.00 Content Count: 934 Content Per Day: 0.20 Reputation: 137 Days Won: 6 Joined: 07/20/2011 Status: Offline Birthday: 02/12/1950 Share Posted October 1, 2011 This sounds like something that happened back in the 60's in one of my study halls. Us kids were messing with the teacher, it worked, the poor lady left the class room crying. Back then when I was a kid, I could be a little Dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nebula Posted October 1, 2011 Group: Royal Member Followers: 10 Topic Count: 5,823 Topics Per Day: 0.76 Content Count: 45,870 Content Per Day: 5.95 Reputation: 1,897 Days Won: 83 Joined: 03/22/2003 Status: Offline Birthday: 11/19/1970 Share Posted October 1, 2011 This is sad. No one considers the ancient practice anymore. It's simply considered courtesy, being polite. This is as bad as feminists yelling at men for holding the door open for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldShep Posted October 1, 2011 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 1 Topic Count: 20 Topics Per Day: 0.00 Content Count: 934 Content Per Day: 0.20 Reputation: 137 Days Won: 6 Joined: 07/20/2011 Status: Offline Birthday: 02/12/1950 Share Posted October 1, 2011 This is sad. No one considers the ancient practice anymore. It's simply considered courtesy, being polite. This is as bad as feminists yelling at men for holding the door open for them. My God, that happened to me. I was entering the Mall and held the door open for a couple of ladies behind me, instead of walking through and saying thank-you both stopped dead in their tracks and looked at me. After about 20 second one lady said " You .....chauvinistic pig" . I stood there for another 30 to 45 seconds shocked and not knowing what I should do, for I hold the door open for all peoples. I did let go of the door and the ladies opened it and walked by me while trash talking men on a whole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Posted October 2, 2011 Group: Royal Member Followers: 2 Topic Count: 115 Topics Per Day: 0.02 Content Count: 8,281 Content Per Day: 1.13 Reputation: 249 Days Won: 3 Joined: 03/03/2004 Status: Offline Birthday: 10/30/1955 Share Posted October 2, 2011 This is sad. No one considers the ancient practice anymore. It's simply considered courtesy, being polite. This is as bad as feminists yelling at men for holding the door open for them. My God, that happened to me. I was entering the Mall and held the door open for a couple of ladies behind me, instead of walking through and saying thank-you both stopped dead in their tracks and looked at me. After about 20 second one lady said " You .....chauvinistic pig" . I stood there for another 30 to 45 seconds shocked and not knowing what I should do, for I hold the door open for all peoples. I did let go of the door and the ladies opened it and walked by me while trash talking men on a whole. People with that much anger, including this teacher, who obviously has some issues, cannot have very happy lives. People like this find things to be bitter and offended about. It's part of their nature. I've held doors for women my whole life, and still tip my hat for them. SO FAR I have never been yelled at. Many years back my sister saw me open the car door for my wife, and commented to my mom: "I wish I could find a man to love me that much." But today it seems we must: DO THE RIGHT THING AND ACCEPT THE CONSEQUENCES. No good deed shall go unpunished! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgedrw81 Posted October 2, 2011 Group: Royal Member Followers: 0 Topic Count: 7 Topics Per Day: 0.00 Content Count: 1,823 Content Per Day: 0.33 Reputation: 36 Days Won: 2 Joined: 04/10/2009 Status: Offline Share Posted October 2, 2011 People with that much anger, including this teacher, who obviously has some issues, cannot have very happy lives. People like this find things to be bitter and offended about. It's part of their nature. Praying for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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