„I Hate That School!” On Rejection, Lack of Understanding and How Much Depends on One Person

Abstract

The story of Krzyś (Chris), which the author reconstructed based on talks with a friend, shows the situation of the “class clown”, the boy suspected of having ADHD whom the doctors were unable to diagnose explicitly for some years. Like many such “Others”, Chris experienced rejection by some of his teachers, peers and their parents and by some members of his own family. Early in life he knew the bitterness of loneliness, lack of understanding, aggression, fear of school, humiliation and helplessness. The story of Chris and his school problems shows how the attitudes of various persons in a school who deal with a child perceived as “different” can vary. How much depends on the particular person, on his or her receptiveness, ability to notice the problems and eagerness to help. The story is also a starting point for reflection on the model of the pupil – teacher relationship in a large school system as well as its alternatives; and more generally – on the functioning of schools in a socjety dominated by a culture of humiliation, hostility and rejection.