Conformity in schools churns out morons

By Angela Ambitho

Is my teacher always right? Can I argue my point in class if I strongly believe in my convictions? Do I always have to sway with the majority even when my conscience tells me otherwise? Must I wear what everyone else is wearing and do what everyone else is doing? Why should I protect the unpopular kid when no one else does? Would I report the popular bully and risk being stigmatised as a snitch?

These are some of the fundamental questions that I recently discussed with my nine-year old son and his friends. Our discussion was premised on one of the boy’s narration of how society is intolerant of individualism. He recounted how his decision to side with Tom, the least popular boy in the class, resulted in extreme punishment.

“Our teacher expected everyone to put up their hands when he asked whether Tom was guilty of stealing a rubber. I didn’t because I felt he could have been framed. No sooner had I taken my stand, than the teacher called me to the front of the class, slapped me and instructed me to recite the words, ‘Kidero you’ve slapped me’ against the backdrop of a jeering class. Not only was I humiliated, but I also learnt that if as the majority I disobey, I will inevitably decay.” No society dictates strict adherence to conformity especially through schooling more than ours.

Kenyan schools neither have time nor room to nurture individualism, independent thinking nor creativity. Our curricula and teaching style rather than develop thinkers, inventors and creators churns out robotic followers unable to decipher anything outside a textbook. That our examinations encourage cramming rather than comprehension only exacerbates the situation resulting in copycats rather than trailblazers; submissiveness that makes it easier to succumb to bullying, criticism and peer pressure rather than courage to stand for one’s beliefs. From nascence we are conditioned to unquestioningly obey or face decay.

Because conformity is our second nature, uncanny parties continue to take advantage of us. Controversial bloggers capitalise on our coyness to shadowbox and attack innocent victims while MPs will be whipped into voting for unpopular Motions and Bills. The silent message that threads through these examples is that when in the majority you disobey, be ready to face decay. As we watch these happenings and link them to our socialisation, I am sure you see we have become a coward and coy nation primarily due to our inculcation. When teachers reprimand individualism, discourage defence of a minority and ridicule non-conformity, they fail to realise they are creating the very personalities they later loathe and complain about as treacherous and hopeless.

“Harmony will never be created if everyone sings the same note” and allowing our children to express varying opinions only sets the stage for their being the notable personalities Kenya so badly needs.