RE: [xmca] The Self-esteem movement

[Peter Smagorinsky <smago@uga.edu>]

I should follow up by noting that LSV considered a change in the environment surrounding people of difference (those with biological "defects" such as deafness) to be fundamental to the self-esteem of the person of difference. He argued for the need to normalize difference by changing the attitudes of those in the cultural mainstream so that they ceased to pity or belittle people with different biological functions so that they could more easily adapt and assimilate and thus feel more a part of society and build self-esteem. So, in LSV's conception, eliminating bullying attitudes helped to build the self-esteem and feeling of inclusion of people of difference.

-----Original Message-----
From: xmca-bounces@weber.ucsd.edu [mailto:xmca-bounces@weber.ucsd.edu] On Behalf Of Peter Smagorinsky
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 6:20 AM
To: ablunden@mira.net; eXtended Mind, Culture, Activity
Subject: RE: [xmca] The Self-esteem movement

Well, self-esteem was a central goal of LSV's work in the field of defectology--provide cultural channels for kids to become involved with legitimate social labor as a way to feel included and thus develop greater self-esteem (which is actually the term used in translation).

In the US, I think it goes back to the 60s as part of the general unrest against "the establishment" and its emphasis on the Protestant work ethic, which was presumed to be repressive.

I'll check with some of my friends out there who specialize in bullying to see what they think about the report.

-----Original Message-----
From: xmca-bounces@weber.ucsd.edu [mailto:xmca-bounces@weber.ucsd.edu] On Behalf Of Andy Blunden
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 5:04 AM
To: eXtended Mind, Culture, Activity
Subject: [xmca] The Self-esteem movement

At last the pendulum has begun to swing back:
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/video/2240486979/Inflating-children-may-create-bullies
The report says that "the self-esteem movement" (i.e. lying to kids about their own virtues) is seen as a "failed experiment." Can anyone tell me where this "self-esteem" idea came from?

Andy
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------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Andy Blunden*
Joint Editor MCA: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/hmca20/18/1
Home Page: http://home.mira.net/~andy/
Book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608461459/

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