On Being Civil

Adam has Civics exams today, and I was going through his lessons, last night. I didn't know Civics is all about conforming. We did a few sample test papers, and the questions go like this, for example :

Mengapakah kita perlu membentuk kekuatan diri?

A Supaya kita tidak dibuli orang lain
B Supaya kita disenangi orang lain
C Supaya kita I can't remember what
D Supaya kita boleh bangga dengan diri sendiri

Now, Adam, naturally thought the answer is A; because the reality of primary school is, in fact, all about avoiding getting maimed by a huge twelve year old named Bob. I thought it was D, so that you'd have some self worth. But I was surprised to find out that the right answer, according to his workbook, is B. And here I am, telling him, almost daily, not to care about what other people think.

Adam had mumps last week, and was told to stay home. Instead he came to my office, where he allowed Shazwan to colour his hair a coppery blonde. Parts of it anyway. On Monday night, we tried to dye it black again, because he had visions of his headmistress, Cikgu Latifah, caning him in public, and caning me, too for good measure. It didn't go as well as planned, but the hair did turn a lovely chestnut. Adam was petrified.

On Tuesday morning, everyone on the bus could see that he had done something to his mane. According to Aiysha, two girls, from Standard Six, have started calling him Zahid. Adam related the incident to me with mock horror, but I think he secretly enjoyed the attention. So, who cares what other people think?

mokciknab muttered at 9:28 am ~ ~