American institution This Old House has been going strong for 45 years. The series' third host, former commercial banker Kevin O'Connor, is passionate about highlighting the work of industry professionals. This common goal brought him and Mike Rowe together last year. episode on Lowe's podcast “The Way I Heard It” last year.
Lowe and O'Connor discussed the experiences that come with their “B” star status, including hosting and appearing on another PBS classic, “Sesame Street.” They also discussed their respective charities. Generation Next, an organization that helps train apprentices and gives them bit roles on “This Old House,” and Mike Rowe Works.
We need to end the DEI-based bias against boys and youth that permeates every level of public education.
O'Connor talked about the deep history of “This Old House.” Fans of the show will especially want to hear the recollection of the 1979 helicopter shooting incident involving Bob Vila.
342: Apple Juice and Saltine with Kevin O'Connor
342: Apple Juice and Saltine with Kevin O'Connoropen.spotify.com
The most meaningful part of the interview was when the conversation turned to the lack of in-store classes in 21st century high schools, leading to a discussion of how the modern education system is failing young people.
O'Connor believes a lack of male role models plays a key role in why boys and young people are left behind. “If you look at the changes in American school education, there used to be a lot of male teachers,” he says. “In the 1970s, I think half or more than half of high school teachers were men. Today, 75 percent of teachers are women.”
He went on to explain why this is a concern. “That's not necessarily a bad thing in itself, but when young men are looking for role models, it's different when they're mentored by older men who are successful and who can talk about the right things.” More manly. ”
At this point in the conversation, Lowe interjected and asked O'Connor: That's amazing. ”
O'Connor said jokingly. “But Mike, no one listens to your podcast, right? This doesn't get us anywhere, does it?” He then quickly and forcefully listed what he thought the current outcome would be.
[Boys] It was sidelined and demoted. They are hurt in terms of reputation. And if you look at the health status of young men, I don't think it's very good. You know, they have it harder than women. They graduate fewer. Few people go on to university. They are victims of depression, suicide, and even incarceration.
And for me, when people say traditional male work, career is secondary, it's useless, it seems like there must be some connection between them. And we are surprised to see young people leaving high school and college feeling lost and confused, and suffering from its negative effects. I think shop class is just one of them.
O'Connor is absolutely right on these points. As a society, we disqualify young men. From elementary school, they are labeled as subversive, toxic, responsible for society's problems, and are made to feel basically worthless. Popular educational theories claim that there are no differences between men and women and that young people of all races are left behind.
O'Connor is also right about youth suicide rates. The percentage of people aged 15 to 24 has jumped. 50% or more From 2001 to 2021. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention“In 2022, 3.85 times more men than women will die by suicide.”
The labor force participation rate of prime-age men (25-54 years old) continues to decline rapidly. a Bipartisan Policy Center – Artemis Survey A survey conducted earlier this year found that 57% of men who stopped looking for work cited physical and mental health problems as the reason.
Research also supports O'Connor's assertion that young men graduate from high school at lower rates than young women. a Brookings Institution research The 2017-2018 rates confirmed that this was true for all states.
What needs to be done to address this? First, we need to end the DEI-based bias against boys and youth that permeates every level of public education. Second, we need to train teachers, who are primarily women, in how to engage effectively with boys and young men.
Mr O'Connor emphasized this point with a story about his son's experience at the school. He told how a female teacher could not control the boys in her son's class and sent them all to the principal's office.
Ms O'Connor later met with the principal and said: If the teacher's solution was to kick all the boys out, there would be some people who wouldn't understand because boys are troublesome, but they are them and the solution is possible. Don't corner them, restrain them, or push them away. ”
The future of the country depends on strong men. It is long past time for us to demand these developments from our public education system.
