Whiplash

During my vacation this past Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I happened to watch Whiplash. Under a strict and rude music professor, a student practices over and over in order to be recognized. Twisted as it is, driven solely toward success, the film ends with the student succeeding in surpassing his limits.

It’s been a while since a movie left such a long-lasting impression on me. Should a teacher be domineering? Or should they be permissive?

As an educator, even in moments when I need to be domineering, I don’t want to be rude. Nor do I want to gaslight anyone. I want to clearly and plainly let the other person know that I hold high expectations of them, and let them choose for themselves whether they’re ready to endure the hard practice ahead.