Dodgeball Terror

It has been a couple weeks now working at IHAD, and it is rewarding, exhilarating, and usually the best part of my Tuesdays. I have been going to the physical education time and besides getting pummeled in dodgeball last week have really enjoyed it. One the girls on my team, Maria, was saying how she didn't want to play, because Mr. Jazz  hits to hard. I laughed it off...oh it will be fun. My god was I mistaken. Not being exposed to dodgeball to much in middle school (my school did scooter tag: a game that dangerously  combined wheels, rope...and the human catapulting) I screamed like a little girl as soon as the games began at IHAD. Through my terror filled eyes I did get to see the unique and special interactions the students have with the adults. Physical education always seems to bring out the rawist forms of ourselves, if only for a split second. When competing to win a game you see how some students feel incredible comfortable in this environment. Individuals that sit silently during the introduction part, spring into action on the field or court. Having played with everyone for about 4 weeks now there are obvious roles that the students have and follow.

In my Theories and Methods class for art history we are looking at the influences of a Freudian psychoanalytical approaches when looking at artwork. Classically art is viewed as the best when it is closest the ideal Forms of Plato and thus consequently nature. With this as a back story, the childhoods of the famous artist are often viewed as significant for understanding their work. Not only are childhood experiences used to analysis the unconscious manifestations in the work, but the childhood in general viewed as this magical, purely inspire period. The importance of the childhood is a concept that is cherished in American societies (in my opinion). It seems to be particularly valued for its purity and beautiful honest. In a interview with comedian, Margaret Cho reflecting on her childhood, she believes that there is a disconnect between the innocence associated with childhood and the actuality/reality. In her opinion, the fascination with childhood comes from it closeness to nature in the animalist aspect. Children can be cruel, brutally honest, and their simplistic approach to problems is devoid of culturally learned social graces.

All of this theory and comedian's rambles channeled through my head as I went to tutoring this Tuesday. As I took a second to breathe. I back up to the baseline of the basketball court and watch bouncy balls being rocketed viciously through the air. Oh did I miss this. However, the purity and innocence of childhood where not the first thoughts that popped through my head. Realizing why working with children and young adults is terrifying at many points. The sometimes brutal honesty and conflict- resolution techniques are intimidating. Intimidating because my experience with children/young adults is that they know when you are lying or faking. Coded with a million ways to "put on a good face," and keep smiling, melts into a puddle sometimes when working with children. The exciting thing I saw the other day is that this honesty, closeness to nature ideas surrounding children is at the root hopeful. As you watch everyone pile back in the room they laugh and forgive quickly. Working with children you see "random acts" of kindness all the time. In contrast in the civilized adult world we have book, posters, and days dedicate to "randoms acts of kindness." Children may break you down and strip you bare of these comforting masks. However, after work with any child, IHAD, tutoring program I feel that I am more honest and less motivate by social gain. To conclude yes dodgeball is absolutely terrifying, but it provides a great way to stand on a completely level playing field with the students. And I will take a quick rush of adrenaline and swift hit from a rubber ball, just to feel the fleeting, honest terror.