Essays

First of all, what do we mean by 'discipline'? I would say that discipline means "controlling one's behaviour'. Why would one want to control one's behaviour? The reasons are obvious. We live in this world with many other people, each one unique and different. In order to live together harmoniously we must have some sort of etiquettes guiding our social behaviour. Without these we would differ so much that there would be chaos and we would not be able to live together at all.

However, too much discipline can become inhibitive to the point that our creative energy does not find any outlet. This can cause more problems than solving some In school, there are codes of behaviour defined for the smooth running of the school. We have to come to school at a fixed time and all lessons and activities are carried out according to a schedule. This is necessary, If we do not follow a schedule, there will be too much time wasted in finding out what is going on at which place and at what time In short, the school would be worse than a market-place. The more aggressive ones will dominate and the school will become more of a joke and less of a place of learning.

It cannot be denied that discipline is of utmost importance in school. Unfortunately, discipline enforced blindly often does more harm than good. For example, I know that we have to keep quiet during Assembly so that we can hear what is being said. But to be told to remain silent when we are marching back to class after the Assembly is just too much. It is ridiculous trying to keep our mouths shut when our feet are making so much noise. Furthermore, the prefects are not loved for enforcing such a stupid rule. We do not blame them for shouting at us to keep quiet- We only blame the absurdity of such a rule.

Another example is that of our uniform. White shoes are compulsory, but what harm does a stripe of red and blue on the side of the shoe do. I have seen shoes being confiscated for exhibiting these 'Offensive' stripes. To me,' the' stripes actually make the shoes more attractive. To the school authorities the stripes cause immense pain. They are being neurotic. This confiscation of shoes is abuse of power, of discipline pushed to extremes. No wonder there are some of us who despise the school.

At home, I would say that most of the codes of behaviour, albeit unwritten, are fair and easy to follow. I am thankful for having such understanding parents. They are stern when they need to be so and likewise liberal when the situation allows it. Once in a while we may be disciplined, at most get a scolding, for doing something wrong. Such disciplinary actions are rare, and they are always followed by a clear explanation as to why that something was wrong. Not only does it make me realize my mistakes but also it makes me wiser.

By far, the most important disciplinary factor at home is love. Love and care shown by members of the family for one another discard the need for other forms of discipline. Love and care also bring the family together, reducing all types of disharmony to zero. A family devoid of love is doomed to break up, sooner or later. No amount of disciplinary action can prevent it.

It would be nice if the school practices some genuine love and care. I am not saying that there are none. We could do with more. However, it is not so easy because the school has so many people, this is the difficulty. Someday, maybe, we would reach some kind of mutual understanding on this matter. Till then we will have to do with our present rules and regulations. Howsoever undesirable they may be sometimes, they are for our better.