Posted by
Andrews on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 6:02:34 PM
Some time ago, I wrote a piece on
children's programming and my thought that by telling children to adore themselves no matter what was a harmful philosophy. My point was that you are not only telling the good but insecure to be themselves, you are also telling the wrong and the evil to continue along in their error or outright evil.
However, earlier, in the essay I had two other thoughts. First,t hat having unmerited self-esteem could prevent one from improving and second that unwarranted self-esteem can lead one into stupidity.
However, researchers at
University of Georgia have added something to the list I did not mention. They have discovered that sometimes artificially elevated "fragile" self-esteem may be detrimental.
It is not exactly surprising to anyone who has not bought into the cult of self-esteem. Those who have an artificially elevated sense of importance not only often realize it, but become defensive whenever the truth of their situation is likely to be revealed. It is a common sense discovery, and something of a sign of our times that it takes research to point out something so self-evident.
But, at least now that scientists have said it, maybe those in the educational establishment pushing feel good programs will finally listen and moderate their "self esteem at all costs" position. Then again, when has reality ever been allowed to get in the way of good intentions?