Episode 80: Stupidity Is Contagious

It begins with one student.

Then spreads.

Bad grammar.

Worse logic.

Unfounded confidence.

A virus.

I do nothing.

At first.

“…Miss, this is how everyone talks now.”

“…Is it?”

“…Yeah, it’s normal.”

“…Then continue.”

They do.

Assignments degrade.

Arguments collapse.

Confidence remains.

That is the critical flaw.

A week later—

I return their work.

Marked.

Thoroughly.

“…What is this?” one asks.

“…Your work.”

“…This is harsh.”

“…This is accurate.”

Silence.

“…But everyone—”

“…Is wrong,” I finish.

Pause.

“…You allowed it,” another says.

“…Yes.”

“…Why?”

I lean slightly forward.

“…Because correction without consequence is ignored.”

Silence.

“…Now you understand,” I continue,
“…why standards exist.”

No one argues.

They improve.

Not because I forced them.

Because their own failure cornered them.

As it always does.

And as it always will.