#every kid

i think part of the reason Gifted Kids feel so lost after school is that we were seen as a problem to be solved. most kids are viewed that way, but with us the “problem” was easier to see and the solution was “put them in gifted classes”.

that was seen as enough. if you’re smart and doing well in school, that means you’re fine, right?

they (the proverbial invisible hand of culture society etc.) were trying to indoctrinate “smart is good, not smart is bad,” which is a horrifying ideology to instill, no matter how good the intentions.

what happens is a little kids only sees “you are different so we are going to separate you so that you are less of a problem.”

and then the adults decide when they’ve given you enough “special treatment”.

oh right, that part. we will treat you as an exception, but if you ASK to be treated as an exception we will berate you for thinking you are special.

you’re smart, so it’s your responsibility to develop that intelligence, but don’t be too proud of it because it makes adults uncomfortable to see kids who are smarter than them, and then go get a high paying job, but don’t be too excited because this is what was expected of you anyway so why should you get special attention for doing something that is really hard for me and seems to be easier for you, that makes me feel bad about myself and it’s your fault so please just exist to be a token of how wonderful our american education system is, how diverse academia is, how being labeled a Gifted Kid was the best thing that happened to you and don’t you dare ask for anything more than what we’ve deigned to give you.

*Someone having a really bad idea*

Person who wants to stop them: "Don't do it, it's too dangerous!"

Person with the bad idea: "Imma do it anyway."

Person who wants to stop them: "Okay, but I'm coming with you then."