Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for November 14, 1993

Transcript:

Student: (An "A"? I'd like to thank the Encyclopedia Britanica. Without which this paper wouldn't have been possible...) Mr. McAllister? I'd like to talk to you about my term paper grade, sir... McAllister: You got an "A". What's the problem? Student: The problem is the "A", sir. I don't deserve it. McAllister: Of course you don't. Neither do most of the students who get "A's". But we're trying to build self-esteem here. Student: But don't you see how that breeds cynicism? If everyone's special, then no one is! How can I develop self-esteem if I'm not allowed to develop self-respect? My paper is a shambles - a poorly organized regurgitation of an encyclopedia piece. But if it earns me an "A", why should I try to do better? McAllister: Okay. Give it here. You want a real grade? I'll give you what you deserve - a "C"! There! Student" Wow...I've never seen one before. Why's it so tiny? McAllister: You want your parents to notice? That's grief I don't need.