Frazz by Jef Mallett for December 07, 2016
December 06, 2016
December 08, 2016
Transcript:
Girl: I can't wait until I'm grown up and can just carry around a coffee cup instead of this heavy book bag. Mr. Spaetzle: I think I just flunked the role-model test. Frazz: That was just one question and it wasn't in the study guide.
Actually, I DO find Mr. Spaetzel to be an EXCELLENT role model for students. Is Mr. Spaetzel perfect? No, but no one is. But, as a character, he is a IMO a pretty damn good role model:
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1. He is by all accounts, very kind, considerate, and thoughtful as a Principal.
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2. He always shows great care for his work and his co-workers.
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3. He is accepting of differences in people, but at the same time has been very good at getting people who have differences to work together well.
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In regards to the kids comment about the book bag vs. coffee cup…. the way I am reading Mr. Spaetzel’s chagrin at himself, I am thinking he must feel he should be presenting a more “scholarly” image in some way? Not sure, but that is what I am assuming he is meaning. But, the reality is, he is a learned fellow, and as Principal, he has a wide array of books in his office, I am certain. He does not need to be carrying around a bookbag of books, because he has a permanent office (unlike the students). He has also, a briefcase, where he likely stores paperwork and potentially books as well that he carts back and forth between school and home.
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If he is feeling regret about his “role model” image because of the coffee cup, I am not really understanding why. There is no harm or foul in his having and enjoying coffee. Scholarly and non-scholarly folks the world over enjoy coffee.
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So, from my perspective…. I think Mr. Spaetzel is being far too hard on himself! He is a good guy, a great Principal, and a real decent human being. These are all things that IMO make him a role model the kids SHOULD aspire to.