Dead Poets Society

Watched Dead Poets Society finally (knew what the story was about but never sat down to view it). I had wanted to gain some form of inspiration from this movie since Teacher's Day is nearing and I was (and am) feeling quite stressed recently. It left me with no definitive answer but brought up some points which striked a chord in my heart.

1) I admire the charisma of Keatings, though admittedly I can't replioate that cos' it's just not my style. However, I do admire the way that he managed to talk with his students about life and passion. Nevertheless, he was still an example of how it's hard to stay in the "system" if one is of that mindset. Perhaps that's why some teachers may feel stifled indeed. The demands of the society (as a whole)concerning education(can only speak for mine) are still predominantly exam-oriented. Sometimes, I wonder even if I decide to stay true to my beliefs and possibly be a martyr one day, would I be doing my students a disfavour? After all, they need to live in this society. That's why I still emphasise pragmatism to my students although I do hope that they can find that happy haven of their own that marries both pragmatism with idealism.

2) On a more personal level, this show reminded me of my passions. However, because they are so-called the professions that would not enable me to earn the money that my family needs, over time, as I grew up, these thoughts were abandoned. I feel a little sad about it (not that I don't like teaching) but I guess these people mean more to me than my dreams (perhaps a mixture of both 'moral' obligation and emotional attachment). Nevertheless, I hope that I can realise these dreams some day. Thinking about them just in a very vague sort of way and keeping them somewhere far back in my mind which will most prob. go into obscurity as the rush comes on again...