Mary, we’re on the same wavelength. Thank you for this insightful essay! I’ve been thinking and writing about parallel societies a lot lately, pondering personal sovereignty and learning practical ways to decouple from corrupt systemic entanglements.
I envision faith based parallel societies proliferating and prospering. One by one, as we exit the matrix and build our own society, we render the broken down system obsolete.
Regardless of the methods employed, I believe that the original intent determines the outcome. The difference between Waldorf and WEF is the former is educational and consensual and the latter is predatory and coercive.
Katie Grace, we sure ARE. Your vision is mine as well, and I'd love to find ways to support each other toward achieving the parallelism that is calling us.
And yes, yes, yes... you are spot-on; intention is everything. Reminds me of Hawkins's "Power vs. Force," which rocked my world when it was published eons ago. I grew a little wary of Hawkins later (speaking of intentions -- his seemed to be going awry) but that book was instrumental in my path of understanding the underlying energies of our actions.
Thank you so much for your thoughts! I always appreciate your heart-centered intelligence...
Do you know if there is a social media especially for home schooling--teachers, parents? I think it would be a wonderful platform where educators, thinkers, student teachers, parents could interact. I was thinking of proposing this idea to the substack staff.
If only you were close by--we could have more than a few conversations.
Oh Hillary... I'm so far out of the social media loop, I'm the last person who would know! I do have a dear friend who has taught homeschooled children/teens for years -- she taught my own kids. She might know...? I can ask her if she'd be willing to connect with you. Here's my email: mary@poindextermclaughlin.com. That'll be an easier way to put the two of you in touch, if she's open to it -- and you are interested.
Thank you for your comment, Mary. What a blessing to home school your kids. I never had kids. I started my teaching career in 1973 in the boonies of Cave Junction, and Selma, Oregon. I would ride my bicycle the 11 miles to teach at a farm-school with kids from traveling Scientology parents. I had total freedom to work with the kids. In those days nature radiated through them, with vibrant energy. They were completely aware of themselves and there were no distractions from learning who they were. I taught math, Yoga, meditation, art and science. It feels good to remember.
WOW, Hillary. Every unfolding few words of this sentence surprised me: "I would ride my bicycle the 11 miles to teach at a farm-school with kids from traveling Scientology parents." :-)
Seems like an idyllic time, frankly. Reading your description of the kids, and your tutelage, It's hard not to feel like we have completely lost our way. So glad you are continuing to help parents -- they need people like you who DO remember!
Holy Moly, Mary. This was so interesting, especially the way you put it all together with the metaphor of the starfish and the spider. You are so clever. So, this idea of restructuring our society is becoming quite a big issue, the natural next step in trying to shape a new way of living because of the consequences of the last 3 years in particular, but our society has been heading in this direction for some time.
I read another substack, Abby of Misrule and he, Paul Kingsnorth, is beginning to discuss this subject matter as well. In his recent article, https://paulkingsnorth.substack.com/p/watch-the-great-fall he has a link to the writing of Ivan Illich on Conviviality, https://www.panarchy.org/illich/conviviality.html in which Illich offers an alternative to technocratic disaster. This idea centers around “individual freedom being realized in personal interdependence; …autonomous and creative intercourse among persons, and the intercourse of persons with their environment.” This is applied across the board to all our institutions such as industry, education, medicine, and social relationships.
I agree with you that spirituality, as opposed to religion, could be the glue that holds it all together, spirituality of one kind or another, where certain values are held in common. Very exciting, uh?
I recommend checking out Katie Grace’s substack on this subject as well. “Solace For Sensitive Souls”. She and a group of like-minded souls are actually in the process of creating a new structure for self-governance. https://revkatiegrace.substack.com/p/a-path-to-sovereignty
Rocket, what a fantastic comment. I just discovered Paul Kingsnorth about a week ago, but haven't delved yet... I absolutely will! The essay on Illich sounds fascinating.
And oh how I LOVE Rev. Katie Grace. Started reading her based on your recommendation a while back, and have been so enriched. You're following an awesome crowd! Count me in on creating new governance structures; that's a passion left over from my Waldorf days.
These times, as troubling as they are, ARE exciting. I do believe we chose to be here now. I'm so grateful to be on your team... xox
Mary, while reading your essay, I was reminded of my experience with leaderless Quaker worship some years ago. It definitely resonated. I haven't been able to reconnect with a Quaker group where I am living now, but what I assimilated from that time in my life and experience has stood me in good stead. (I could say the same with Alanon & AA). Life changing, miraculous, soul sustenance! Look forward to reading Part II, thank you! https://quaker.org/
Yes, sojourner, thanks for reminding me of the Quaker model! I've participated in their worship only a few times, but it really resonated for me, too. Leaderless models like the Quakers -- and the others you mention -- have SO MUCH to teach us. I will include the Quakers in Part 2, now that you've so kindly brought them back into my consciousness... Grateful for your comment!
Mary, this is wonderful! I look forward to Part 2. I am working on an international decentralized model to train teachers-parents for home schooling which is student centered. It is likely to already exist. Nevertheless, I am meeting more parents from around the world who are educating their kids while traveling as digital nomads and are looking for guidance. . . I would love to engage with you on this idea. . . Blessings from Thailand
Hillary, that sounds fascinating, and so very needed! I homeschooled my kids for one year, when the Waldorf school they were attending went through some personnel changes that didn't mesh with our needs. It was such an adventure! I struggled to find support that wasn't Christian-centric. (Not that I didn't appreciate their materials and methods, it just wasn't what I was wanting.)
Then later, when they were in high school, my eldest homeschooled for the last two years, and my middle child did it for one. It was WAY easier for me then, because we had a wonderful Waldorf-inspired homeschool coop that took the vast majority of the teaching off my hands. Having guidance and support from other parents and teachers is so essential for the well-being of everyone! :-)
Mary, Thank you for your wonderful reply to my original comment. I needed to say more to let you know that I consider you to be right in there with that "awesome crowd" you say I'm following. I also appreciate so much your excitement and enthusiasm about everything that we are all discovering together. It's contagious. Yes, I've heard it said that we chose to be here now. What were we thinking?? But we must have known something. Remember what Rilke says: "God speaks to each of us as he makes us." xox
Ditto back thar an' yup, I ain't always known fer brevity but when somethin' knocks my noggin' I like ta share an' I LIKED thinkin' bout all this stuff ya brought up--this IS what we all need now! (an' thankfully folks kin read my mini-tomes or "Walk on By!" like the song sez)--
Anywho, yes, I think it's gonna be a big challenge ta figger out WHEN and WHERE it makes the most sense ta accomplish stuff by consensus (con-sense-us!)--which can indeed be a "ril" good thing--or by follerin' someone's lead--'specially if ya gotta non-nefarious visionary on yer hands-- So n' thus we shouldn't toss out spiders a-pry-orri cuz they're pollinators! (lit'rally--many don't know this...) and sometimes, as I said, a big head is whatcha need... There have been directors or producers I'd foller any time--and others I'd like to give a dose'a RAID (wull, not really as it's toxic but ya git my drift)
Speakin' a big heads, Teddy Roosevelt was one've 'em and his cancellation (warts n' all) is a sad'un. Mention'in him as he went after the monopolies big time--tried ta break 'em up! PLUS he helped make the American Nat'ral Hist'ry Museum one'a the greatest Moo-See'ums in the World (his dang fambly founded it...shame on them statue-removers...). He was also quite the artist!
Anywho....
Yes, it's indeed a good thing that there is no over-archin' Waldorf "Author-i-Tay!" such that some child-friendly havens can an' do exist like those that found YOU! (I'll bet ya rocked--an' mineral'd too--at the ones lucky 'nuf ta have ya on board). An' in the name of celebratin' good lemonade, the downside fer us not doin' those uber-anally-controlled Off-Fish-All Waldorf classes was that we did our own "thang" and it wuz the beans!---over time apart from the fun, talented, energetic "young'un" actors I got ta work with for the Waldorf-inspired stuff I set up myself, as the years passed my girls also got the benefit of some really incredible instructors found by my fellow mamas--one was a homeschoolin' mama herself--all well-versed in Waldorf, but far more open to joy, laughter, kindness (to tots too!) and flexiblity (which was the problem we had with "formal" NY Waldorfery!).
To this day my younger gal (in part-tic-u-lar) kin knit like the dickens, crochet, lucet, spin wool, weave, dye...I mean that list'a goes on a spell! The purdy stars we had on our window panes faded (dang, that special paper was spendy...I'd a hoped it would'a lasted!) but what remains yet is not only good mem'ries and some nice crafts but some TomTerrific SKILLS... An' if a pending Renaissance is headed our way SKILLS is what we need!--skills ta make not only wonderful beautiful things but stuff ya need (like wooly slippers ;-)
We may all be dippin' candles down the road a piece--thankfully some've us've all ages still know how!
Dang, this was a real fascinatin' read and tho my mind's been oft-on (or off and on) thinkin' bout Havel an' parallel societies--this book /the starfish analogy wasn't at all in my purvue so gratty-tude fer sharin' -- a fun trip for me, promptin' reflex-ions on both past and future "group" experiences.
Anythin' natural that looks like a star is intriguing--Star-Nosed Mole (wowee!) or even Star Anise! (it's a "covid" cure to boot!) is a 'specially fascinatin' wonder of nature ("natch, sure"). I knew starfish could regrow limbs but didn't know just how self-repariing they were (like your Waldorf group once the face-silly-taters gave the group the hang've things!). Re this type of self-healing, (I was thinkin' bout the late great Dr. Zev Zelenko passing away (a very important lost appendage of the freedom movement) and while some tried to take him out (literally--so bad he had to move!), and in spite've his untimely passin' all the other starfish limbs got movin' with his helpers and peers carryin' on his many good works...) That's a feller whose star shines bright fer me! Anywho....
WHEN it works, "plurality" in collective group efforts can be beautiful and I've had some've those experiences over the years in homeschoolin' my own kids.... But (devil's advocate here...) it works only when folks all want the same thing "big picture-wise" cuz when they don't or when the group DEPENDS on someone's visionary leadership.... such leadership is then essential for the project or endeavor to survive. Otherwise (I've seen it) heigh-ho mutiny! Man overboard! Folks takin' off on lifeboats. In other words.... deez-aster. To wit, Project Veritas NEEDS James O'Keefe and his singular vision and his particular mix've dignity and conviction and ruthless muckrackin'.... Just this past week I understand he was almost ousted from the very organization he founded (thinkin' of Glenn Greenwald too...with Intercept) BECAUSE the "collective" had (they thought) "better ideas" and the group "agreed" upon them and decided that "their" group vision was the rock to his scissors. I've seen that too many'a time . in thee-ate-'er and film and have even been thar me-self! Of course these endeavors "ahrtistic" are by nature collaborative but lackin' a visionary "Captain" OR when collective decisions don't serve that singular vision the all-others-in-the-group-consensus (at "best") can attenuate the work or (at worst) cause the entire show /production ta crash n' burn (with little hope'a ressurection). So imo, it DOES depend on "what" the project or effort is about.... Some of the best ones DO need an eagle-eyed human at the helm (sometimes it's not even a NICE human but the end result can--rassafrassarassafrassa--STILL be superior to some group efforts that are FAR more enjoyable for the part-tissy-pants). As someone out their once said... it's complicated!
This doesn't undermine the starfish model--but there are times when Boris the Spider (big head n' all) needs to be on stage (or front n' center). I'll invoke the spirit of Jerome Robbins as an example!
Funny ta me that it was your Waldorf experience that was the MOST successful workin' from that consensus model (no leaders, etc). As a longtime fan of most things Waldorf (I'm not on board with summa' that anthroposophy jive but many've Steiner's writings are SO marvelous and ring true today! Also check out Elana Freeland on Steiner...), Anywho, as a mama who pulled from Waldorf like it was taffy from the git-go (the bee-u-tea-ful nature crafts, the stories, the fingerplays, etc), ironically my experiences with "Official" Waldorf (the real deal) were SO gawd-awful controllin' and centralized and dictatorial (at least here in New Yawk) that I ended up runnin' our own eclectic "Waldorf-inspired" elf an' fairy classes within our homeschoolin' community and ditched all that was Goose-Schteppy (an' boy was it!) about the more O-fish-all ones.
The "Enchanted Gatherin's" I set up wasn't group-led (I ran the whole "sheeew" and cast fellow actors as instructor-elves an' fairies) but in my variation kids were allowed to laugh, giggle, sing really loud, not line up, and and we all ran around a lot to git our sillies out and the kids were never "made to" draw just like the instructor--even tho we did do the "real deal" crafts and "handwerk"--the wet-on-wet and limited colors and the entire enchilada that cost an arm an'na leg at Mercurious!
After I ran classes fer the littles, later on as my girls got bigger a friend'a mine started a middle-school-aged Waldorf group by hirin' a teacher who had left Brooklyn Waldorf for the same reasons I'd felt myself--she too complained that everyone was SO uptight and tyrannical! (My "off-fish-all" experiences were with Steiner, Brooklyn Waldorf, & Chestnut Ridge---all the same mindset, not a starfish in the bunch and I think if they wuz spiders they wuz all Black Widows!!!!)
For a few examples... the kids all n' always had to line up quietly and patiently, even little tots of 2 and 3--couldn't wiggle or step out of formation or chat with lil' friends while waitin' ta dip candles or dip silks in vegetable dye vats--an' both've these activities are S-L-O-W.... so I saw poor tots in TEARS (one've 'em was mine!) gettin' a tongue lashin' for literally steppin' out of line or (in my younger daughter's case) walkin' ta center room to look at some purdy acorn crafts while waitin' her turn--a CRIME! I was stunned that kids got quiet-but-mean-hissy tongue lashin's over inappropriate age expectations (littles... wiggle, they are natch-ur-ly curious too!). I know one boy--amazin'ly artistic sensitive kid--who didn't want to blend his pastels "per requirements" and instead've really SEEING the wonderful art this lovely child made--the teacher (in quiet hissy mean voice) ripped the poor boy to shreds in front of the group and made him redo the work on a new page while the other kids went on to the next thing.... She shamed him good!--she could only see "her" method--not the lovely work on the page before her, not the beautiful child. It was so sad to see. Ya may not know this but Waldorf does not allow ANY special needs kids in their formal programs--not even ADHD or speech delays are allowed (talk'bout eugenics!); this is a whole 'nuther can'o worms but I know many instances (includin' with my older daughter) where this played out UGLY (seriously, here in NY of all places there were some Aryan whiffs circulatin' in the Waldorf Welt Air... I know an E. Indian mama who also was made to feel very UNwelcome due to not fittin' in....) All gallin' (not to be confused with walnut gall dye!)
My younger daughter (at age 4) once got a tongue lashin' fer climbin' on the dragon ride "too soon" (horrors)--so she cried all the way down (NOT a fun ride that...) AND she once got KICKED out of a Waldorf puppet show for LAUGHING (that was at age 5) because one of the "serious" puppets she thought was silly. After that we were VERY careful when goin' to Waldorf events--always avoidin' the puppet shows! pickin' activities based on wiggle room---cuz we LOVED the crafts and activities but NOT the psycho-perfecto German Ruhig mindset. Not all've 'em but many of these teachers an' mamas were the most anti-child folks I've ever seen...
You are SO durned lucky Mary you didn't run inta any of the NY Waldorf Wackadoodles... I have no idea if these hosting schools were run collectively or by consensus or not (I know Chestnut Ridge went VERY woke but that was way after our time goin' ta their events...) but each 'a these instructor-meanies (we met many over the years) set the example NOT ta follow!
Anyway, that's a big digression (and a strange one too!), but tangents aside, I'll look forward ta Part 2 as it is IMPORTANT we human beans git thinkin' about how people organize themselves and git things accomplished. Much work awaits us as society crumbles an' we start ta make a new cake've it!
Holy tomes, Batman... You sher kin WRITE, woman! Great points, as always. Agree on Zelenko, and the other limbs of the starfish stepping up -- a positive sign.
And yes, I agree too that some spider heads are tremendously beneficial. If it weren't for Craig Newmark, Craigslist would probably be entirely co-opted by now. It IS complicated; I take on some of those complications in Part 2 but even still can't entirely pin it down. Human beings, eh??
OMG, your Waldorf experience sounds horrific. I'm so sorry for your poor daughters, and the other wee ones you witnessed being shamed, etc. That's just wrong. I also can relate to the whole "do it the teacher's way or hit the highway stuff," especially when it comes to artistic renderings. I understand the reasons for the methodology, but still feel that there's got to be a better way.
What I will say, however, is that it shows how decentralized Waldorf really is -- because every school is different. The ones my kids went to -- and I worked at -- were fortunately more relaxed and understanding of the nature of little people. I would've packed up and left, like you did, had I encountered that kind of attitude and behavior!
Steiner got so many things right -- but not everything. Back to my comment about humans, above. :-) Thanks for being here and being SO supportive and interesting and entertaining, Daisy... you always make my day! xox
Mary, we’re on the same wavelength. Thank you for this insightful essay! I’ve been thinking and writing about parallel societies a lot lately, pondering personal sovereignty and learning practical ways to decouple from corrupt systemic entanglements.
I envision faith based parallel societies proliferating and prospering. One by one, as we exit the matrix and build our own society, we render the broken down system obsolete.
Regardless of the methods employed, I believe that the original intent determines the outcome. The difference between Waldorf and WEF is the former is educational and consensual and the latter is predatory and coercive.
Katie Grace, we sure ARE. Your vision is mine as well, and I'd love to find ways to support each other toward achieving the parallelism that is calling us.
And yes, yes, yes... you are spot-on; intention is everything. Reminds me of Hawkins's "Power vs. Force," which rocked my world when it was published eons ago. I grew a little wary of Hawkins later (speaking of intentions -- his seemed to be going awry) but that book was instrumental in my path of understanding the underlying energies of our actions.
Thank you so much for your thoughts! I always appreciate your heart-centered intelligence...
Thank you, Mary. There is a lot to share!
Do you know if there is a social media especially for home schooling--teachers, parents? I think it would be a wonderful platform where educators, thinkers, student teachers, parents could interact. I was thinking of proposing this idea to the substack staff.
If only you were close by--we could have more than a few conversations.
Oh Hillary... I'm so far out of the social media loop, I'm the last person who would know! I do have a dear friend who has taught homeschooled children/teens for years -- she taught my own kids. She might know...? I can ask her if she'd be willing to connect with you. Here's my email: mary@poindextermclaughlin.com. That'll be an easier way to put the two of you in touch, if she's open to it -- and you are interested.
Thanks for your comment!
Thank you for your comment, Mary. What a blessing to home school your kids. I never had kids. I started my teaching career in 1973 in the boonies of Cave Junction, and Selma, Oregon. I would ride my bicycle the 11 miles to teach at a farm-school with kids from traveling Scientology parents. I had total freedom to work with the kids. In those days nature radiated through them, with vibrant energy. They were completely aware of themselves and there were no distractions from learning who they were. I taught math, Yoga, meditation, art and science. It feels good to remember.
WOW, Hillary. Every unfolding few words of this sentence surprised me: "I would ride my bicycle the 11 miles to teach at a farm-school with kids from traveling Scientology parents." :-)
Seems like an idyllic time, frankly. Reading your description of the kids, and your tutelage, It's hard not to feel like we have completely lost our way. So glad you are continuing to help parents -- they need people like you who DO remember!
Holy Moly, Mary. This was so interesting, especially the way you put it all together with the metaphor of the starfish and the spider. You are so clever. So, this idea of restructuring our society is becoming quite a big issue, the natural next step in trying to shape a new way of living because of the consequences of the last 3 years in particular, but our society has been heading in this direction for some time.
I read another substack, Abby of Misrule and he, Paul Kingsnorth, is beginning to discuss this subject matter as well. In his recent article, https://paulkingsnorth.substack.com/p/watch-the-great-fall he has a link to the writing of Ivan Illich on Conviviality, https://www.panarchy.org/illich/conviviality.html in which Illich offers an alternative to technocratic disaster. This idea centers around “individual freedom being realized in personal interdependence; …autonomous and creative intercourse among persons, and the intercourse of persons with their environment.” This is applied across the board to all our institutions such as industry, education, medicine, and social relationships.
I agree with you that spirituality, as opposed to religion, could be the glue that holds it all together, spirituality of one kind or another, where certain values are held in common. Very exciting, uh?
I recommend checking out Katie Grace’s substack on this subject as well. “Solace For Sensitive Souls”. She and a group of like-minded souls are actually in the process of creating a new structure for self-governance. https://revkatiegrace.substack.com/p/a-path-to-sovereignty
Rocket, what a fantastic comment. I just discovered Paul Kingsnorth about a week ago, but haven't delved yet... I absolutely will! The essay on Illich sounds fascinating.
And oh how I LOVE Rev. Katie Grace. Started reading her based on your recommendation a while back, and have been so enriched. You're following an awesome crowd! Count me in on creating new governance structures; that's a passion left over from my Waldorf days.
These times, as troubling as they are, ARE exciting. I do believe we chose to be here now. I'm so grateful to be on your team... xox
Mary, while reading your essay, I was reminded of my experience with leaderless Quaker worship some years ago. It definitely resonated. I haven't been able to reconnect with a Quaker group where I am living now, but what I assimilated from that time in my life and experience has stood me in good stead. (I could say the same with Alanon & AA). Life changing, miraculous, soul sustenance! Look forward to reading Part II, thank you! https://quaker.org/
Yes, sojourner, thanks for reminding me of the Quaker model! I've participated in their worship only a few times, but it really resonated for me, too. Leaderless models like the Quakers -- and the others you mention -- have SO MUCH to teach us. I will include the Quakers in Part 2, now that you've so kindly brought them back into my consciousness... Grateful for your comment!
Mary, this is wonderful! I look forward to Part 2. I am working on an international decentralized model to train teachers-parents for home schooling which is student centered. It is likely to already exist. Nevertheless, I am meeting more parents from around the world who are educating their kids while traveling as digital nomads and are looking for guidance. . . I would love to engage with you on this idea. . . Blessings from Thailand
Hillary, that sounds fascinating, and so very needed! I homeschooled my kids for one year, when the Waldorf school they were attending went through some personnel changes that didn't mesh with our needs. It was such an adventure! I struggled to find support that wasn't Christian-centric. (Not that I didn't appreciate their materials and methods, it just wasn't what I was wanting.)
Then later, when they were in high school, my eldest homeschooled for the last two years, and my middle child did it for one. It was WAY easier for me then, because we had a wonderful Waldorf-inspired homeschool coop that took the vast majority of the teaching off my hands. Having guidance and support from other parents and teachers is so essential for the well-being of everyone! :-)
Thailand! Wow! Glad to have you here!
Mary, Thank you for this insightful article. Love the list of decentralized organizations' attributes. Worth repeating here:
There’s no one in charge
There are no headquarters
There’s an amorphous division of roles
If you take out a unit, the organization is unharmed
Knowledge and power are distributed
The organization is flexible
Units are self-funding
You cannot count the participants
Working groups communicate with one another directly
Wow! What a blueprint this list is for creating sustainable organizations in our times.
Also, I just read an article from the Brownstone Institute on public education and homeschooling:
https://brownstone.org/articles/american-public-schools-rip/.
Seems some things, institutionalized education among them, might benefit from considering the above attributes.
Thank you, Moira! GREAT article on homeschooling; I'm enriched by reading it.
Ooops! I forgot. xox
😂
Mary, Thank you for your wonderful reply to my original comment. I needed to say more to let you know that I consider you to be right in there with that "awesome crowd" you say I'm following. I also appreciate so much your excitement and enthusiasm about everything that we are all discovering together. It's contagious. Yes, I've heard it said that we chose to be here now. What were we thinking?? But we must have known something. Remember what Rilke says: "God speaks to each of us as he makes us." xox
Aw... thanks for this addendum, Rocket. So kind. And what WERE we thinking?? :-)
Love the Rilke. Perfection. xox
Thanks Mary for breaking that down so succinctly - and an enjoyable read besides.
I look forward to Part 2. Good insights here. (And yeah, Schwaby's quote at the end was not anticipated.)
Ditto back thar an' yup, I ain't always known fer brevity but when somethin' knocks my noggin' I like ta share an' I LIKED thinkin' bout all this stuff ya brought up--this IS what we all need now! (an' thankfully folks kin read my mini-tomes or "Walk on By!" like the song sez)--
Anywho, yes, I think it's gonna be a big challenge ta figger out WHEN and WHERE it makes the most sense ta accomplish stuff by consensus (con-sense-us!)--which can indeed be a "ril" good thing--or by follerin' someone's lead--'specially if ya gotta non-nefarious visionary on yer hands-- So n' thus we shouldn't toss out spiders a-pry-orri cuz they're pollinators! (lit'rally--many don't know this...) and sometimes, as I said, a big head is whatcha need... There have been directors or producers I'd foller any time--and others I'd like to give a dose'a RAID (wull, not really as it's toxic but ya git my drift)
Speakin' a big heads, Teddy Roosevelt was one've 'em and his cancellation (warts n' all) is a sad'un. Mention'in him as he went after the monopolies big time--tried ta break 'em up! PLUS he helped make the American Nat'ral Hist'ry Museum one'a the greatest Moo-See'ums in the World (his dang fambly founded it...shame on them statue-removers...). He was also quite the artist!
Anywho....
Yes, it's indeed a good thing that there is no over-archin' Waldorf "Author-i-Tay!" such that some child-friendly havens can an' do exist like those that found YOU! (I'll bet ya rocked--an' mineral'd too--at the ones lucky 'nuf ta have ya on board). An' in the name of celebratin' good lemonade, the downside fer us not doin' those uber-anally-controlled Off-Fish-All Waldorf classes was that we did our own "thang" and it wuz the beans!---over time apart from the fun, talented, energetic "young'un" actors I got ta work with for the Waldorf-inspired stuff I set up myself, as the years passed my girls also got the benefit of some really incredible instructors found by my fellow mamas--one was a homeschoolin' mama herself--all well-versed in Waldorf, but far more open to joy, laughter, kindness (to tots too!) and flexiblity (which was the problem we had with "formal" NY Waldorfery!).
To this day my younger gal (in part-tic-u-lar) kin knit like the dickens, crochet, lucet, spin wool, weave, dye...I mean that list'a goes on a spell! The purdy stars we had on our window panes faded (dang, that special paper was spendy...I'd a hoped it would'a lasted!) but what remains yet is not only good mem'ries and some nice crafts but some TomTerrific SKILLS... An' if a pending Renaissance is headed our way SKILLS is what we need!--skills ta make not only wonderful beautiful things but stuff ya need (like wooly slippers ;-)
We may all be dippin' candles down the road a piece--thankfully some've us've all ages still know how!
Dang, this was a real fascinatin' read and tho my mind's been oft-on (or off and on) thinkin' bout Havel an' parallel societies--this book /the starfish analogy wasn't at all in my purvue so gratty-tude fer sharin' -- a fun trip for me, promptin' reflex-ions on both past and future "group" experiences.
Anythin' natural that looks like a star is intriguing--Star-Nosed Mole (wowee!) or even Star Anise! (it's a "covid" cure to boot!) is a 'specially fascinatin' wonder of nature ("natch, sure"). I knew starfish could regrow limbs but didn't know just how self-repariing they were (like your Waldorf group once the face-silly-taters gave the group the hang've things!). Re this type of self-healing, (I was thinkin' bout the late great Dr. Zev Zelenko passing away (a very important lost appendage of the freedom movement) and while some tried to take him out (literally--so bad he had to move!), and in spite've his untimely passin' all the other starfish limbs got movin' with his helpers and peers carryin' on his many good works...) That's a feller whose star shines bright fer me! Anywho....
WHEN it works, "plurality" in collective group efforts can be beautiful and I've had some've those experiences over the years in homeschoolin' my own kids.... But (devil's advocate here...) it works only when folks all want the same thing "big picture-wise" cuz when they don't or when the group DEPENDS on someone's visionary leadership.... such leadership is then essential for the project or endeavor to survive. Otherwise (I've seen it) heigh-ho mutiny! Man overboard! Folks takin' off on lifeboats. In other words.... deez-aster. To wit, Project Veritas NEEDS James O'Keefe and his singular vision and his particular mix've dignity and conviction and ruthless muckrackin'.... Just this past week I understand he was almost ousted from the very organization he founded (thinkin' of Glenn Greenwald too...with Intercept) BECAUSE the "collective" had (they thought) "better ideas" and the group "agreed" upon them and decided that "their" group vision was the rock to his scissors. I've seen that too many'a time . in thee-ate-'er and film and have even been thar me-self! Of course these endeavors "ahrtistic" are by nature collaborative but lackin' a visionary "Captain" OR when collective decisions don't serve that singular vision the all-others-in-the-group-consensus (at "best") can attenuate the work or (at worst) cause the entire show /production ta crash n' burn (with little hope'a ressurection). So imo, it DOES depend on "what" the project or effort is about.... Some of the best ones DO need an eagle-eyed human at the helm (sometimes it's not even a NICE human but the end result can--rassafrassarassafrassa--STILL be superior to some group efforts that are FAR more enjoyable for the part-tissy-pants). As someone out their once said... it's complicated!
This doesn't undermine the starfish model--but there are times when Boris the Spider (big head n' all) needs to be on stage (or front n' center). I'll invoke the spirit of Jerome Robbins as an example!
Funny ta me that it was your Waldorf experience that was the MOST successful workin' from that consensus model (no leaders, etc). As a longtime fan of most things Waldorf (I'm not on board with summa' that anthroposophy jive but many've Steiner's writings are SO marvelous and ring true today! Also check out Elana Freeland on Steiner...), Anywho, as a mama who pulled from Waldorf like it was taffy from the git-go (the bee-u-tea-ful nature crafts, the stories, the fingerplays, etc), ironically my experiences with "Official" Waldorf (the real deal) were SO gawd-awful controllin' and centralized and dictatorial (at least here in New Yawk) that I ended up runnin' our own eclectic "Waldorf-inspired" elf an' fairy classes within our homeschoolin' community and ditched all that was Goose-Schteppy (an' boy was it!) about the more O-fish-all ones.
The "Enchanted Gatherin's" I set up wasn't group-led (I ran the whole "sheeew" and cast fellow actors as instructor-elves an' fairies) but in my variation kids were allowed to laugh, giggle, sing really loud, not line up, and and we all ran around a lot to git our sillies out and the kids were never "made to" draw just like the instructor--even tho we did do the "real deal" crafts and "handwerk"--the wet-on-wet and limited colors and the entire enchilada that cost an arm an'na leg at Mercurious!
After I ran classes fer the littles, later on as my girls got bigger a friend'a mine started a middle-school-aged Waldorf group by hirin' a teacher who had left Brooklyn Waldorf for the same reasons I'd felt myself--she too complained that everyone was SO uptight and tyrannical! (My "off-fish-all" experiences were with Steiner, Brooklyn Waldorf, & Chestnut Ridge---all the same mindset, not a starfish in the bunch and I think if they wuz spiders they wuz all Black Widows!!!!)
For a few examples... the kids all n' always had to line up quietly and patiently, even little tots of 2 and 3--couldn't wiggle or step out of formation or chat with lil' friends while waitin' ta dip candles or dip silks in vegetable dye vats--an' both've these activities are S-L-O-W.... so I saw poor tots in TEARS (one've 'em was mine!) gettin' a tongue lashin' for literally steppin' out of line or (in my younger daughter's case) walkin' ta center room to look at some purdy acorn crafts while waitin' her turn--a CRIME! I was stunned that kids got quiet-but-mean-hissy tongue lashin's over inappropriate age expectations (littles... wiggle, they are natch-ur-ly curious too!). I know one boy--amazin'ly artistic sensitive kid--who didn't want to blend his pastels "per requirements" and instead've really SEEING the wonderful art this lovely child made--the teacher (in quiet hissy mean voice) ripped the poor boy to shreds in front of the group and made him redo the work on a new page while the other kids went on to the next thing.... She shamed him good!--she could only see "her" method--not the lovely work on the page before her, not the beautiful child. It was so sad to see. Ya may not know this but Waldorf does not allow ANY special needs kids in their formal programs--not even ADHD or speech delays are allowed (talk'bout eugenics!); this is a whole 'nuther can'o worms but I know many instances (includin' with my older daughter) where this played out UGLY (seriously, here in NY of all places there were some Aryan whiffs circulatin' in the Waldorf Welt Air... I know an E. Indian mama who also was made to feel very UNwelcome due to not fittin' in....) All gallin' (not to be confused with walnut gall dye!)
My younger daughter (at age 4) once got a tongue lashin' fer climbin' on the dragon ride "too soon" (horrors)--so she cried all the way down (NOT a fun ride that...) AND she once got KICKED out of a Waldorf puppet show for LAUGHING (that was at age 5) because one of the "serious" puppets she thought was silly. After that we were VERY careful when goin' to Waldorf events--always avoidin' the puppet shows! pickin' activities based on wiggle room---cuz we LOVED the crafts and activities but NOT the psycho-perfecto German Ruhig mindset. Not all've 'em but many of these teachers an' mamas were the most anti-child folks I've ever seen...
You are SO durned lucky Mary you didn't run inta any of the NY Waldorf Wackadoodles... I have no idea if these hosting schools were run collectively or by consensus or not (I know Chestnut Ridge went VERY woke but that was way after our time goin' ta their events...) but each 'a these instructor-meanies (we met many over the years) set the example NOT ta follow!
Anyway, that's a big digression (and a strange one too!), but tangents aside, I'll look forward ta Part 2 as it is IMPORTANT we human beans git thinkin' about how people organize themselves and git things accomplished. Much work awaits us as society crumbles an' we start ta make a new cake've it!
Holy tomes, Batman... You sher kin WRITE, woman! Great points, as always. Agree on Zelenko, and the other limbs of the starfish stepping up -- a positive sign.
And yes, I agree too that some spider heads are tremendously beneficial. If it weren't for Craig Newmark, Craigslist would probably be entirely co-opted by now. It IS complicated; I take on some of those complications in Part 2 but even still can't entirely pin it down. Human beings, eh??
OMG, your Waldorf experience sounds horrific. I'm so sorry for your poor daughters, and the other wee ones you witnessed being shamed, etc. That's just wrong. I also can relate to the whole "do it the teacher's way or hit the highway stuff," especially when it comes to artistic renderings. I understand the reasons for the methodology, but still feel that there's got to be a better way.
What I will say, however, is that it shows how decentralized Waldorf really is -- because every school is different. The ones my kids went to -- and I worked at -- were fortunately more relaxed and understanding of the nature of little people. I would've packed up and left, like you did, had I encountered that kind of attitude and behavior!
Steiner got so many things right -- but not everything. Back to my comment about humans, above. :-) Thanks for being here and being SO supportive and interesting and entertaining, Daisy... you always make my day! xox
That would be wonderful! Thank you for going out of your way. I will email you now.