Zoom

Zoom by Istvan Banyai is one of my favorite children's books. Though listed as appropriate for Kindergarten to Grade 3 I find it philosophically challenging, so I guess you know where I am intellectually. When I taught graduate courses on leadership I typically used Zoom to trigger discussions regarding perspective. Perhaps Zoom should be required reading for a number of folks, though reading is not the correct word as there is no text in the book at all, it is merely a set of wonderful, sequential drawings. Viewing and reflecting might be better verbs.  I know no way to describe the book without spoilers.  The first page is a picture.  The second page is the same picture taken from further back, zoomed out if you will, like a Google map providing a bigger view.  Each page breathtaking, each assumption of perspective challenged.  


I gave this book to the School Board.  I did it at a time I knew their view of things was different than mine.  I gave it at a time I knew I was several pages ahead of them in Zoom and was not able to get them to see it.  They did not get it, and I have failed to teach them.  It is very difficult to teach those who already feel they know all they need to know.  It is very difficult to talk with folks who do not know enough to know they do not know everything.  It is very difficult as in Plato’s cave to convince those with a perspective that there are other perspectives, broader views.  Especially so when the others fear even considering that another view might exist. 

It is that fear of considering another view that is hurting us so deeply now as public school systems and as a nation.  Embedded in our power structures from school boards to Congress are folks who are so entrenched in their own view, so committed to the notion that not only is their view the right view, but that somehow their view is holy.  These folks will not bend, will not learn, will not compromise.  They feel obligated not only to win, but to expunge all other thinking.  They see looking for other views and other perspectives as a threat to their view rather than enrichment to their thinking.  They will symbolically burn books and terminate employees for not practicing “right think” as their view defines such.  They are chained in Plato’s cave and stuck on a page in Zoom.  They are the American equivalent of Islamic radicals.  They are destroying us.  They nigh destroyed me.

I am now furloughed, relieved of duty as a superintendent in Edna.  I am not sure why, but my best guess is for two reasons.  I have a different view that is not understood or supported by the board, and the board wants to hire someone who better reflects their thoughts, wishes, perspective and leadership style.  I sense that they are less interested in hiring someone who is good for the system than they are interested in hiring someone who thinks like they think, shares their perspective.  So be it.  I clearly could not work for such a board.  I have escaped the cave and know that what they see are shadows, not reality.  I am not superior to them.  I just happen to know that every issue has at least two views, that every human endeavor is flawed, and that schools are about the future not the present.

My heart aches.  Congress is allowing the government to shut down.  They are doing so because a small number of congressmen cannot see a bigger picture and totally believe their cause is right, just, and holy.  They are holding the Government of the United States of America hostage because they do not like another piece of legislation.  This is the equivalent of blowing up the football stadium because we do not like a new rule regarding concussions. 

They cannot turn the page.  They cannot see this from one step further out, one step bigger.  They are stuck.  My former board is stuck.  It is my hope for this school system and for our country that those so convinced they are right learn to turn the page.  Learn to Zoom.