What Not to Say in Class Discussion

          I have a penchant for rejecting the ideas of others that do not align with my own.  Honestly, I am not entirely sure where this aversion to new beliefs originates from.  Although, looking back, a few incidents corroborate this affliction:  First, the word “no” became embedded in my vocabulary shortly after “mama” and “dada”.  Naturally, my parents did not appreciate this infantile negativity—the terrible twos arrived much earlier than expected.  Second, whenever I played with blocks with other children in preschool, I always assumed the role of architect.  I believed everyone else far too incompetent for the position.  Third, during those elementary “after-school” book club gatherings, I became that kid who constantly shook his head in frustration.  The other students said too many “wrong” statements.  My conclusion after this reminiscence?  I exhibited some serious childhood problems.  My diagnosis could probably manifest a psychologist’s worst nightmare.  Truly, the idiom “a tough nut to crack” does not do me enough justice.  Obviously, I needed a source of treatment—an outlet to broaden my horizons and stunt my presumptiveness.  That medicine came in the form of AP English class discussion.  For me, this provided an environment of intelligent people, where there exists a diversity of thought and conclusive argumentation.  Every individual in class discussion contributes relevant insight, and I find solace in the fact that I actually agree with other well-presented stances.  Yes!  As it turns out, I can play nice with others!  The image of my first-grade teacher beaming with effervescent pride comes to mind.  Now, what would I have said in class discussions that did not have such capable and amazing people?  I entertain this question with a top-five countdown of what NOT to say in class discussions (I may have stated some of these quotes before, though not in the domain of Ms. Serensky of course).  Five: “Well, I would agree with you, but I would have to be devoid of logic or basic reasoning skills.”  Four: “If you want to garner respect, try using common sense first.”  Three: “That’s unfortunate.”  Two:  “What book are you reading from?”  And one: “Um…no.”  Needless to say, I have some work to do before I can evolve into an amenable member of society.  But until then, I am sure that class discussions in AP English will work to augment my receptivity, and decrease my propensity for verbal shut-downs.