#060 THE RACE OF LIFE IN A HUNDRED DOLLAR RACE
A viral video online shows a college teacher conducting an exercise with his students in a schoolyard. They were going to have a race where the winner would get $100. But the teacher had in store more than a contest of athletics—he had a profound message they would likely remember for the rest of their lives.
The students lined up on the field as the teacher explained that they were about to have a race, and, to liven things up, the winner would get a $100 bill. It was to be no ordinary race where everyone starts on the same mark, however; it was to be set up the same way life is set up.
Before they began, the teacher decided to make a few statements. He instructed students to take two steps forward if those statements applied to them and, and if not, they were to stay where they were.
He told them:
“Take two steps forward if both of your parents are still married.”
While a large number of students stepped forward, some remained on the starting line. The teacher continued:
“Take two steps forward if you grew up with a father figure in the home.” Once again, some students advanced, while some remained.
“Take two steps forward if you had access to a private education…
“Take two steps forward if you had access to a free tutor growing up…
“Take two steps forward if you’ve never had to worry about your cell phone being shut off.” Very soon, the students were spread out across the field, with some quite far ahead, some farther back, and some at the starting line. The teacher continued:
“Take two steps forward if you’ve never had to help mom or dad with the bills…
“Take two steps forward if it wasn’t because of your athletic ability you don’t have to pay for college…
“Take two steps forward if you never wondered where your next meal was going to come from.”
Just before the race was to begin, the teacher told everyone near the front to look back before adding:
“Every statement I’ve made had nothing to do with anything any of you have done, has nothing to do with decisions you’ve made,” he says.
“You still gotta run your race but whoever wins this hundred dollars, I think it would be extremely foolish of you not to utilize that and learn more about someone else’s story.”
Then, as life does go on, so did the race. The winner was not mentioned, but a life message had become clear.
The video went viral online, garnering nearly 35 million views, over 752,000 shares, and around 19,000 comments within a week.
After the race ended, the teacher added: “If you didn’t learn anything from this activity, you’re a fool."
Before watching the video, I would like to add that even when it is kind of a reality about what's going on in the States, the message is not only about black and white people, but any races that exist in the world. Come on we are all brothers and sisters, we should help each other, life is not a competition to see who is the best, if you have privileges great, take advantage of them but don't hurt other people because of that or what you achieve, and if you don't have privileges work hard and learn about it, cus when many people have fame or money, they forget about their past especially if they didn't have anything before.
Beautiful message!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to learn this type of message when I was a child, when I really needed it.
But, I learned the hard way.
So I recommend to do this dynamic or play in all schools , it will be very fruitful for all childs and students.
True Mr. Chan Pan, it's time to change or influence students' mind but in a good way, schools should be the first place. Well take care, I would never forget I had Lin as a student haha :) https://www.facebook.com/IncaKola/videos/10154622933896297/
DeleteInteresting Message!
ReplyDeleteIt teaches us that some people have more privileges than other people to be able to accomplish goals and objectives more quickly than other people, but it does not mean you can not achieve it if you do not have the money or privileges of other people but you will have to dedicate a lot of effort and dedication to achieve your goals and objectives and people who were born with the privilege of some material things and / or family life should be grateful with life and help other people and keep learning from others.
Nery
It is true, some people do not appreciate the advantages in their life. The teacher invite us to learn about different life opportunities, but this may not be an excuse to get personals goals and life success.
ReplyDeleteNathalie H.
Beautiful message!
ReplyDeleteWe have to learn to accept that not all people have the same privileges or the same opportunities. That if you have less, that is not an excuse to stagnate in the middle of life, it may be more difficult to reach your goal, but it is not impossible. You may take longer, but there you will be, on top of the world, of your world; and you can feel proud of the path you traveled. On the contrary, if our path is easier, we must remember that when we reach the goal we can turn back and encourage or help people who have not yet arrived, those people may be thinking about giving up and thanks to you don´t do it. The shared success must be wonderful.
Yessenia Pajuelo