This was really well done and appropriately uncomfortable. Gave me flashbacks to parochial school. I'm wondering how many books Mrs. Beesley and the other teachers had banned in that Substack Zone version of the school...
Those of us who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s remember the pledge well. Prayers remained in places for worship. But the story is oddly deja vu all over again.
Your post jarred loose some of my elementary school experiences in the latter 50’s in NW PA. The third & fourth grade teacher wielded the metal edged ruler. And used it on our knuckles. Discipline was stressed. I was stressed, too. Launching paper spit balls at the light globe above my desk in fifth grade was my kind of science project, until a classmate called out to the teacher, “Look at those things on the light!” Yes; stay after school, ascend a rickety wooden step ladder, (which Mrs. Williams steadied), and dislodge the spitballs. I was often told “things would be so much better if you just behaved.” Which things? A best time to behave? Can I skip weeks? You’ve truly launched another winner, Adam! I just have to behave when I read subsequent installments.
Thanks so much Gary! Most of this was just comparing my early 80s elementary experience (rural WI) with my son’s chill pods and understanding elementary teachers 🧑🏫 . The ruler slaps were bad!! 😮 I feel your stress!!
So good! Took me right back to my little brick elementary school in rural Pennsylvania. It wasn’t nearly that scary, but there were definitely some similarities.
So terrifying! Here’s to hoping that reality never happens! Well done!
Thanks so much!! 😸💥👁️🚪
This was really well done and appropriately uncomfortable. Gave me flashbacks to parochial school. I'm wondering how many books Mrs. Beesley and the other teachers had banned in that Substack Zone version of the school...
Thanks, Bryan! It was definitely my goal to make readers uncomfortable 🥲😄🚪👁️
This is terrifying and so well done!
Thanks, Annie! 😄👁️🚪
Very fun for those of us who remember Twilight Zone and who wish christian nationalism was but a dream! Thank you.
Thanks you Sara 🙏😊
Those of us who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s remember the pledge well. Prayers remained in places for worship. But the story is oddly deja vu all over again.
I based the flashback flash-forward on my elementary school from the early 80s (but without the cameras 😁)
Dear gawd, this was absolutely terrifying. So uncomfortable because of its proximity to possibility. Really nice, Adam. Loved it.
Thanks so much Shane I really appreciate that!! 🚪 👁️ 😎
Yikes! Scary because it's believable! Good job!
Great job on the narration!
Thanks Sean!
Your post jarred loose some of my elementary school experiences in the latter 50’s in NW PA. The third & fourth grade teacher wielded the metal edged ruler. And used it on our knuckles. Discipline was stressed. I was stressed, too. Launching paper spit balls at the light globe above my desk in fifth grade was my kind of science project, until a classmate called out to the teacher, “Look at those things on the light!” Yes; stay after school, ascend a rickety wooden step ladder, (which Mrs. Williams steadied), and dislodge the spitballs. I was often told “things would be so much better if you just behaved.” Which things? A best time to behave? Can I skip weeks? You’ve truly launched another winner, Adam! I just have to behave when I read subsequent installments.
Thanks so much Gary! Most of this was just comparing my early 80s elementary experience (rural WI) with my son’s chill pods and understanding elementary teachers 🧑🏫 . The ruler slaps were bad!! 😮 I feel your stress!!
Should we call you Nostradamus? This tale feels oddly plausible…
Oh man, this was a little too realistic for comfort. 😅 Great story, Adam! Loved the audio narration, too.
Wicked. Inspired by true events indeed.
Thanks, Andy!! 😊
I really enjoyed listening as I read along. A solid piece of writing, Adam. And nice tip of the hat to your father/not father!
Thanks so much Nolan 😄🙏👁️
Not my pledge. Damn, that was interesting.
Thank you, Joseph, I appreciate that 😄
I grew up with the real pledge and silent self prayers. Very sacred- not angry and deeply patriotic.
Stayed that way until 7th grade for the flag and through 12th grade for the patriotism (1970).
I can’t remember the last time we were patriotic on a daily basis.
This story made my blood run cold...
Well written!
Thank you, Jeanine 🙏 I had similar experiences in rural Wisconsin in the early 80s, with pledge and patriotism.
Fantastic read. Thanks!
Thanks so much, Ian 😄🙏
So good! Took me right back to my little brick elementary school in rural Pennsylvania. It wasn’t nearly that scary, but there were definitely some similarities.
Thanks Liz!! I really appreciate that 😄