January 15, 2000    
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What class do you think everyone should have to pass before they can be considered and adult?

SMILE. It's a great message for everyone.

Lindsay, 21
VA

I think before someone is considered to be an adult, that person should have to pass (or test out of) a class on maturity. Some people couldn't act mature if you paid them to. And then they ask you why you hang out with people twice your age. . .anyway, a good friend of mine and I like dating older men now. They're still men, unfortunately, but they're easier to get along with than younger ones.

Karen, 20
Marshelltown/Ames,
IA

Maturity Class.

Ray, 17
Toronto  CANADA

I think all persons should take a class on treating people with dignity and respect. Various lessons would focus on tolerance, kindness, listening, politeness, cooperation, sharing, fairness, humility, etc. Unfortunately, these kindergarten lessons don't get reinforced after we entered the adult world.

Felicia, 33
Somerville,
MA

What class do you think everyone should have to pass before they can be considered and adult? The "Realize how good your life is and quit being so crabby about not having the things you think you need" class.

I don't think too many of us (myself included) would graduate to adulthood, though.

Laura, 34
Lowell,
MA

I think a common sense class would be a benefit to almost everyone I know. I also think that everyone should have to attend mandatory parenthood classes before having children. Maybe a class or two in manners wouldn't go amiss too !!

Nikki, 26
Kirkham
  ENGLAND

I don't think adulthood is can be taught in school. I tend to consider people adults if they pay their own rent. Of course since my lovely and talented wife is paying my share of the rent, while I'm in school.

Dan
Lowell,
MA

Besides common courtesy? *smile* An advanced literature course. I'm probably choosing this because I teach English in college, but literature is such a safe place to discuss so many difficult issues. One could take the novel Dracula and interpret anti-semitism, or Jane Eyre and discover the plight of the lower classes. Through a safe medium, we can make a difference.

Amy, 23
Baton Rouge, LA

I disagree with the premise of the question. . . I don't believe anyone can "pass" any "class" on their way to becoming an adult. . .On the contrary, I think conventional schools mainly postpone adulthood and allow an honest, noble protection from "the real world"'s true rights and responsiblities. . . . .No class could ever really teach these lessons in any meaningful way. . .

Mothmc, 35
Pensacola,
FL

Sex Ed. This sounds crazy, I know, but teaching young people about all the dangers of unprotected sex can seriously reduce the amount of diseases passed along. It will also help reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies in this nation. My sex ed class in high school was a complete joke, and, while I didn't have a child early, I think that a lot of people did because they weren't taught by their parents and the school board was too wrapped up in the religious right to teach us anything valuable.

Lindsay, 21
VA

I ran my sons and stepsons through a survival class. Noting that I had made a bad marriage and had seen friends in bad marriages to men who were household-helpless, I insisted that sons and stepsons be able to do basic cleaning, cook simple meals, shop to a grocery budget, do simple mending, balance a checkbook, understand credit card interest rates, etc.

Jill, 59
Saylorsburg, PA

And the class that everyone should have to take would be one that taught respect for diversity

Cindy, 41
Lowell,
MA

Common Sense. The Art of Not Being Stupid. Reality 101. I also think that there should be a class at 7 AM that's incredibly boring, and goes on all day long. That will definitely prepare people for the world of adulthood.

Kristin, 20
IA  USA

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