Inside the Box

C participated in the PTA Reflections program again this year. Last year he did quite well, with his photo collage placing 3rd in the state. This year's theme was "I Can Make A Difference By..."

After some discussion, we came up with the subject "walking." As in fundraising walks. Something we do anyway. The title of the piece would be "I Can Make A Difference By Walking for Those Who Can't." Not the most unique topic, I thought, but it was his and it meant something to him, and that seemed more important to his efforts. C took my old camera to school with him one day and took pictures at floor level of kids walking by. Then he took two of the photos and manipulated them a bit on the mat board to create a photo collage. I thought the end was decent, and he was pleased with it.

We didn't hear anything about the program from weeks. I assumed (correctly) that C's didn't get any sort of notice and was just one of many entries. While bummer for him, I wondered what the rest of the entries were like. Finally in M's school newsletter, I saw a small item that all entries would be on display for three days at a third school in town. It took a little rearranging, but we went over to see what kids had done.

It was so disappointing. Seventy-five percent of the entries were science fair-like mixed media boards about recycling. Seriously. Then there were a some written entries on recycling. There were a handful of entries on other topics. It was clear that the judges didn't "get" C's entry because it didn't explain itself blatantly and obviously.

The entries that were chosen to go on to the state level were all mixed media displays on recycling. The content wasn't bad - it just wasn't particularly an effort at art. Reflections is supposed to be an art program! I know recycling is a hot topic right now, but it's not the only way to make a difference.

The whole afternoon got me thinking about "thinking outside the box." It's something we want our kids to be able to do, yet when they do, we look at them askance. Only the thinking inside the box- doing the same as everyone else - seems to get rewarded.

Likewise in this job search. I see postings for jobs that want "creative problem solvers." But suggest a work schedule or arrangement that is anything but standard, and it's shot down immediately.

Sigh.