Jersey Jazzman, who teaches music in Néw Jersey, is just the right person to review Pitbull’s performance at the national charter school conference. He notes that Pitbull is advertising caffeinated “strips” for Walmart, which is a health hazard, especially for children. And he points out that Mr. Pitbull was warmly endorsed by DFER, the Wall Street boys.
Bit if you do nothing else today, watch JJ on Pitbull here.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Just more sleaze from the sleazy. .
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Thanks, Diane. Here’s the link:
http://jerseyjazzman.blogspot.com/2013/07/pitbull-speech-at-ntl-charter-schools.html
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Pitbulls do pretty much what they’re trained to do. I’m kind of surprised a grown man would take that name, represent oppressive corporatism, and be proud of it.
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He’s making a ton of jack, that’s all that matters!
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Sensationalism at its worst. Scary how influential this will probably be to students of a certain age. Perhaps some will be inspired to go into this form of “education” if you can call it that. This makes a mockery of professional educators and the true democracy of education. It is way past time to take a stand against the craziness. We need to be like pitbulls that grab onto the pant legs of corporate reformers and don’t let go, at least bark and be heard. Better yet, rip off the pants to expose what lies underneath…key word LIES which there are many or at least an abundance of spins on the truth. I don’t have the words or the time to adequately express myself thoroughly on this. It seems to be all about money, statistics, and now image. (What is being reflected though in that image, what role model will be emulated?) I am patriotic and love and have much reverance for the 4th of July. Something about this pitbull charter school story though is reminiscent of Yankee Doodle Dandy…sticking feathers in your cap and calling it macaroni comes to
mind. Who we’re calling educators and what we’re defining as education is still clearly in need of some reform. No lack of fireworks on that front. It seems to be anything goes.
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*reverence* I hate when I misspell and realize it a second too late after posting.
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Thanks for your reply! And I no what you mean!!!
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Lord, now I am up early (need and supposed to be doing other things) thinking about this among everything else and now dog analogies…UHG! So, “who let the dogs out” or specifically, who let THIS “dog” out? Those billionare boy’s club/corporate reformers that are responsible just keep marking more and more territory running like a pack of wild dogs, playing how much is that doggie in the window? (everything has a price tag or can be purchased for enough money–even breeding rights) when what is really needed is a shorter leash. Might sound vicious but it may be time for choker collars and muzzles, too. This is a dangerous breed, not the innocent era of Lassie and Bengi, for sure. Let’s face it, our public schools are being euthanized at an alarming rate. Teachers are enrolled in the equivalent of a version of obedience school and are regularly being sent to the dog pound with their tail between their legs. You’ve got puppies (a variety of inexperienced “educators”) running the doggie daycare, and in some cases and states it is the enemy, the “dog catcher” if you will, that is in charge and man is not the dog’s best friend in that scenario. We need a certified vet who cares about the well being of,loves, and respects all “animals”. (I feel half rabid as I type this ☺) It’s as if we are trapped in kennel cages, past the yipping point and now crying/begging for someone good to come along, notice us, and to adopt us into something better; giving us a healthy, happy, enriched future. But we smell fear in the air and
what is more likely to occur is an ugly dog fight. We shouldn’t be pitted against each other or performing in competitions like prize dogs all the time. It shouldn’t be just the high performing, good looking pure breds who get the attention and treats either. Mixed breeds have a lot to offer and mutts have the common street sense and have certainly been around the block. And, teach to the whole dog! We need an enriched life experience (curriculum) not just a daily walk and a chew toy. The testing mania and accountability/”reward” system is getting worse than Pavlov. You can teach an old dog new tricks just make sure it’s not a circus act. It’s hard to know if it’s time to go hunting (release the hounds-growl and bite) or to break loose from this wolfpack and run away. Maybe it’s time to blow those ear piecing whistles that only other dogs can hear to rally and take on those “Cruella Deville’s”. It would be nice to hear “good dog” again and regain a modicum of respect, not just be someone’s pet or pet project. It’s a dog eat dog world, maybe it’s for the dogs–like Mr. Pittbull. Maybe I’ve taken this dog analogy too far (scary thing is that I could probably keep going endlessly). Maybe I just need a good nap (literally). Better rest up though because we all have a dog in this ongoing fight and the stakes are only getting higher.
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Interesting post!! Like it!
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Sorry…Benji…I am actually a cat person if the truth be told.
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Have both cat and dog! The cat thinks it’s a dog.
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OK, I’m really going to stop, I just forgot to include “throw us a bone” somewhere in the above rant.
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That may be all that matters to him. His idea of the American Dream.
What is problematic is after reading about the energy strips and combined with the
lyrics of this guys songs I have to wonder about Secretary Duncan and the approval of this adminstration to this example of people in leadership of an education endeavor?. What is the point? When we begin to read the after the fact details
of medical crises of children who become addicted to or react to this product do we hold Sec. Duncan as an accomplice to this reckless lack of concern and harmful abuse of children? Would he even think himself a party to such recklessness? Is there any thinking going on or only just following orders? Or simple follow the money?
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I still can’t believe an Education Secretary would be associated with any of this. It is nothing more than sheer exploitation.
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Blessed are the children…for they make good business cents (and dollars!)
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