Maths. English. Biology… we generally expect teachers to educate our kids about these subjects.
But the ‘etiquette’ of dating? No, that certainly isn’t one of them.
However, one school teacher decided to take lessons of love into her own hands, assigning her students the task of going on a date – “but the catch is you can only spend $5”.
While parents were quick to question why this teacher, who works at Highland High School in the US, would give them homework that involved going on a date, others were seriously concerned about the archaic behavioural “suggestions” girls, and boys, were expected to adhere to.
“Dress appropriately”, “Don’t fish for compliments” and “Eat the food you order” were just a few of the questionable suggestions the teacher gave young girls for dating, but, worryingly, she also instructed girls that “If you think you’re too fat, etc., keep it to yourself”.
Not only that but apparently being “feminine and ladylike” is a prerequisite for impressing a man.
As for boys, they were advised not to make “gross noises”, “At a restaurant, say what you’re going to order so she will have a guide in ordering” and that they should be aware that “Girls like flowers and little gifts”.
According to the Daily Record, some parents – as well as other online users – are reeling.
“Thanks for educating our kids, Utah Department of Education,” one parent wrote on Facebook. “We really appreciate you [sic] evidence-based misogyny.”
Another said: “This is horrible, it pretty much says only what guys want matters. They only worry about him having a good time ugh. They might as well write do whatever he wants.”
The high school has since defended the teacher, explaining that she set the task as a “light-hearted lesson in social norms”.
“There is nothing wrong with good old fashioned manners particularly in a world where our teens are bombarded with sex,” one user wrote in defence of the assignment.
“Dating should be about courtship, getting to know each other and mutual respect. Nothing wrong with teaching that.”
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