Theoracism

Instead of pizza, the long table was covered with cans of soda. Cathy, Kaur, and Bucknell were there to meet Garfield, Ophelia, and Todd. After the customary smiles and handshakes, Gadot and Myson stood at the head of the table. Gadot spoke first.

“We know we’re young, and you all have more knowledge, but it’s time for us to give you our shared perspective.”

Myson nodded in agreement as she spoke.

Myson spoke next. “What we have learned is that we know nothing about how to become adults without all of you. The vicious theory is stopping us from growing up. It must be dismantled and eliminated,” he concluded.

Just then, a member of the Board entered the restaurant, and the parents, teachers and students spotted him. The small figure didn’t even look in their direction, but the effect was like blood in the water.

“Did anyone tip off the Board as to where we were meeting?” Kaur asked, his voice rising with alarm. Everyone at the table shook their heads no.

“I don’t even think he saw us,” Gadot reassured him. Then she turned to Myson. Continue, please.”

The young man began again.

Suddenly, the sound of a throat clearing interrupted Myson. “I hope I’m not interrupting.” It was Glute.

“What you are doing is great. You’ve got your instructors, parents and teachers together. That’s extraordinary. Just remember, our Board is looking forward to helping all of you facilitate the proper education of these young people. Carry on! I hope you enjoy your evening.”

Kaur whispered to Myson, “Alright, so they know we come to Alino’s. We’ll have to keep this conversation in code; he could be carrying recording equipment. You can speak Latin fluently and chances are, he can’t. We’ll just nod our heads and smile.”

Myson began speaking again. “Nos diligamus quia hic autem quod 'pizza' optimus! Suus 'bonus ut nos postulo ut magis!”

They all glanced at Glute a few tables from then. He looked like he was listening to music with a wireless earpiece, but Cathy saw him grimace, and then leave the restaurant. The meeting participants silently celebrated.

Todd looked perplexed. “What did you say, Son?”

“I just said this restaurant serves great pizza. and we’re going to need more. This can only work for so long. They’re going to either get wise to the Latin or find a way to detect other languages.” Myson shook his head. “As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, ‘crits’ can be defeated not just with reason but knowledge. We have to find a way to acquire real knowledge, whether it’s accurate historical information, or an entire mathematics course, we have to defend our right to learn what is right and true!”

Gadot cleared her throat, “With support from you adults we will have what we need to remain firm against the attacks of the Board, as we just witnessed.”

She passed the speaking baton back to Myson, who continued saying, “We have to destroy them with our superior knowledge. Our grades have to be so high, we receive attention state and nationwide for our stellar academics.”

Ophelia asked, “Myson, Cooney Academy is already recognized for being a premiere school…how could that change?”

“Yes, that’s true,” Bucknell replied.

“What we are planning to do is show how the theory is so vicious and pernicious. We’ll get all the accolades and then recount how we skirted prompts, glossed over lessons, zoomed through exams, and any other material related to it,” Gadot explained.

“That’s right,” Myson said. “We’re going to need you teachers to grade us based on everything, but the theory. I know your lesson plans consist of 90-95% of the theory. What you can do is take the 5-10% and just teach. “What we suggest is that you stretch out the homework, deliver quizzes about the more relevant aspects of the classwork, and circumvent their indoctrination without them realizing what you’re doing.”

“It’s actually a great plan, young folks,” Bucknell replied. He turned to the others around the table and repeated himself, “I think it could work!” He raised his hands to applaud, but the others had already beaten him to it. Soon the restaurant filled with the sound of applause.