Klarinet Archive - Posting 000562.txt from 1999/03

From: James.P.Reed@-----.net (James P Reed)
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: Studio teaching Horrors
Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 06:57:41 -0500

Jennifer,

It's been a long time since I was active in heath care research and I
know many of the findings people turn up in research are controversial
but I do remember reading articles about how touching is important to
people.

For instance, some research seems to indicate having pets correlates to
single people being healthier and happier. Especially among the
elderly. Even to the extent where there are programs that bring pets
into nursing homes one day a wekk. And, there have been people research
the notion that folks need at least 4 or 5 hugs a day.

My own, probably not so humble opinion, is in agreement with you.
Society has probably once again sacrificed the majority for the
possibilities of what a handful of not so well intended people do. For
instance, about one third of my students are single mothers. Many are
dealing with child custody issues, abusive former partners or spouses,
working and attending college. I often have to maintain my calm and
distance when they break down and cry in front of me, telling them that
I do care and will be supportive but knowing that I don't dare touch
them, when a good hug might be very appropriate. It's just that I don't
dare risk losing my teaching career for having touched a woman, even
with her informed consent, because of the reactions of others around
us. In many ways, it's a damn shame that humanity has to be sacrificed
for paranoia. Oh well, it's just my opinion.

Jim

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