The Village People created a classic song in 1978, worthy of almost any celebration. Short for Young Men’s Christian’s Association, Y.M.C.A. sold over 10 million copies and remains a favorite at discos, school dances and weddings. One of the core values the Y.M.C.A. still holds today is to develop the body, mind and spirit. This is achieved through activities, education and physical fitness at local facilities scattered across America.
The latin root of education is educatus which means to lead forth from within. If the origin suggests education shapes an individual, then a nation’s future depends upon the quality of schooling it provides. According to 2009 scores from the Programme for International Student Assessment, the United States education system continues to decline when compared with the other global leaders. Out of 34 industrialized nations, the U.S. ranks 14th in Reading, 17th in Science and 25th in Math, falling to the middle of the pack.
While the National Education Association blames a lack of funding to explain these results, the truth of the matter is when the Bible and prayer were expelled from public education in the 1960’s, standards have plummeted every decade since. The founders of the YMCA knew something that experts are overlooking today, the body and spirit must not be forgotten. If schools were held to the same standards as Survival of the Fittest or like businesses which are forced to close when they continue to lose money, education would be back on a track toward success.
Unfortunately, too much government red tape, influences of labor unions and political correctness is crippling education is America. Instead, the United States is following the playbook of past leaders like Che, Mao and Stalin, creating a generation of students programmed to believe everything they hear and read. As a result, bodies have become heavier, minds lighter and spirits on the verge of death. At moments in time like this, it is important to look to history for guidance or in this case reflect upon the words of a classic song.
Young man, Are you listening to me
I said, young man, what do you want to be
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams,
but you’ve got to know this one thing.
No man, does it all by himself
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf
And just go there, to the Y.M.C.A.
I’m sure they can help you today
(Lyrics from the 2nd stanza)
If you don’t have a local YMCA in your town, may you find help for your body, mind and spirit from a nearby church. The party is waiting for your arrival, Luke 15:7.
by Jay Mankus
![[image of Conwell sitting]](https://i0.wp.com/old.library.temple.edu/exhibits/conwell/images/conwellsitting.jpg)
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