Today has been a very different day. Yesterday one of the Fulbright staff asked me to talk with someone from for the Times of India, which I was very happy to do. This morning my friends pointed out a great article in the paper about the US teachers visiting India. As we read further here is how they quoted me-“They are very sincere, teachers dedicated and the curriculum of high standard. Kids are sent to school from the age of three and non-performers are treated as morons” said Mary Craig who teaches at John Marshall Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia. Now-I did not say this, not even close. I would not say this in private about a child, let alone in public to insult an entire country. I was pretty upset, but when I got back to the hotel tonight and reread the article again I had to laugh because in the side bar it says-Pat on the back with my name and a very positive quote. Like I said land of extremes-this comment is so far from who I am or anything I would say.. My friends here have been so supportive of the whole mess. Jennifer even gave me her name tag to wear so I did not have to have mine on. The Fulbright staffers do not seem phased by it at all. They said to take it with a grain of salt and that is how the press functions here. Currently I have asked to meet with the reporter and ask her exactly what she was thinking when she attached my name to the comment.
Enough for now another busy day tomorrow. My worst nightmare of misrepresenting my country has come true.
Love,
Jennifer aka Mary Craig
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13 comments:
Hi There!
I am so enjoying your trip vicariously! I can't wait to get the live version in August. Don't sweat the press thing. Its not unlike the US.
I sent Tony the URL for the blog. He said he had some contact information for you and would be contacting you.
Firmed up plans with Erin for FL and of course we are still on for our weekend in Richmond.
Continue to enjoy and explore and keep the blogs coming!
Love Stephen
Oh, Mary! How *could* they?!?!? When I read that quote I actually gasped aloud and Brien asked me why. I'm SO SO SO sorry this had to happen to you. Anybody who knows you knows you would *never* say something like that. Ever. Period.
Hang in there! Hugs! :o)
Hey again Mary. Just checking back in periodically. Glad to see that you're still having an adventure and that you are taking everything with a grain of salt. Actually, when I read the quote, I laughed too. But that's just because I do know you and know how absurd that is. At least I know one thing now...the press is the same even all the way across the world. :) Keep making the most of your experience and try to keep yourself out of the media or I'll have to start calling you Paris Hilton or something. LOL :)Take care and check back in with you soon.
Glenda (and Derek of course) :)
Hi, Mary/Jennifer! Well, I guess this confirms what we all know-- that most journalists write what they want and the heck with the real truth!! A good lesson to all of us. I am SOOOO sorry that you were the one put in such an awkward position. We, who know the real Mary, know that you would never entertain that thought much less say it outloud! Hang in there; there is geat material for a book in this trip. I can fix you up with my friend Susan who is teaching a writing course at W&M this summer for teachers-- you could be published, retire to India and help them get things together. Or is that the USA?? I know the kids at Marshall will surely benefit from all that you've experienced this summer. Keep you cool girl, we are sending you prayers and postive Yang! Grace and Peace to you, Cathy
Hi!
Just like my mama- starting drama wherever she goes :) JK!!! Much the contrary...I can't believe they would say such a thing up. I am with with uncle stephen- not unlike the US at all only difference is that we never cover anything about the educational system.
This is the best blog yet...Im on the edge of my seat!
Sorry I missed the phone call yesterday. The car is fixed and has cost me a lot less than I anticipated....When can we try a cc again?
Love you,
Erin
Hay Miss Mary!
Let us know if we need to contact some people to have them "talk" to the reporter:) Kidding of course. This trip is amazing from this side of the water and I can not imagine a better ambassador for us! Tech Trek was totally out of this world 45 hours of just in class then add on "free time" and project work. Next stop Texas. I'll check in with you while I am there. Keep the joy, spread the love.
Cindy
Hi Mary! It's Nick. Oh My GAWD!! How can they expect to get away with that?!?!? But don't fret. I do hope you get to meet the reporter, though!
Working my two jobs during the summer - in fact, I'm posting this from my night gig at the school. Doesn't feel like a summer, and I do miss you terribly. Keep us informed on you excellent adventures!
Love, Nick
Mary,
Reporters are the same world wide...they just can't seem to report with total accuracy. Anyone who knows you would never believe that you uttered those words. I wonder what word you used that they interpreted as "moron?"
Mike and I could share some stories..about our local reporters..and they can't even claim a language/translation barrier. Besides that was the news of this day...and no one will remember it or your tie to that quote by tomorrow. Reclaim your name tag. Your VEMA talk is going to be engaging and funny. By then you will really be able to laugh about that quote.
Hugs... Caroline
I just checked in today and realized you had this encounter with the media last week. How dreadful! But by now, a whole week later, I am sure all is forgotten and you have more exciting adventures to report. You have been in my thoughts the last couple of days, and I just wanted to check in and say "hey."
Hey Friend,
Gotta love the press...guess someting was lost in the translation. Not to worry...all is well because we know the real Mary.
Lots of Hugs,
Edie
Mary-
I guess journalists are the same where every you go! We know the truth and we know you! that is what counts.
Enjoy the experience and keep taking those pictures to share when you return
lisa
OMG! I can't believe they printed that!!! Wait, yes I can!
This just made me wince. Cannot say enough how much it pained me to see what they did with your words. Totally NOT something you would say about a student. Hope you got to have a few words with the reporter and set him/her straight.
Sheesh!
Here's a pic of Sandy that I took over the weekend, if you get a chance to look at it. She's fine; we both are adjusting to our new lives and starting to settle into a routine.
Be well!
OOPS! Forgot the link!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/saintbridge/867262721/
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