Tuesday, December 2, 2008

No Exercise, No Fitness--and Lots of Fat

The culpability of public schools

The incidence of childhood obesity is up, and everyone from Ronald McDonald to video game makers is getting blamed, and school cafeterias are trying to sell 8-year olds on broccoli.

But there's one group of adults who haven't received their share of scrutiny: School administrators who have banned tag, dodgeball, touch football, and other calorie-burning games at recess. The excuses: such games expose children to the harsh realities of life, such as the fact that some kids are stronger and bigger than others. Hey, let's outlaw illness while we're at it.

One of my favorite memories from elementary school is that of playing kickball. Not only did the school principal allow us to play, he actually played the game with us. Today, I suppose, he might be out of a job.