The British Labour Party has announced the appointment of MP Peter Kyle as its shadow minister of schools. Kyle holds predictable left wing views on most subjects and also has that huge advantage in Labour circles, namely being homosexual.
But he also has a unique characteristic, specifically he’s dyslexic with a reading age of 8. Despite that he gained a doctorate in community development, yet another non-academic degree course making a mockery of universities’ traditional purported role as intellectual centres. This was from one of Britain’s higher ranked universities, the University of Sussex.
What can be said about Kyle is in terms of his personal goals he’s a rip-roaring success. With a reading age of an 8 year old that may surprise people, but not me.
Every dyslexic I’ve known has demonstrated massive compensatory behaviour. They’re gregarious, energetic and have a huge range of friends.
The list of famous dyslexics is lengthy but include Thomas Edison, Jamie Oliver, Henry Ford, Steve Jobs and Richard Branson, all spectacular achievers.
In interviews, Branson has claimed his dyslexia has been hugely advantageous, giving him the ability to think differently from the mob. He’s probably right but I suspect the roots of his achievement record lie with that old boxing adage that a hungry fighter is a good fighter, the “hunger” referring to ambition.
10 Comments
Well said Dyslexic people do seem to achieve well in life Perhaps they can think outside the square with there undisciplined brains They must acknowledge their limitations and try to work around them, rather than correct them
I know this as I’m dyslexic and have achieved much more than my ability’s should have allowed me Some of my much smarter friends are either surprised or resentful , depending on their nature
Indeed dyslexia is quite common, to different degrees. And can be overcome. Very true Bob, a homosexual dark skinned one legged dwarf is a shoe in for a good seat in the Labour party.
I’ve had a number of dyslexic friends, students and colleagues and all have done well in completely different ways. All were good people first and foremost. Celebrate our differences and make the most of everyone’s talents.
My school teachers from the 1950’s called me dumb and made me the object of their own frustrations.
My parents were told not to worry about me as there would always be work for labourers.
I owe my teachers much for their inspiration which fueled a desire to succeed using my limited capabilities.
There’s more people than you think that are different. The education system has been very slow to recognize this, which is no surprise given that its run by bureaucracy.
What life and the direction it takes comes down to is ambition and work ethnic, which only a select few have. Brains and good looks can only take you so far. A tuff start in life can be helpful, but without drive to succeed nothing is guaranteed. A parent or role model can make a difference.
People on the autistic spectrum ; which extends to dxylexa, brains are wired differently. This can be an advantage to finding alternative solutions which history has shown. Education can cultivate these strengths, but main stream seem to focus on attempting to improve weakness; which explains how some people fall through the cracks
A good way forward would be for a like minded person (with the resources) to promote/establish an education alternative to harness these peoples strengths. It’s not going to come from bureaucracy.
An extension to charter schools perhaps??
On the money here. Teachers union is the biggest problem here; essentially protecting the non performers which there are many.
A’int no Hungry Fighters in Afganastan.
Nice of Cindy to give the Taliban $3million of our money.
Should buy a few Ak47s and a stinger or 3.
Good 1.
Hope you are well Sir Bob. Haven’t seen any stories for a while. I miss your offerings.
Hey Sir Bob,
Eleven days and still no comments. Move off your chuff and get to work. Many people admire your comments, and I am one of them