Unschooling Cult....

Here is a term I ran across the other day. It is not quite the terminology I would have used but lets take a look at it from this perspective.

Here is the definition I found for 'cult'.

NOUN:

1. 1. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
   2. A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease.
   3. Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
      

A religion or religious sect - Well, if you have spent any time around radical unschoolers, it can feel very much like a religion. Rules, beliefs, dogma and even punishments (usually in the form of stunting some creative process or love of learning in the poor defenseless children.)

Considered to be extremist - Most unschoolers would call their lifestyle 'natural' but to much of society, their lifestyle is extreme.

Living in an unconventional manor - that doesn't need any commentary

Under the guidance of a charismatic leader - All you have to do is surf a few of the main unschooling sites to find a few of these.

Exclusive or exceptional power to cure a particular disease - The disease here would be the squashing of the child's love for learning and natural curiosity. Many unschoolers will happily tell you that any formal instruction unless asked for specifically by the child will ruin them! Heck, some will go as far as telling you not to even suggest an activity!

Obsessive devotion to a principle - Two words... Radical Unschooler

Now I am confident that I am going to offend many people with this post. It is a risk I am willing to take. Chances are if you are offended then you are part of the cult. Those unschoolers that can laugh at what I posted are the open minded of the bunch and are the group of which I claim to be a part.

Are we unschoolers? Yes. Do I have a problem telling my 9 year old to take a break from looking up card tricks on YouTube and go read a book? Not at all! Am I concerned I am going to squash his spirit? If only!!!! (just kidding...sort of!)

Become more concerned with the journey than the umbrella you walk under!!

Related Post: What is the best way to homeschool?