Rowdy Quiz Reviews

In the first year, we were very polite medical students. If we there was an objection to information in a slide or an answer to a quiz question, we would have whispered objections among ourselves. And then in a sort of mini-election, each group elect somebody to bring our objections to the instructors attention. A few hands would go up around the classroom, and the professor would call upon one of the students. Our complaints would be heard, and there would be polite nodding as the rest of the hands went down.

In contrast, the second year class is sassier than ever. Any incorrect answer to a quiz question, and there are loud rumbles from all directions. Would we ever show this kind of collective anarchy to CBC in the first year? I think not, so I believe the root of our new rowdy behavior is our sudden surplus of British professors. We are echoing the rambunctious nature of the British House of Commons. Debates in the United States Congress may have an impassioned speech or a stern tone of voice, but there are generally few outbursts from the back row. Debates in the House of Commons are met with unruly grunting from all directions, people standing up and sitting down, Gordon Brown picking his nose - anything can happen. I would not be surprised if next time we have a quiz review, I hear shouts of "poppycock!" or "bollocks!" when we are trying to show our disapproval. Even though I think we are a little too rude at times, I like it better. I think if the US Congress (or more relevant right now - the US presidential candidates) spoke their minds like the Brits more often instead of focusing on pleasing their demographic, debates would get more accomplished.

In case you've never seen a debate in the House of Commons, here's one, just for you, through the magic of youtube. Followed by, of course, Gordon Brown picking his nose.





--Farrah, who recently discovered that she was not crazy in her yoga class (see post - indications that I was losing it) because the instructor actually did have music that inspirationally sang "don't let anyone ever tell you, you are anything less than beautiful"