Cynicism versus Skepticism

I know, I know, not that hard to separate.

But are they?

The former is highlighted by a negativity that pervades all reasoning.  Cynicism disallows people from wanting to participate since the response will always be in the form of a disparaging comment.  The critical nature of the reply prevents people from active discussion.  Who wants to talk to that person?

The latter is at least benign.  To be skeptical at least offers the possibility of being positive without the repercussions of being shunted.  Skepticism, though, has to be tempered by not being irreverent which devolves into mockery and cynicism quite easily.

So, what does this have to do with education and the arts in education?  Hmmm....

I live in and work in Toronto, Ontario.  And have done so for 35 plus years.  We're at a cross roads in this city with respect to respect for the arts.  While a simple swish of the pen may locate funds to help bolster a revenue problem, the after effects will have dire consequences for the those that make use of very specialized services.

It's a shame that the arts are the first frill to be on the endangered species list every budget.  In an economy driven society, it's just not worth it to have aesthetics embedded into the fabric.  Shouldn't it be encultured at this point?

While I do not endorse any one Councillor or the mandates of Council in general, it has to be apparent that those in control, and not in control, are either cynics or skeptics and ultimately, we, the citizens are at a loss for words.