"That ain't weak, it's the starting point"- Coach

The above video is a very interesting scene in the wire. The filmmakers and story writers captured something so real and the first time I saw it I was astounded. It describes a behaviour that I saw a lot when teaching and volunteering as a tutor. Some students out of fear or shame or sometimes even guilt will try to fail. This behaviour could manifest itself in jokes, acting out, or straight up defiance. It is important to remember that most of the time, these behaviours are a cry for help and that, if you stick with them, these students will eventually come around.