Subject Yourself

Lawrence Hodges has just received braces, and he hates the thought of wearing them for two years. His orthodontist has forbidden several foods and instructed him to clean his teeth carefully and wear headgear at night. Jack Allen tells Lawrence that straightening teeth requires patience and that he must follow the instructions of someone who knows what is best for him.

Lawrence's mother, Maureen, faces a more complicated question of authority. Odyssey's teachers have been given a new history curriculum for the next school year. After reading it, Maureen believes it removes important religious influences from American history and presents other events without balance. She brings a detailed list of concerns to the new principal, Mike Coogan. He warns that the curriculum has state and federal approval, and rejecting it may endanger funding for valuable programs. He tells her not to rock the boat.

At home, Lawrence neglects his teeth and complains about his uncomfortable headgear. Meanwhile, Maureen studies the curriculum more deeply. Other teachers find additional errors, and Maureen concludes that someone must challenge it. She asks Coogan to approach the school board. When he refuses, she requests a hearing for the concerned teachers and warns that the newspaper is interested. Though confrontation frightens her and her career may suffer, she cannot agree to teach material she believes is wrong. Coogan gives her time at that afternoon's board meeting.

Lawrence also rebels against his instructions, but for a very different reason. He buys candy that may damage his braces, then bites a caramel apple even after Jack reminds him to obey the orthodontist. Wanting to make his braces more fun, he asks Maureen about colored bands. She says she will arrange an appointment, but Lawrence does not want to wait. While his mother prepares for the board, he paints the braces himself with paint from his model cars.

Lawrence arrives at Whit's End with the paint still wet and tasting awful. Jack immediately takes him to the emergency room. Lawrence has swallowed only a little, but he becomes sick. Jack explains that impatience has brought him there and that he must listen to his mother and orthodontist because they love him and possess judgment he does not yet have.

At the same time, Maureen presents seven pages of documented errors to the board. She is not asking for small changes; she wants the curriculum dropped. Board members suggest she teach it while adding other material, but Maureen fears that its approval could later be used against teachers who refuse to follow it. She argues that education should give students a truthful, balanced understanding rather than advance someone's agenda. If the board insists, she says she will resign rather than violate her conscience. The board agrees to examine the material again. Only afterward does Maureen receive Jack's message and hurry to the hospital.

Lawrence wonders why his mother may challenge the school board while he has to obey authority. Jack distinguishes between their situations. Lawrence is a child under the care of adults with greater experience, while Maureen is using a right the authorities themselves have given her: the right to question and appeal a decision. Responsible submission does not require silent agreement when a proper way to challenge wrongdoing exists.

Later, Lawrence returns to Whit's End with red, white, and blue braces colored safely by his orthodontist. Maureen brings news that the board has delayed the new curriculum until it can conduct a detailed study. She is deeply relieved that she does not have to resign, and Lawrence sees that his mother's respectful stand has made a difference.