Thread by @owillis

When I was a kid and started bringing home bad grades my very angry mother calmly banned me from all tv watching during the week. I thought this was cruel and draconian at the time. And yet, this:

One side effect of no tv during the week led to school improvement and an appreciation for listening to Marlins baseball on the radio along with introducing me to @realphilhendrie’s awesome radio show.

Cutting of 1992-3 Oliver from TV was like turning off the oxygen on an astronaut. But I really deserved it, my grades were for filth.

Some context. But still.

https://twitter.com/leahmcelrath/status/1449067555084279808

It’s been about 30 years but I can still remember the sensation when Mom said no TV. Like imagine this woman telling you no TV. It’s like RIP TV.

My Mom spoiled me rotten and let me do a lot esp cause I was always two years or so younger than everyone in my class. But when it came to school there was no playing, no “oh well,” it was Extremely Serious.

As I’ve noted before my mom didn’t really believe in spanking. It was worse. Because my punishment for things like this would be a 2-3 hour speech on How I Am Very Disappointed In You. And the story would start with how she left her homeland For A Better Life For You.

Mom: I could have stayed in my Jamaica that I love so much, you know Oliver Willis?

Me (internal): Sweet Lord send me death to release me from this torment

Me (actual): Yes Mom, I’m sorry Mom