Mental Abuse to Humans(?)

There is no place in the world where you won't hear at least from one person, "Math is so hard!" or anything similar. Anyone could also see an anonymous user in social media complain about its difficulty. From all ages, all occupations, all schools, many are stumped by the 'ridiculously hard' subject. But why is it difficult in the first place?

First, Math is always objective. There are only two remarks for each answer: 'right' or 'wrong'. If the number is correct, it's correct. Otherwise, it is wrong. There is nothing in between. Teachers may give points for effort despite the wrong answer, but that doesn't mean that your answer is anything 'less wrong'.

Second, Math is always cumulative. If you don't know the lesson before, you probably won't understand the next. If you missed the fundamentals, you miss everything else. It's tougher to climb down and cram climbing back up than to slowly take the lessons in then move on to the next.

Third, you don't know the reason. Reasons can clearly explain why something exists or has that property. In Math, you may be taught the lesson but not the reason why something like that formula came to be or where to use it. Similar to history and literature classes, you are forced to just memorize the knowledge, making it incredibly prone to being forgotten.

Fourth, you don't see patterns. Like grammar with a pattern of construction, Math studies the basic patterns of numbers. Similarities like 4+5=9 and 40+50=90 are often ignored by the students. If you don't manage to recognize and understand the patterns present, it becomes difficult to get and appreciate Math at higher levels.

Lastly, Math needs more time for teaching. One hour every day isn't enough to make the students absorb the information needed to build up the blocks that lead to the top. Because of its ‘difficulty’, many teachers tend to slow down just to adjust to other students. Thus, the class learns less.

Let this concern be an eye-opener to all the teachers, parents, and students. Teachers must make sure that everyone understands the lesson well by taking it slowly but surely, not swiftly. Parents must be open to academic issues raised by their children especially at subjects like this. Students also must do their part by participating actively and listening carefully in school, which is something that shouldn't be pointed out in the first place.

No one is either 'good' or 'bad' at Math. It's just the comprehension of the subject that makes the people divide themselves into those social constructs. Do not ever fall for the man-made misconception that Math is a mental abuse to humans.

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