"If a TA is rude, incompetent, racist and nasty, well, why would anyone respect them? Apart fron the obvious FACT that the TA position is superflous and should not exist in the first place."
Silverboy

Interesting question and an equally interesting comment. Of course, no one would be expected to respect a TA who displays such behavior, but are they all rude, incompetent, racist and nasty? Your posts seem to indicate that you think so. I guess you've had a few bad experiences with TAs. Once bitten, twice shy?

Personally, I've had very little experience with TAs; however, those who I've met and the few I've worked with haven't given me any indication that they are rude, incompetent, racist or nasty. So, I guess I should reach the conclusion, then, that all TAs are not rude, not incompetent, not racist and not nasty. Does that seem logical to you?

Now then, what makes it an "obvious FACT" that the TA position is superfluous? I don't ask this question lightly; that is, I really do need to be enlightened on this matter because, as I said, I've not had much experience working with them. I may be wrong, but I kind of have a feeling that they would be quite appropriate in certain situations - especially in classes of young learners who may be a little intimidated by the presence of an FT. Moreover, although there are certainly sound arguments in favor of creating an intensive language environment, wherein there is no place for bilingual education, there is ample evidence that supports an approach that does allow for a certain amount of L1 assistance, and even more so when we're discussing EFL and not ESL; although, as you may know, this argument is still being waged in America in states such as California where there are large immigrant populations.

Finally, Silverboy, I've said it before and I'll say it again; I don't fault you for wanting to warn others about the dangerous waters of EFL in China and especially those associated with working for private training centers. Lots of people have vendettas and this just happens to be one of yours. On the other hand, however, I see no value in your attacks on young women, who are generally just trying to do their jobs like the rest of us. None of us are perfect, and, truth be told, FTs in China are quite the ragamuffin bunch; therefore, it begs the question - why subject these young women to your vitriol when there are plenty of others on whom you could focus your condemnation? Actually, it makes you appear to be small minded and unforgiving, but I doubt seriously if that would be a fair assumption; after all, I'm sure that deep down you're a pretty nice guy - and one hell of a dancer.

We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.
Carl Jung