Respect is a word many people can define but somehow can’t quite manage to pull off in their personal conduct. When an individual is not exposed to a respectful upbringing, how can society expect that person to magically demonstrate respect with others? Respect is revealed in our word choices as we communicate as well as our nonverbal behavior.
The high school band director in Wellsboro, PA instills the meaning of respect in band members at every football game. The band remains standing throughout the performance of every visiting band. It is an amazing gesture of respect for the efforts other young people have taken to learn the music, and practice their routine plus the time and expense of coming to an away game. Although this may seem like a trivial observation of a respectful moment in a small town, it’s really an excellent teaching moment on the part of the band’s director.
But what about everyone else? Think about it. Parents and students alike are leaving the stands for a break, eating, laughing, wandering around just to move, chatting on cell phones or texting and even better--dozing. Meanwhile, the halftime show is simply “there.” You may find all kinds of excuses for the chaos in the stands at halftime, but let’s return to the first word of this blog—respect. In my little town, the band is a beacon of respect for the efforts of strangers shining brightly from a sea of the self-absorbed.
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Dr. Young: Thank you so much for pointing this out to the band director, my daughter. Writing about her and the band meant a lot to her and to her Dad and me. Today's society doesn't often share compliments, we often only hear about the bad, so thank you sincerely, from her Mom and Dad
ReplyDeleteYou are more than welcome! We find that respect is diminishing rapidly in this country, and any young teacher who is working to teach the lesson of respect in our school systems is TOP in our book!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks also for stimulating another blog topic--about sharing compliments! --Sue