Class and No Class
Have you ever seen someone do something and think “Wow! No class, that one!” In the last few days I have read or heard about a few incidents which made me think that about a couple of famous folks largely revered by young people and by one of our very own U.S. Congressman.
The first incident came about during the President’s speech to a joint session of Congress last week. Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, in response to President Obama’s comments about whether or not illegal aliens would be served in his Health Care proposal, shouted out “You Lie!” No class. I don’t know Congressman Wilson, but from what I can gather this was out of character for him. He claims to have been swept up in emotion and frustration over a statement, which he claimed was false according to his reading of the bill in question. I don’t much care what his reason was; he exhibited rude, inappropriate behavior with that outburst. Nothing could justify it. No class.
The next incident involved tennis icon Serena Williams. Miss Williams is and has been a force of nature in women’s tennis since she was a teenager. Saturday she verbally attacked a lineswoman over a called foot fault at a crucial time in her semi final match at the U.S. Open. I didn’t see the episode live but have watched every video I could find. While I could not make out every word she said, I did hear and see her say, “… I would stuff this expletive ball down your expletive throat!” No Class. Once again frustration and emotion was blamed for the outburst. Yes, I know the call might have been wrong. Many commentators claim the call was inappropriate at that point in a match. None of these things matter. It was inappropriate, classless behavior.
The last incident occurred at the VMA awards. Mind you I don’t make a habit of watching the VMA awards. I am not sure I even know what VMA stands for, but I have seen the video of the event. Kanye West hijacked Taylor Swift’s acceptance remarks for her video award, shouting that Beyonce had the best video in the world. The insinuation was that Beyonce was robbed. Certainly, he can have his opinion, and he may have been right, but to steal that moment from another artist was rude, highly inappropriate and… all together now…NO CLASS!!!
Now each of the three has apologized. We all have our own opinions on whether the apologies were sincere or manufactured to achieve some semblance of damage control to each of their reputations and future revenue capabilities. That discussion is for another time.
At this point, I could make all kinds of leaps of logic and speculate on what has happened to our society to make these outbursts such common and every day occurrences. There must be something in their upbringing or TV or movies making people behave in such ways. But then I saw evidence that these are individual acts perpetrated by three individuals and probably cannot be explained away with such broad strokes. I saw the look on Beyonce’s face when Mr. West made a spectacle of himself. She seemed stunned and almost embarrassed. I saw her later explaining that she remembered how it felt to be 17 and contend for a VMA award with Destiny’s Child. She recounted what a special moment that was for her. And instead of making her own acceptance speech, I saw Beyonce call Taylor Swift back out on stage so she could have her special moment. This woman, this artist comes from the same generation, probably watches the same TV and movies as those who acted so shamefully. What’s the difference? The plain and simple truth is Beyonce has class! I am now a fan.
When you look in the mirror, who should you see? Your mother and father. You are more a product of your parents than you know. From birth they are the primary role model in your life. When people look at you they are actually looking at three people, the visual you, the morals and values of your parents. People do not change, the imprint is perfect and it is permanent. If you have a questionable role model with dubious motivations you will eventually expose your character flaws. Serena Williams has always had a militant attitude, and anyone can read her like a book despite the facade she projects. You know the do as I say not as I do part. Her fathers motivation was not anchored in sportsmanship but greed! You can take someone out of the hood but you will never take the hood out the person, sooner than later it's going to release itself and you can't control that 100% of the time. Beyonce has character, and she is a true role model for the youth of this country. The greatest gifts you have are the one's you give away. We were raised with a reverence for our family, you never go out in public and bring shame home to your family. Our parents taught us this and tested us make sure we knew it and turned us loose with the confidence that we would think first before you say or do anything. No doubt external forces have changed since the 70's. But the primary force should be the same. Thanks Beyonce, and shame on the rest of you!
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