You’ve got to “Walk the Walk!”

Dr. Wendy Ghiora

March 17, 2014 – Posting #122

How many times have you been around people who complain about some injustice or something going on they just don’t think is right? Of these “constant complainers,” how many of them actually take the initiative to do something about their grievance?

It’s pretty evident that complaining, in and of itself is a way to vent and let a few people within earshot hear you; however, that’s not the way to initiate change. Of course, for those who just love to hear themselves rant, I suppose whining will suffice.

I believe if one has a credible complaint; instead of squawking, “walk the walk,” and do something about it. Here’s an experience I had a couple weeks ago.

I attended a high school basketball game with my husband.  At half time there was a special ceremony honoring the seniors (12^th grade) members of the school Dance Team. Then, the dance team performed a couple numbers.  Dance, was one of the subjects I taught at several high schools. I also taught English and Theatre Arts.  I was very excited to see the team perform.  The parents of one of the dancers were sitting next to me.  As the music began, my ears perked up and I thought to myself,

“No, they couldn’t be using those lyrics. Really?” 

I quickly Googled the song, and sure enough, it was even worse than I thought.  In case you think I’m exaggerating, the song was Partition/Beyonce’.

I asked the Mom next to me if she had heard the lyrics to this song before.  She said she hadn’t, and added,

“Why, are they bad?” I showed her & her husband the lyrics and they both said,

“Oh my God!”  

 But did they do anything about it? No. Did I do anything about it? You betcha!

The next day, I emailed the principal. I included an attachment with the song lyrics.  I basically said,

“I attended the basketball game last night.  When the senior dance team began to perform, I was shocked by the lyrics of the music they used. I’m pretty sure using X-rated lyrics is not permitted at any school function. Can you please check into this?”

The principal answered very promptly and forwarded my email to the Athletic Director.  After speaking with the dance coach, he said she apologized profusely and was very embarrassed. She said she usually checks all the music, but missed this one.  She also said it was a good lesson for her and that she would use it in an upcoming conference, where she would be training dance coaches from several schools.

It is so difficult to understand the lyrics of current songs; the teacher must go on the Internet and read them for him or herself before giving a stamp of approval for use.  I felt good about this. I know I felt better than if all I had done was kvetched.

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Well done is better than well said.”