As a follow up to the excellent column I linked to at this site the other day (The End of Everything at State College, Click Here if you haven’t read it), I add a column from this morning’s Washington Post, written by the wonderful sports columnist Thomas Boswell.
Boswell always seems to see clearly and say things well, often things we may be thinking but haven’t put words to yet.
Click Here to read Boswell’s column.
Brian Steinbach said:
Aside from agreeing that this is a wonderful piece of writing (and I have followed Boswell since he started at the WaPo) – my thoughts turned to Apple and whether it took action against the two employees who did nothing (and the security guard who heard nothing because he has his headphones on). They may have committed no crime – but they still bear heavy responsibility.
Lincer said:
I’ve been trying to figure out how to use what happened at PSU and next door to the yoga shop to create a teachable moment for 8th graders who live and breathe the delusion that being a snitch is the worst possible thing a human being can do. Society has embraced the chant “if you see something, say something.” But chants don’t really do anything. 8th graders who don’t know how to report peers who err are the enablers of the future.
Ideas?
During my 7 years in Happy Valley (1970-77), Coach Paterno wrote a book. I was working for the University Upward Bound program–never met the man. But when I called his office, his secretary told me to bring the book in, and it was signed and personalized to my grandfather the next day. Paterno is still a mensch; but no one helped HIM as an 8th grader learn the difference between being a snitch and an enabler.
Boswell’s article was great. Now what are we going to do to help Wilson Ramos?
ellioott trommald said:
Boswell understands it. We live in a society where too many feel football is the most important “issue.” Look at the reaction to the Yale quarterback who decided to lead his team against Harvard this weekend and forfeit his interview for a Rhodes scholarship. Much of the media and news commentary praised him for sacrificing the Rhodes opportunity for the perceived greater opportunity to lead his team in the game. That speaks worlds about the people we are, the values we teach, and the interests that shape our lives. It’s too easy to say one decision is selfish and the other is self sacrificing. It is harder to put a “game” I too love into its proper perspective.
Cory said:
Great article by Boswell. Paterno’s ego, unfortunately kept him from saying and doing more. A true tragedy.