As children, we are often taught that we should treat others as we want them to treat us. In other words, what goes around comes around. Yet, this life lesson, more commonly known as the "Golden Rule," is not always followed.
Each day I see examples of disrespect where someone mistreats another or hurts them emotionally or physically. For instance, when students pack their materials early before a class ends. If a class normally lets out at 2:50 p.m., it is protocol these days that students stop taking notes and zip up their backpacks by 2:45 p.m. As a result of this, the professor has a difficult time finishing his or her lecture because of the noise students are making. I understand that students have places to go and other classes to attend, but wait until 2:50 p.m. to pack up and leave. I find it rude to interrupt an instructor and stop listening when there is still five minutes of class.
Then again, it can go the other way as well. I also get annoyed when professors continue lecturing five minutes after class was supposed to end. If it is 2:55 p.m. and the professor is still talking, I would leave. I know some days that a lesson will go over the 50-minute scheduled period, but professors have to realize that students have other stuff to do.
What this all boils down to is respect. I like to call it the "ethic of reciprocity," because we should try to treat all people, not just certain friends or colleagues, with consideration. So, as students we should give the professor our undivided attention until the 50-minute mark. Once the clock strikes 50, however, the professor needs to let us go. It is all just a matter of respect and consideration for other people's lives.
I think last Wednesday on September 9, S.C. Rep. Joe Wilson forgot this notion. During President Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress, which addressed health care reform, Wilson interrupted the president's remarks that reform would not include coverage for illegal immigrants. In a breach of decorum, Wilson shouted, "You lie!" Essentially, he was reflecting his view that the bill would actually provide government-subsidized benefits to illegal immigrants.
There are a few things we as students can take away from Wilson's actions. First, there is always a time and place to say such statements. I don't think any of us would find it okay if a peer interrupted a speech in our COMM 210 class. If we disagree with someone and wish to speak an opinion about it, then find an appropriate place to handle the emotions.
Next, we can certainly say whatever is on our mind, but it doesn't necessarily mean we should do so. You may find Wilson's outburst heroic; however, that is not the issue. Which brings me to an important idea: Instead of campaigning for items we don't like, let's start supporting the items we do like. No offense to Republicans, but all the anti-Obama garbage is getting us nowhere. Perhaps, Republicans could stop focusing on the Obama proposals they are against, and instead, make some proposals they are for.Because when it comes down to it, anyone can say our president is a liar, but it is much more productive to fight for what you want and not for what you don't want.
And we can fight for what we want without displaying a lack of civility to those we do not like. The Democrats should not have constantly booed George W. Bush when he spoke to Congress, and the Republicans should not display the same type of actions.
There are rules of behavior that need to be followed if we want to conduct business in a constructive manner. What does make a difference is maturity, especially when proclaiming your emotions with respect for all parties involved.
If anything, Wilson's move was crass and it makes politicians look even uglier.And when Americans have to see elected officials shouting during a speech that the president is a liar, it shows one thing: No one's getting anything done.
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