A SHORT ASSIGNMENT

We all, from time to time, say something we don’t really mean.  Perhaps someone does something or says something that ticks us off or maybe makes us exceptionally happy and we blurt out some words that are an overreaction to the occasion.  I’ve been there; not often, but I have had my moments.  There have been, of late, certain events that have made most of us angry, perhaps a bit scared, disgusted, sad, and a host of other emotions.  Of course, I am referring to the terrorist attacks both in Paris and here in San Bernardino, California.  Rightly so, the media has dedicated quite a bit of air time and print to report and comment on these attacks.  Currently, the President’s poll numbers have taken a hit.  One is taken with how sorrowful these events are.  Part of the news coverage has tried to report some of this emotional response.  People have been asked the “how does this make you feel” question.  One particular response to this type of question has stuck with me.  It was from a middle aged man; he looked as if he was either in a suburban or rural area.  He had an accent, but I was not able to place it.  It was American, but I’m not sure from which area of the country.  This is what he had to say (paraphrased):  who is doing all the bombing?  It’s not the Christians; it’s not the Jews.  It’s the Muslims.  Then the man looked into the camera and asked: did you get that, sport?

I have been, in this blog, reviewing some ideas about change.  I have an assignment for you, if you want to take part.  Apply what I have had to share concerning change to a change project.  Let us say that you are working in a school that has agreed to accept a certain number of Syrian refugees.  This has not been universally accepted in the school’s community.  The principal, in trying to ease the process and before the youngsters arrive, calls a teacher-parent meeting in the school’s auditorium.  The principal, after a few introductory remarks, opens the proceedings up to questions.  Hands are raised and the first parent called upon says what the above man said.  As he expresses his opinion, others – not all, but a significant number – audibly express approval of what the recognized parent is saying.  Assuming that these sentiments are shared by a sizable minority of the parents, analyze the situation and make recommendations to the principal as to how he/she should react to the challenge this response represents.  I will, in my next posting, give you my take.