In an old 1970s song, Elton John sang, “Sorry seems to be the hardest word.” In the case of recent public meltdowns, most notably those of singer Kanye West, U.S. Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC), and tennis star Serena Williams, getting the “sorry” part done doesn’t seem to be too difficult; however, one must ask the most salient question about this kind of despicable behavior usually followed by an apology: is it a teachable moment for our children?
Rep. Wilson is probably off most kids’ radar screens, but he still is a Congressman and his behavior occurred on national television. If he can interrupt the President’s address to Congress, why can’t a kid yell out something at a school assembly? Or in class? Rep. Wilson did make an apology to President Obama, but isn’t the damage already done?
Serena Williams is, as I believe all professional athletes should be, a role model for young people. She is specifically a role model for young girls who aspire to play tennis and be just like her. For her to react the way she did is inexcusable, even if she did come back the next day and submit a formal apology. What does this kind of thing actually teach kids?
Finally, Kanye West, a talented young fellow, imploded at the MTV Music Awards show, grabbing the microphone from Taylor Swift who had just won an award for Best Female Video. This is a show that kids do watch and, after seeing this, my eight-year old daughter, a fan of Swift, wanted to know, “Why did that bad man do that to Taylor?” I’d say many of the adults watching wanted to know too. West appeared the next evening on the new The Jay Leno Show and promptly gave an apology and even almost cried. What are we to make of this kind of thing?
It is obvious in these three cases that the apology is made as damage control, but in all three cases I question the sincerity of the apology. Still, as adults, parents and teachers struggle to find a way to make sense of these issues and break them down into a teachable moment, and since they are indeed teachable moments, it is a compelling necessity to address them with our youngsters.
Article comments
1 - Jim Vivanco
I think of all the examples you cite, Joe Wilson's apology should have been qualified. He should have apologized for calling the the President a liar during his speech BUT he should stick by the fact he thinks he lied. The Apology should be about the outburst, not his sentiments.
2 - Victor Lana
Thanks for the comment, Jim. I don't disagree with you, but the point here is that poor behavior in our society rarely gets punished, especially if it involves a celebrity or sports figure. What I am most concerned about is what kids take away from these things. Thanks again.