October 7, 2009

...and the silent blogger is back on line after a temporary shut down of a month due to vacation plans and then, the necessary post-vacation "catch-up".

I have set a theme for myself for the school year and I have shared this with our parents and now am doing the same with the students. My 2009-2010 theme is "Let's be nice. Let's be nice to one another".

I have asked students and adults to realize the special dignity that each of us possess. We are "temples of the Holy Ghost". We carry within us that unique dignity because we are made in the image and likeness of God. This is an important concept and it is a challenging one to get across to children and adults alike.

I am often astounded when we encounter people on campus who, for whatever reason, don't speak. Whatever happened to the custom of greeting one another as we pass on the street, in the corridors and going and coming from church? There is an ignorance that has crept into our society - either consciously or unconsciously. People walk by one another with never a thought to the other.

I like to say "hi". And it really ticks me off when I say "hi" to someone and you don't even get a grunt back. Sadly our youth have followed in the footsteps of many adults. It is probably a generation and a half already that has lost this one very nice, courteous aspect of daily living.
I have also asked myself, is it our Philadelphia Area that breeds such impoliteness? I am not sure. The next time you travel the Penna. TPK west, take note. The toll taker at this end doesn't care if you are a kangaroo. Arrive at Pittsburgh and you get a big hello and have a nice day. I kid you not. It never fails.

I just returned from Arizona spending 9 days in the Grand Canyon State. Walking the streets of Phoenix and Tucson, I found - to my delight - folks saying hello. Wow, I had to adjust gears. Leave my Philadelphia face behind and put on a new front. It was rather pleasant. People were nice. It is not hard and not much to ask.

Recently, I was standing out front of church before a Mass on Sunday. Coming up the steps were a couple of senior age (should have known better) and I greeted them. Nothing. So, a little louder, I said "good morning" and I emphasized that I was making a point for I am sure they both heard me the first time. I was eventually able to get a typical Philadelphia grunt. I run into the same thing at school both with the parents and the students.

So, I have asked - and I will ask all year and I am going to be a pest about it - Let's be nice to each other, let's acknowledge that Divine Dignity within each other.
A nice smile and pleasant hello can go so far.

At the October-Fest last week, I passed so many people on the lot - with never a gesture of acknowledgment - even from some of the workers. Then my day was made - a sixth grader made it a point to come over, shake my hand and say hello. Must have good parents, I thought.

I once knew a kid from Philly who went off to college in another city. I asked him about the perception others have of Philadelphians. His response to me was shocking but believable. He said: "Oh, most think that we are barbarians. That we are ignorant and have no manners."
So, again, let's be nice. It isn't hard.

Pax et Bonum.