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Choosing Our Field
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Apr 18, 2005 Posted by Rich HarwoodWhat would be your first response? Would it be, “Screw ‘em”?
This past Saturday I showed up at 7:30 A.M. to make sure the field for my girls soccer team was all set. When I arrived, one field was lined; another was not.
So, I called one of the league commissioners and asked which field I was to use. The schedule indicated that it was the field with no lines; but I wanted to make sure, because the league had been wrong in the past.
When I talked to the commissioner, I couldn’t believe my ears: take the lined field, she declared, before anyone else shows up! Plant my flag, was the decree. Just tell the other team that they have to deal with the lousy field.
I said, “We can’t do that!” And she replied, “Sure you can. Just do it!”
Is this how I would have wanted any of the girls I coach to respond? How about my own high school-aged daughter? Is this what I would have wanted another coach to do, if he or she had arrived before me?
My league commissioner essentially was telling me to do what was easiest for me; my obligation to others was nonexistent. In my research, I find that many of us pursue this path. We are told we can have whatever we want, when we want it. We are a nation of consummate consumers.
Saturday morning I waited to make sure no other team was scheduled to play. Then my team went on to win 1-0. It was a tough game. The girls demonstrated what happens when they give of themselves, rather than just think of themselves.
So I leave you with this question: Where should we draw the line when it comes to choosing a field – and when do we say, “Screw ‘em”?
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Apr 21, 2005 | Parker J. Plitz | pmplitz@famvid.com
I agree that we just can't ignore or walk away from the need to improve or change those things that need to be changed. If we are responsible people, and responsible individuals, we, individually and collectively, need to do what is right. It seems that individuals and communities don't want to touch many issues and needs because then you may end up making the corrections by yourselves. By ignoring them, they result in worsening conditions. We can't and shouldn't let this happen. Internally, I would get the satisfaction of, at least, making the effort. It is not important what others think. Just do it - make it right!
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Apr 18, 2005 | Michael Weiksner | mike@e-thepeople.org
Interesting story. I think this concept relates to the national epidemic of cheating. Basically, there is a very small minority that are chronic cheaters. Then, there is a plurality of kids that will never cheat. In the middle, there are kids who don't want to cheat, but may do so if they feel that think that others are cheating (in order not to fall behind the other cheaters). So policing tests works: then the vast majority of students can take the test without worrying whether others are cheating.
In your example, it comes down to whether you think the other guy would screw you. Most of the time you can trust other people, especially if there is some credible enforcement mechanism. http://www.e-thePeople.org