It's sad to say that not much progress has been made since the musical satire Chicago debuted in 1975. In one musical number, Fred Ebb wrote lyrics that read, "What became of class?" Judging by what I've seen recently, it may have died after all.
I spent Friday night shopping downtown with a group of freshmen that I am mentoring. One of the girls found herself shocked, dazed, and confused when I accompanied her from Copley to Newbury Street so that she did not have to walk alone in the dark. I not only held the door open for her but also agreed to carry her shopping bag for her.
Why should that have been so shocking? It was merely common decency. Today, it's hard to find. I'm used to getting doors slammed in my face, having people borrow money but not return it, and seeing college students treat their professors as if they had the intelligence of 5-year-olds.
Growing up a Southern boy, I was taught how to be a gentleman. I knew what it meant to conduct myself in a social setting. Leaving the house always meant dressing properly for the occasion. Walking into a room meant holding the door open for whoever was behind me. Eating a meal meant using my knife and fork instead of my fingers.
The way that some youth conduct themselves today can surely be attributed to modern parenting. Britney Spears' children will surely be lucky to be alive by the time they are 21. In contrast, many parents are simply letting their children take advantage of them.
And, when it all comes down to it, some kids just don't get it. Class isn't freshmen girls on Upper changing their clothing with their dorm windows wide open. Class isn't the sophomore girl sitting next to you on the bus showing her latest purchase at Victoria's Secret. Class isn't a junior boy pressuring his girlfriend into have sex with him. Or his senior best friend eating pizza in the middle of Lower while the rest of his peers are in line paying for their food. And class isn't the graduate student who still finds the need to break up with his or her significant other via Facebook or a mere text message.
In essence, a lot of the problem is the result of a rapid Hollywood paparazzi and society's insatiable desire for news on their favorite celebrities, which has destroyed privacy. Teenage girls open the Internet and hear about Spears exposing her crotch. But class isn't walking around half-naked to impress a boy. In Spears' case it certainly isn't attractive, so why would it be for them? Teenage boys think that their favorite sports star sleeping around is acceptable. Human beings aren't objects, though. Married couples see Brad Pitt in every magazine prancing around with Angelina Jolie. If there isn't hope for the beautiful Jennifer Aniston, what hope is there for the average Joe?
To be a celebrity nowadays has nothing to do with talent but rather exposing your body. Would Vanessa Hudgens be as famous as she is now without her nude photos leaking? What did Ginger Spice accomplish during her break from the Spice Girls besides a spread in Penthouse? Amy Winehouse's musicality is overshadowed by her decision to look like she rolled out of a trailer park.
And then, there are the sex tape scandals. Spears' should break anytime soon. Paris Hilton became an overnight sensation with hers. R. Kelly has been embroiled in a sex-crime case for years, but has it done much damage to his career? No.
Class is America Ferrera, whose career is about her talent rather than the dirty laundry that she leaves out to dry in public. Class is Diane Sawyer, who always dresses not only with style but with dignity. Class was Audrey Hepburn when the true movie star existed.
Today there aren't many aside from Julia Roberts. Other celebrities should follow their examples, and certainly more of society should.
So next time you're walking into class in Gasson, think about what you're doing. Take the extra 10 seconds of your time to stop and hold the door open for the person behind you. A little class goes a long way.
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