Public Behavior

A recent high school graduation in my home community of St. George on Staten Island in New York City was suddenly cut short by the principal for what some staff members indicated was inappropriate behavior on the part of parents and potential graduates.  In discussing this issue with a parent of a lower classman at that same institution, one from which one of my own children graduated several years ago, a statement was made that gave me pause. "People just don't know how to behave in public," my colleague stated. Plain and simple...his Mid-Western sensibilities took over, and he merely stated what he took to be obvious to all: public decorum is just not what it used to be. And I have to agree. The standards for acceptable behavior are at an all time low. 


I thought about some very bad behaviors I have observed over the past year and had to agree with my friend's statement:


On March 17th...St Patrick's Day to you all, I was on a morning ferry en-route to meet my sisters and nieces waiting to see our brother march down Fifth Avenue with his pipe band.  I took my normal starboard seat on the Molinari ferry...overlooking Brooklyn, usually the quieter side for those who must see the Statue of Liberty on the port side on the trek to Manhattan.  I was greeted that day by a bevy of teenagers dolled up and decked out for the parade.  It was obvious to me that they were skipping school  this day to enjoy the festivities in the "city". They were loud and obviously indulging in some under-age drinking, pushing and shoving each other and running up and down the outer deck.  I decided I needed to dodge this crowd and get myself inside where quieter souls were on their way to work and reading the morning paper while sipping their morning coffee.


"I know, Miss, we are too loud, right?", one of the girls said," But we are entitled today because we are Irish."


I was stunned.  My grandparents immigrated from Ireland in the early 20th century to find a better way of life, not to allow their great-grandchildren to act in an inappropriate manner in public.  My reply? " Yes, you are loud, and no, you are not entitled."  She then called me a "b**ch".


Again on the ferry, on the way home from an afternoon of work in downtown Brooklyn, a three-year old is running back and forth on the long bench I am sharing with his Mother.  She turns to me, smiles and says, "What can I tell you?  He does whatever he wants to."  Really, Mom?  Who is the adult here?  Step up to the plate and discipline your child.  Be the grown-up.


I don't want to hear your excuses...please take responsibility.  It isn't easy being a parent.  Children do NOT rule the world.  Parents, what kind of legacy are you leaving behind?  Please, teach your children what acceptable behavior is. Civilization depends upon it.