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MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 21

MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 21

March 18, 2002
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MAXIMize the Moment

"Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!"

Well, I've been pretty productive so far tonight. Work has actually been a little quicker and easier than I'd planned. I guess I can take a little break.

I quickly read through a bunch of emails. There's a mass email to everyone in student government from Jill, our class president.

When I open it, the email has nothing to do with SGA and is actually really offensive. It's called "The Battle of the Sexes" and it makes it seem like all guys are useless-unfeeling, chauvinistic, obsessed with sex, lying, stupid jerks who aren't to be trusted.

Who does Jill think she is?!  Does she really think that all the guys at our school are like that? Did she really think we'd find it funny?

Wait. Maybe I'm making too much of this. I'm sure she just meant it as a joke. I should probably just ignore it. If I say something to Jill, it'll seem like I'm being a whiner. I should probably just let it slide.

Then I think of a quote that I learned in English class today: "To thine own self be true."

If I pretend like the email didn't bother me, then I'm not being true to myself. Jill's comments make me angry and I have a right to feel that way. I shouldn't have to put up with disrespectful comments. If I do, then I'm not respecting myself.

I should be treated with just as much respect as I give to others. I don't say nasty and bitter things to girls and I don't want them saying stuff like that to me. It was really rude of her to send me that stuff.

Actually, it was wrong of her to say it at all. Sure, she should have realized that it might bother me, but it's not just about being sensitive to your audience. Comments that are too disrespectful to be shared with all people shouldn't be shared with any people.

I think Jill needs a lesson in sensitivity. And I guess I have to be the one to give it to her. She may get really angry at me about it. But I'm not just saying it for her sake, or on behalf of the other guys, I'm saying it because it's what I believe. Like Shakespeare said, "To thine own self be true." Now I need to put his words, and my beliefs, into action.

This week's maxim is "To thine own self be true."

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "To thine own self be true."
    William Shakespeare

Featured character trait

  • Respect - I recognize that all people, myself included, deserve to be treated with dignity.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

  • Leadership - I am able to take charge and strive to be a good example.
  • Honor - I recognize the difference between right and wrong and, as result, treat myself and others with respect.
  • Fortitude - I have the strength to live by my convictions.
  • Courage- I am willing to do what is difficult.
  • Integrity - I live out my values in all areas of my life so others can rely upon and trust me.
  • Responsibility - I recognize my duty and honor it.
  • Genuineness - I have the courage to be myself, to honor my values, dream, and talents.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Does this week's maxim seem realistic?
  • Would the email still have been a problem if Jill had only sent it to the girls on the list?
  • Would you feel differently about the situation if it had been an email about girls sent by a guy?
  • What might have motivated someone to write such an unkind email?
  • Why would someone choose to further that message by forwarding it to others?
  • What can we learn by thinking about what motivates people to do things like this?
  • Can only girls be sexually harassed?
  • Does this incident constitute sexual harassment? Why or why not?
  • Is there a difference between harassment and being offensive? If so, what is the line?
    • TEACHERS: Harassment is a fairly broad term which can be interpreted in a number of ways. It is important to note, though, that harassment is defined by the victim's perception of the environment as hostile, and not by the perpetrator's intent. To find out more information about the legal definition of harassment go to http://www.de.psu.edu/harassment/legal
  • What are some examples of behaviors that could be considered sexual harassment?
  • How can you tell the difference between harmless joking and harassment?
  • What should you do if you are or someone close to you is being harassed?

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