There has been a lot of press regarding the Costa Concordia disaster lately. And, while many angles of the now famous shipwreck are being discussed, like comparisons to the sinking of the Titanic and the meaning of the phrase “save the women and children first” in today’s society, much of the attention is still focused on the dishonourable actions of Francesco Schettino, the former captain of the ill-fated cruise ship.
I suppose, in many ways, this media focus is understandable. Indeed, as many of you may know, I made reference to this very issue in my message last week. After all, it’s upsetting when the natural order of our world is turned upside down. The “captain goes down with his ship” is almost a universally accepted moral law. Yet the attention that Schettino’s behaviour continues to draw seems to prove the validity of another “universal law:” humans, at least those in the western world, seem to maintain a fascination with stories of tragedy, human weakness and error.
In reflecting on this, I decided to attempt to take a different tack for this week’s message, as I set out to explore the human acts of courage and honour associated with last week’s nautical tragedy. I soon discovered there were many. For example, one of the ship’s entertainers, John Lazzarini, who, upon coming across a group of eight children who had been separated from their parents, “shepherded them to a quiet corner and threw himself into distracting them from the desperate screams for help. When the instruction to abandon ship finally came, he organised them into a chain and led them hand in hand to the deck.” (www.telegraph.co.uk)
There is also the story of James Thomas, a 19-year-old dancer on the ship who “used his 6ft 3in frame to bridge the gap between two of the decks. Dozens of passengers clambered over him to get into lifeboats.” (www.dailymail.co.uk) Perhaps the most well-known story of heroism from the tragic event involves Hungarian violinist Sandor Feher, 38, who sacrificed his own life through his efforts to help small children put their life jackets on prior to their departure from the sinking vessel. Who knows why he didn’t actually make it into one of those lifeboats (his body was recently identified by his mother), but given his selfless actions witnessed by others just before he died, it’s not unreasonable to think that he lost his life while trying to save others in peril.
As an aside, it’s interesting to note that three artists carried out these notable acts of courage: an actor, a dancer and a musician. Surely these honourable men and their stories of virtue are worthy of much newspaper ink and deserving of a bright shining media spotlight. But if you conducted an Internet search on the Costa Concordia, I’d bet you’d receive far more results referencing Schettino’s dishonourable behaviour than those selfless acts of valour described above.
In general, stories of failure and human weakness attract more attention than those of victory and good character. This peculiar fascination is evident everywhere, even within the UCC community. I understand that one of my key roles here at the College is to attempt to address concerns from all constituents, but I can’t describe how refreshing it feels when someone stops by my office with genuine praise for a student, teacher or parent. Thankfully, it happens. And I can proudly say with confidence that we have many talented, dedicated people that contribute to the success of this place. To cite a few of the many examples I’ve witnessed first hand:
- Teachers who go the extra mile in their support of students going through difficult circumstances
- Coaches, directors and instructors who are committed to developing the interests and passions of numerous young men
- Students who courageously stand up for their peers who are being targeted in some way by others
- Countless students who’ve returned laptops, iPods, cell phones and money (small and large sums) that they’ve found
- Parents who take time out of their busy schedules to support school initiatives and volunteer for activities that benefit our whole community
- Parents who inquire about the wellbeing of ill teachers and comfort them during times of strife
The next time you hear someone complaining about another member of our community, whether at the dinner table or a cocktail party, I’d encourage you to try to balance any critical comments you hear with commendations for the good work being done by others. We have a wonderful community – full of good, caring people – and I think it’s important for us to recognize our heroes and honour those who are committed to making a difference for all.
Thanks for reading,
Scott
“Balance any critical comments you hear with commendations for the good work being done by others.” Funny how many times we must be told attitude is what counts. It’s in Bambie – Thumper says, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”