Stephen's Own Domain 2008

There has been alot of talk about no cheering at Graduation Ceremonies. Yep, I said it. No Cheering at Graduation. Espcecially in high schools. I recently went to Eugene Kane's "Raising Kane" Blog on the Journal's Website to read his thoughts about it. (BTW, he had a nephew graduated high school.) I don't hardly agree with some of the comments but I think the leading reason what I don't agree the most, is the arresting part. According to CBSnews.com, and the titled article, "7 Charged with Cheering at Graduation", the story summarized with 7 individuals were charged with disorderly conduct. In results of cheering! At my high school graduation, in 1995, there was cheering all around for us in our class. I assume that your high school classes had the same thing. From the beginning of the diplomas to the end. One of my former classmates danced before getting his diploma. (Thomas Stirckland if your're out there, and you went to Marshall and graduated in '95, what up!) Anyway, the thing is there were no arrests that night unlike the one happened at the school in South Carolina. But, I'm going to say something that probably would not offend any educator or any other person that relates to education. What happened to Freedom of Expression?  Think about it. Is that in our Bill of Rights?, The First Amendment?  I assume so. Those who cheered that night to have their sons or daughters name shouldn't have been arrested. That's just flat out ridiculous.  It's not like that they were saying the word "Fire!" and everyone had to leave the building in a orderly fashion. Nor having the possession of warning of threatening emails. I think there is a reason to cheer for someone who is about to move on to the next level. Let me give you one example. This past sunday, at my church was our Men's Day Service on Father's Day. (It's a annual thing) Four of the men in my Men's Group were honored for their years of service in the church. All received "rockstar receptions" for their commitment when their names were called, and no one was arrested! Let give you another. I have to quote on what Vince McMahon said about the fans who show up to the arenas on Monday Nights to be on TV. He said that those who critcize the fans on RAW are mostly snobs. Vince also said those who come out and cheer and show posters of whatever represent "Americana". The Americana of every race, creed, class and others that is just described. Maybe the people who did a holler at a students were just showing example of what I think should be a form of expression. Thirdly, in June of 1999, at the time I lost my first Grandfather, Robert Burton, Sr to cancer at 85. But in the same year, my older sister graduated from Garrett Seminary. If you don't know, that's on the Northwestern University Campus and has connections with the United Methodist Church.  When her name was called. There were mostly cheers for her when she was awarded her Master's Degree in Ministry. Not only that, she managed to go through the struggle with her MS and continued to finish her education. And she was cheered for it with standing ovations from some of the classmates. But again, no one was arrested. Yes, there are rules and regulations, but the thing is don't shun the freedom part.

How many employers in America have job discrimination information around the workplace? I assume mostly. How many employers in America have demonstrated that notion of using zero tolerance? I would say mostly.  The reason I brung this up, because on of the most famous companies in America had a issue with discrimination with race and gender, NASCAR. Yep, you read it right. NASCAR!  If you don't know the story, a 32-year-old black woman named Mauricia Grant is filing a $225 Million Dollar lawsuit against NASCAR based on discrimination regarding her. She worked two years as an Technical Inspector for the company by making sure the race cars were in working order. She enjoyed it. But behind the scenes were just different angles of intimidations, fear, and yes racial overtones. She was called from "Queen Sheeba", "Nappy Headed Mo", and other names. She also was feared that one of the workers had connections with the KKK, plus she was threatened more with harrassement which involved lewd jokes, blamed for being a lesbian, and to top it off, was accused of using bad behavior like language, which according to  NASCAR, was leading to her dismissal, of so they thought.  The article on the incident concluded that she was fired because they felt her job performance was poor, or not up to company standards. But on the upswing of her, she was spoken highly of her superiors.

What got me about the article was the fact despite of the good work she put in, she was also felt disrepected. Also, I would say the fact she was just treated wrong because she was a black woman working in an area like NASCAR Racing. Plus she was a good worker!  Why the hate? I've had black female supervisors, white supervisors, etc. and I've shown respect to them: as like teachers, advisors, head supervisors, managers, co-workers in all. I can't see some African Americans that I know, wouldn't apply for NASCAR based on what happened. (Believe me I know!) I know most companies do display their Zero Tolerance Rules to ensure respect, fairness, and dignity of all workers. And I mean ALL workers. But what happened to Mauricia Grant was a nightmare, and I think some companies should really examine of what this means, seriously. Partially, I also think this is why most opportunities for some just go up in smoke. Just my opinion.

Note: to give credit, I have highlighted  the names or stories above to go to the articles. Read them if you want.