Miley Cyrus...Your Thoughts?

Miley Cyrus appeared on the 2013 MTV Music Awards on Sunday night. Everyone seems to have an opinion and it has caused more than a little bit of controversy. I am interested in what you think. But, before I ask your opinion, let's lay out the two opposing viewpoints.

Con: Through most of her teen years, Miley was the star on the hit show, Hannah Montana. Millions of young girls and their families considered her a positive role model. Many of those fans were watching her on the MTV Music Awards. Her performance was vulgar, obscene and in poor-taste. The show is rated for "appropriate for 14 year olds," and many parents would not agree that her performance was appropriate for their 14 year old children. In addition, this 20-year old girl was "twerking"  with a married man and father of 2 young children. Her desperate attempt to gain attention and become relevant went too far. She will look back on this someday and cringe. 

Pro: Miley needed to break from her Disney, "Hannah Montana" image. She has grown up and she is trying to reach new fans that are also older and more mature. MTV probably asked for something shocking and provocative. She gave them what they wanted and more. Besides, the performer (Lady Gaga) before her wore a thong on stage (and the rest of the evening) and no one made a big deal about that. The difference is that Miley Cyrus had a good girl image and some people just can't handle her transition to adulthood. Finally, if she was looking for attention, she sure found a way to get it. Look at how everyone is talking about her. 

Author's Perspective: I take the 5th on this one and let you'll hash this one out. I'll just say that I believe in a capitalist society. Everyone has the right to make a fool out of themselves and the public has the right to decide to buy her music or boycott it. My guess is people will do both, based on their point of view.

Your Turn (follow us & tweet responses to @CDandLeadership using #CDandL):
1) Social Media Question: What is your point of view? Why?
2) Do you think that Miley should still be considered a positive role model for teenagers?
3) If you were a parent, at what age would you allow your child to watch this video? What kind of conversation would you have with them following that performance?
4) If you were Miley's parents, what would you say to her after that performance?

The Media's Unfair Treatment of Paula Deen

2012: A former employee (Lisa Jackson) at one of Paula Deen's restaurants, sued Deen and her brother, Bubba Hiers, for racial and sexual harassment. 

May, 2013: Ms. Jackson's lawyers questioned Paula Deen under oath. In June, that transcript was made public. In this transcript, Paula Deen was asked if she had ever used the N-word. She responded, "Yes, of course," and later said, "But that's just not a word that we use as time has gone on. Things have changed since the '60s in the South. And my children and my brother object to that word being used in any cruel or mean behavior."

 http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/19/showbiz/paula-deen-racial-slur (video of Deen's transcript)

June, 2013: Unless you were in a coma during your summer vacation away, you should know what happened next. The news and entertainment media covered the story relentlessly. It was the lead on every TV station, talked about on every radio show, and featured as front page news in newspapers and magazines.

For the better part of two weeks, Paula Deen was the talk of the nation. With very few exceptions, the media essentially branded her a racist. The pressure was immense. Thirteen companies associated with Paula dropped her. The Food network cancelled her two shows, her publisher, Ballantine Books, decided to cancel her book deal, QVC cancelled all appearances and major retail stores like Wal-Mart, Target and Home Depot, said they would not sell her products anymore. She went on The Today Show to stop the bleeding. Most would say that she did a lousy job. Paula Deen Enterprises, which generated $100 million in 2012, was done... finished!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PL02LMD8Gw (long interview from the Today Show)

August, 2013: Ms. Jackson's lawsuit for racial discrimination was thrown out of court "with prejudice," which means it can never be tried again. Because Ms. Jackson was white, she could not sue and financially benefit from what she said was poor treatment of black workers. Two weeks later, Ms. Jackson's lawyers dropped the sexual harassment case as well, "without any award of costs or fees to any party." 

Author's Opinion: I am not a fan of Paula Dean and never have been. I don't have anything against her either. I mainly just don't like fried Southern food. This was confirmed when we visited my mother in Savannah, Georgia this past spring, and she "made" us eat at one of her restaurants. Yuck. Furthermore, I do not know if Paula is a racist or not. However, I would like to clarify that this post is not even about Paula Deen. I am writing to talk about fairness, character assignation and the unchecked power of the media. 

Author's Perspective #1 - Where is the 24/7 Media Now? I had to read about the outcome of this case on page 7 of my local newspaper. Where are all the talking heads, media pundits and front page stories now that all of the evidence and facts have been laid out? The media covered this story relentlessly in June. They tried and convicted her in the court of public opinion. They put pressure on companies to drop Paula Dean. Why? Because in today's society, the absolute worst thing that you can be labeled is "a racist." Companies don't want to be associated with a racist. It is bad for business. Once the companies caved and divorced themselves from Paula Deen, the media patted themselves on the back and moved on to the next salacious scandal that generates ratings.

Author's Perspective #2 - Where is the Apology? In my opinion, everyone in the media who judged her without evidence and facts should be falling all over themselves to apologize to Paula Deen. Everyone in the media should be hanging their collective heads in shame. The media demands apologies from every celebrity who make errors, mistakes or lapses in judgment. However, you don't see heart-felt apologies when the media screws up. It is inexcusable to ruin a person's reputation without proof. This is called character assassination, slander and defamation of character. I believe this is unfair, immoral and dishonest, and Paula Deen deserves an apology! 

Author's Perspective #3 - The Facts and the Evidence:  Did you know that the judge in the case will be deciding if Ms. Jackson's layers should be sanctioned for unprofessional conduct? Allegedly, her lawyers threatened to publicly embarrass Paul Dean unless she paid Ms. Jackson "huge sums of money." Again, why isn't this front page news?

Did you know that Ms. Jackson had this to say after the case was settled, "The Paula Deen I have known for more than eight years is a woman of compassion and kindness and will never tolerate discrimination or racism of any kind toward anyone." Really? In my opinion, she should be yelling this from the top of her lungs on CNN, CNBC, and FOX News. 

Author's Perspective # 4 - The Power of One Person: One person should not have the power to ruin another person's reputation, particularly without sufficient evidence. Ms. Jackson didn't discuss this case with black employees or collect sworn statements to document this racism. This was not a class action suit. This was one person who appears to have a monetary agenda. 

Author's Perspective #5 - Fairness Doesn't Drive Ratings: If Piers Morgan had interviewed me on CNN about this case in June, I would have said, "I haven't spoken to Ms. Deen or Ms. Jackson about this case. I haven't interviewed employees or friends. This is one person, a white woman at that, who is making a claim that Paula Deen is a racist. I couldn't tell you if she is a racist or not... and neither can anyone else on this panel. Perhaps we should wait for the facts to come out before we smear this woman in the court of public opinion." Piers Morgan would thank me for my commentary and never invite me back.  Why? Fairness and patience don't drive ratings. These shows rely on talking heads with tough, sharp opinions to drive controversy and ratings. 

Author's Perspective #6 - Applying This to You: This case is no different from someone in your school spreading unfounded rumors about you and putting it on some social media website. Other students then continue to repeat it until the rumors are accepted as fact. Parents and teachers begin to demand that the administration do something to punish you. Because the administration doesn't want to look like they condone your behavior, they succumb to the pressure and expel you from school. All of this is done without evidence or fact. Wrong, wrong, wrong. 

Your Turn (follow us & tweet responses to @CDandLeadership using #CDandL):
1) Social Media Question: Why do you think the media relentlessly covered this case in June when accusations were made, but chose not to cover in in August after the facts were revealed?
2) Do you think Paula Deen was treated fairly? Why or why not?
3) If you were one of the companies that dropped Paula Deen in June, how you would handle it from here?

President Obama Criticizes Reality TV

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama criticized reality TV, and in particular Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, saying that their reality TV shows have helped create a generation of youngsters who are obsessed with wealth and celebrity. Specifically, the president said, "The American dream involved some pretty basic stuff - a good job where you felt some security, a good education... People felt if they worked hard they could get there... I don't think people went around saying to themselves, 'I need to have a 10,000-square-foot house'... I think there has also been a shift in culture."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yFkWOtTOHo

Kim Kardashian's mother, Kris Jenner, was quick to defend her daughter and to provide a retort to the President. Jenner said, "I wasn't aware that you could only set the bar so high and that we could only dream so big. I was taught, Dream big, work hard and you could have whatever you wanted." She went on to say that their reality TV shows employ hundreds of people.  You can listen to more of her comments below:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/gossip/la-et-mg-kris-jenner-obama-kim-kardashian-kanye-west-20130809,0,3551950.story

Author's Perspective #1: When I heard the president make his comments, I found myself nodding my head in agreement. Reality TV really has altered the definition of success. The culture is obsessed with fame and fortune. It gives young people a false impression of what it takes to be successful.

Author's Perspective #2: I think the main point of President Obama is that the path to fame is misguided. In previous generations, we held ticket tape parades for individuals who achieved greatness - for inventors like Henry Ford, innovators like Amelia Earhart, U.S. soldiers who were victorious in WWII and astronauts who landed on the moon.  Now, we hold parades for athletes who win games for entertainment. Reality TV further erodes the meaning of fame, showing young people that they can be famous for... well, nothing. Reality TV puts fame before accomplishment and celebrity before talent. The end result is too many young people not aspiring to achieve, produce and contribute to society.  Why? Because that is not celebrated.  

Author's Perspective #3: I thought this was a one-sided case until I head the comments by Kris Jenner. It made me pause. Haven't we always had celebrities who made a ton of money and lived in big houses, drove nice cars and vacationed in exotic places? Didn't kids in the 1950's want to be like the stars in old Hollywood? Didn't the kids in 1960's want to live like Elvis, Frank Sinatra or the Beatles? In the 80's kids watched Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Is this any different? Maybe I'm just being too "old school" on this? Does a reality TV star have some kind of redeeming qualities? Are the Kardashians just a modern day version of some starlet from Hollywood?

But then, I came to my senses and decided, "Nah, the President has it right.  I am with him on this one." I want young people to look up to Barack Obama. He has achieved and accomplished. He is serving his country as a public servant. Achievement and leadership led to fame. Reality TV stars become famous first, and I am not sure about their contributions and achievements?

Your Turn (follow us & tweet responses to @CDandLeadership using #CDandL):
1) Twitter Question: Do you side more with President Obama or with Kris Jenner on this issue? Why?
2) Do you think reality TV that showcases fame and celebrity are changing the definition of what it means to be a success? If so, is this a problem?
3) Does our culture focus too much on fame and success without substance? Shouldn't we have substance, talent and achievement first, which then leads to fame?
4) Do you aspire more to be like Bill Gates or Kanye West? Would you rather be the doctor who cures cancer and doesn't get famous or Kim Kardashian who is famous without achievement?

3 Florida Teens Pummel a 6th Grader on The Bus

I admit this blog post is a tough one to start the school year.  I would rather start with something inspiring and uplifting. Unfortunately, life doesn't always give us the chance to have what we want when we want it.  This following story is that kind of example.

In July, three 15-year old teenagers viciously attacked a smaller 13-year old from behind. According to reports, these older boys tried to sell the younger boy some drugs at school. The younger student decided to tell a teacher at school. The three boys caught wind of this and decided to get their revenge on the bus. What follows is this horrific scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8CqHvoZjZs

Author's Perspective: This video leaves me with so many emotions that it is difficult to keep them straight when writing about it. I hope you are as appalled and saddened as I am. This 6th grade child did what every educator would want him to do.  He was confronted with illegal activity and he told an authority figure. What happened next is tragic and this case should be studied by every school, every educator, every politician and every student in America.

While the video should send chills down our necks, the wrongs should be spread around:
1) The Attackers are headed down a path of no-return. They are involved in illegal activity and when confronted with a threat, they mercilessly beat the crap out of a poor defenseless kid.
2) The administration should have done more to protect this child. They didn't even give the bus driver a 'head's up' about a possible situation.
3) Forty-five students were on that bus. Not one attempted to intervene to help this child. Most were in shock, but some cheered as the attack commenced. I bet some knew the attack was coming.
4) The school policy dictates that the bus driver was supposed to report the incident to dispatch and the driver "should" not intervene in a physical altercation.
5) The bus driver followed protocol, but was there more he should have done as a fellow human being? He never intervened and he never even checked on the victim's health after the beating.
6) The parents of the attackers- don't get me started here! One parent said, "He's not a bad kid. He just got mixed up with the wrong crowd." Really! My response, as a father of 4 children, would have sounded like this, "I did not raise my child this way. I am embarrassed by his actions and he will wish he was in juvenile detention after receiving the punishments I dole out. He will be providing so many hours of community service that he will feel like it is full-time job. He will be apologizing to the victim and doing everything possible to make amends - even if it takes him a lifetime to do so. He will speak at schools about the lessons he learned from this incident and the societal problems of bullying, violence and drugs. I will not rest until my son does all of these things."
7) The judicial system: Prosecutors believe that 9 months of probation is an appropriate response to this attack. Again, Really? Is this an appropriate punishment? What kind of messages does this send?

Your Turn (follow us & tweet responses to @CDandLeadership using #CDandL):
1) If you were a student on the bus, what would you have done in that situation?
2) If you were the bus driver, what would you have done in that situation?
3) If you were the judge in this case, what type of punishment would you provide?
4) If you could write school policy, what would you say that a bus driver, cafeteria worker or a teacher should do in this type of situation? 

Welcome Back, Fall 2013!

While most of the schools in the Midwest and Northeast parts of our country don't start until after Labor Day (3 weeks from today), I know many of you are already back in the class room (hurts, doesn't it). Some schools in Arizona and California have already been in for a week.  My sympathies to those students and teachers who had their August stolen from them.

As the author of this class and the textbook, I want to welcome you. There are over 20,000 students from 1,600 high schools and middle schools using this material this year. Some students are in a home-room, some are in an elective class and some are taking this to receive English credit. A few students are as young as 6th grade and some are seniors, but most are probably in 9th grade. This course is used in all 50 states and another 8 countries. This includes students from every ethnic background that I can name. 

For those of you who don't know me, please watch the intro video under the leadership principles. Your teacher should have the password to gain access. I want you to get to know me and me to get to know you. Communication through this blog using Twitter and Facebook is the only way I know how to make that happen. I want us to create a national conversation from classroom to classroom, state to state. I want to hear what you have to say.

My responsibility is to provide at least one new blog post per week. I will mostly provide my viewpoints on current events related to character and leadership. I want you to 1) be aware of these events and to 2) develop your own thoughts, opinions and viewpoints and to 3) help create a national conversation via Twitter and Facebook. 

Your responsibility is to:

• Create a class Twitter and/or Facebook Account to provide responses to my social media questions at the end of each blog post and leadership principle.  Your teacher might also allow you to create/use personal accounts to provide your feedback as well.
• To receive new blog posts, follow me on Twitter @CDandLeadership or like my Facebook page, Character Development and Leadership.
• Respond to the social media questions at the end of each blog post and at the end of each leadership principle. Please use appropriate #'s when using Twitter.
• Monitor your accounts to read my responses to your responses and to see what other students from around the country/world have to say. 
• Keep your comments respectful.  Don't swear, attack/bully/put others down. This is healthy debate. Be respectful at all times.

Your Turn (follow us & tweet responses to @CDandLeadership using #CDandL):
1) What school, city and state are you from? Grade level? Ethnic background?
2) What questions do you have for me (Joe Hoedel, author of this class)?