Do Not Be a Sheeple

‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing’

-        Edmond Burke

If you are the parent or caregiver of a child who has special needs, do not be a sheeple.

If you are a teacher or professional who works with a child who has special needs, do not be a sheeple.

As a matter of fact, it does not matter who you are.  Under no circumstances should any of us be a sheeple.

I have a friend who has an expression for someone who follows the flock blindly.  She uses the same expression for someone who is more concerned with trying not to make waves and going along with the group, even if that is really the wrong thing to do.  She uses the expression for someone who is not willing to stand up for what is right because of concern over the possibility of personal consequences to friendships or because the person just does not want the hassle of making a decision. It is easier to follow the flock.

That term is sheeple.  If you haven’t figured it out sheeple = sheep + people.

Do not be a sheeple.

In some ways I consider myself lucky.  My father is an ex-Marine who spent 30 years as an elementary school principal.  He is the son of an ex-Marine.  My mother is a former speech teacher who became an elementary school principal.  I was brought up to believe that honesty and directness are two of the most – if not the most - important qualities a person can possess.  My wife, Sidney, tells me often that I am too willing, when someone says or does something that find important to comment on, to go where angels fear to tread, and open my mouth.  I am not talking about being a shouter or being aggressive.  What I am talking about is a willingness to voice my approval or disagreement with an idea or concept that a person or a group may hold, and to explain why.  Am I always right?  No.  But if you can provide me with a cogent, persuasive argument as to your position, I will listen and consider.  Then I will decide if I should deviate my course because of a strong, valid argument.  Now, let’s be honest.  I am human and I am not always right (please do not tell my wife that!)  My perspective on this is that, at a minimum, I have a strong personal compass.  I will leave it at that.  

But what about you?  Do you walk away from situations feeling troubled, like maybe you should have stood up for your belief?  Or maybe have you walked away from a situation where you think that child you are responsible for – in whatever capacity – might really be worse off because you did not speak up?  If you have done that, it is human to want to avoid that conflict.  The truth is that it does happen.  Dissent is not comfortable for any of us.  But, please, think twice for the good of that child.  Is avoiding that feeling of discomfort that each of us may feel during what may be a frank discussion worth the tradeoff of what the actual impact of that particular decision may be on that child?  

Consider that if you can offer a solid, well-spoken line of reasoning, even if that reasoning is the countervailing view in the room, you just may be able to turn the flock. Maybe others are thinking the same thing you are and waiting for someone with the courage to speak up for the child.  You will never know unless you screw up your courage and try.  At a minimum, you will probably walk away with the respect of others, and probably someone saying to themselves that they wish they had the courage to do what you did.  Who knows, just maybe you will be the one who makes the flock turn in a new direction and help its less fortunate members to find greener pastures for grazing.

Do not be a sheeple.