"ME FIRST” Hardly Warrants a Party

It has been suggested that there is a segment of our population that is primarily focused on a “Me First” philosophy and agenda.  This is relatively easy to initially dismiss when considering that the malaise has been temporarily employed by every generation until they mature – until they have lived long enough to learn that self-gratification typically leaves one feeling shallow and unfilled. 

What is so troubling today are the periodic reminders that these assumed maturities levels are not only been routinely dismissed but are distained by those who have surpassed the age of reason.  Such a reminder most recently comes to us in an article in the Star Tribune Newspaper entitled “I’m a TV newswoman, and no thanks on the lady uniform.”  Its author is Jana Shortal, a Reporter for Kare 11 television in Minneapolis. 

Shortal’s issue is the dress code requirements for women who appear on television news.  She takes us through her personal frustrations and the awful discontentment she has felt over the years in having to meet those requirements.  She insists that all she wants to do is tell her stories.  Yet, dress requirements have diminished her self-fulfillment and thus hampered her from achieving the greatest possible satisfaction she believes can be derived from her job.  The basic battle cry of the article is “THAT’S NOT ME” and I refuse “TO NOT BE ME” any longer.  She says she has now taken, by virtue of a new program introduced on Kare 11, to dressing only in the manner that pleases her.  She’s been liberated. 

Before we throw her a party, we should consider the elements missing from Shortal’s thinking. 

Let’s first state the obvious.  The entire article was focused on one thing – herself. 

Next there was no mention as to why a dress code is necessary.  No consideration for those she is paid to serve.  No consideration as to the realities of sacrifice in the pursuit of a greater good or excellence. 

Television is a visual medium.  As such, the viewers have expectations when watching.  If expectations are not met at a restaurant, a clothing store, or any other enterprise that serves the public, the public will not return.  There is also the reality that when expectations are exceeded people are eager to return.  

Classic examples of this television reality today would include those that have no interest in football yet enjoy watching “Fox NFL Sunday,” the pre-game show before NFL football telecasts.  Viewer comments range from how engaging they find the personalities, to their enjoyment in their exquisite wardrobes.  They emit an air of class and style and respect for their audience.  This is reminiscent of attending a Johnny Mathis concert.  Wild applause, whistles and shouted compliments greeted him surrounding his impeccable appearance when he returned on stage for his second set performance.  

Shortal can still tell her stories without having to meet expectations in appearance.  She can dress in bib-overhauls if she wishes.  There is radio.  There’s the internet and of course, like her article, there are blogs and various other forms of print media.  So why her insistence to remain where she feels uncomfortable?  This certainly brings her motives into question.  

And most importantly is the absence in her treatise as to her primary responsibilities.  First and foremost, should be the viewer.  This means not just journalistic professionalism in providing knowledge in the form of accurate, reliable information but her additional responsibility to make it as visually appealing for the viewers as possible.  

Then of course there’s those who sign her paycheck.   The job has yet to be created that doesn’t require an acceptance of some unpleasantness, sacrifice and a mindset that can often require going beyond the call of duty.  Those who feel comfortable in demanding that their contentment be their employers primary concern rather than the excellence in the service or product they provide are not those we should be throwing a party for. 

“ME FIRST” has never been admired, nor should it ever be admired.  The source of Shortal’s actual frustrations and unhappiness lie not in adhering to a dress code but rather in her own self-absorption.  Once she loses the “ME FIRST” mentality, life will open avenues of contentment and happiness she has no idea exist.