You have probably heard the phrase “integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” In the same way, doing the right thing, or the wrong thing, when everyone is watching also speaks to integrity, ego, and the nature of celebrity. Two recent events illustrate this phenomenon.
Colton Harris-Moore was finally arrested in the Bahamas after a multi-state crime spree that started in the Camano Island area. After walking out of a juvenile-detention facility, the teenager committed burglaries and thefts for months, evaded law enforcement and became a cult figure, attracting intense media attention and thousands of Facebook fans. Some people have attributed a sort of romanticism to him, and rooted for him to continue his seemingly harmless and interesting exploits. It was like the movie “Catch Me If You Can,” with a nice-looking, local kid.
After Harris-Moore left the state, he committed more crime in South Dakota and Nebraska. He then allegedly stole a plane and ended up in the Bahamas, where he fled one more time in a boat before authorities took him into custody, fortunately without anyone being injured or killed.
At the risk of sounding too much like a cop, I have to say I find the story of this young man very sad. His mother, admittedly based only on what I have seen in reports and the media, is a great example of self-centered parenting.
It is an overused cliché in law enforcement that we will never go out of business because bad parenting is forever. This mother’s focus seems to be on getting an entertainment lawyer to help negotiate movie deals telling the story of her son’s criminal acts and flouting of the law. It is surreal that she was angry that he stole a single-engine plane, because it is less safe than a twin-engine plane. Oh, by the way, not committing felonies also is safer.
Harris-Moore is responsible for his alleged actions, and his upbringing is related to, but not an excuse for, the things he has done. There has not been much attention paid to the victims of his spree. I have taken too many burglary reports from people who are emotionally shattered by a supposed “property” crime that involves someone breaking into their home and rifling through their most cherished possessions. They do not sleep well and their sense of security is sometimes altered forever. That is what this young man was really doing.
Along with this sensationalized drama was a sports story that brings back true faith in humanity. Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Gallaraga is a journeyman pitcher originally from Venezuela. He had not won many games in the majors, but was one out from what would have been only the 20th perfect game in major league history. Twenty-six batters had been retired, and no one had reached base. The last batter hit a ground ball and Gallaraga ran to first, got the throw and the batter was clearly out.
However, umpire Jim Joyce called him safe. Gallaraga did not jump up and down, and he did not shout at or try to embarrass the umpire. Instead, he smiled serenely and returned to the mound, where he immediately got the final out.
After the game, Jim Joyce watched the replay and saw that he had missed the call. It would not be unexpected for him to either stay silent about it or quickly defend his error. Instead, he admitted that he had made a mistake and offered to apologize to Gallaraga. He did just that after the game, and with tears in his eyes Joyce said “Lo Siento (I am sorry)”.
The next day, knowing that both Gallaraga and Joyce had displayed the best kind of sportsmanship, the Detroit Tigers and their fans did even more. Joyce was scheduled to be the home plate umpire the next day, and Gallaraga went out to give him the lineup card. Detroit fans cheered for both of them.
Integrity is how you act when no on is watching, and also when everyone is watching. While everyone watched, Harris-Moore kept committing crimes and perpetuated a stereotype. Gallaraga and Joyce seized an opportunity in a very bad situation to show us all how to act, with dignity, humanity and honesty.
Have a great week.
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