One Per Family

Yesterday, I volunteered during one of the amazing Chinese New Year programs put on annually at my children's school. These programs are put on in a venue that seats over 1,700, and each of them were sold out. The children have worked most of the school year to this point on their singing and dancing, and while the shows are long, they are a joy to watch.

With two performances to attend, we decided to volunteer some time during the performances to contribute to the day, save on ticket costs, and break up a long period of sitting. I ushered while John supervised the kindergarten boys' bathroom. One might assume that the easier of those two jobs would be the one that didn't involve masses of 5 & 6 year old boys attempting to tear a public restroom down to its studs.  One might assume that handing out programs to the incoming audience would be simpler, quieter, and drier. Only one of these assumptions is correct though, so if you guessed that I didn't need any towels to perform my job, you win!

I arrived an hour before the show in my black pants, red top and comfy shoes as instructed. I was given a name tag, a door assignment and a basket of programs with a festive red bow. I was paired with a college student, who worked in the theater and would direct people to their seats.  And then I was sent on to my station with the words, "Just pass them out, one per family."

The programs were beautiful. Over-sized white card stock in tri-fold emblazoned with the red print of a sheep intertwined with Chinese characters amid a backdrop of blossoms and other new year symbols, the lovely work of a very talented student. Information on the inside, in both English and Chinese, about the performance of each grade level, as well as the gracious thank yous on the back.  The school always  does a fine job of showcasing and appreciating the varied talents of its students and staff.

But oh, how those three little words...one per family...brought out the spectrum of humanity at its most privileged over the next hour. Perhaps I was naive, or in denial, to ways in which people would react to hearing those words. Some people were indignant, and insisted they receive more than one. Some people left for their seats in a huff. Some of those people returned a short time later claiming they had not received a program and must have one now. Some people looked shocked or puzzled and wandered off in a daze. Some people looked irritated or disappointed, but accepted the words. Some tried to rationalize their need for more. Some tried to bargain for another. And yet, some were gracious and accepting as they moved to their seats.

No matter how they responded, if someone pressed me for another program, I gave it to them. i wasn't going to fight that battle. But I didn't give it to them without a little judgement.

(okay a lot)

I think there is a name for this phenomenon: First World Problems. Isn't that how the hashtag goes? Having to share, being given a limit, conserving resources that one feels entitled to. That's what the school was doing...managing resources in a responsible way. When a non-profit organization undertakes an event of this magnitude, the details are hard to even imagine. Over three hundred adults and almost 600 students worked to put together this show on grant money and meager ticket prices to cover the basic costs. The programs were designed and printed with a spirit of celebration and well wishes that I don't know if everyone in that audience truly appreciated.

The lessons of this event were about celebrating Chinese culture and wishing each other "magnificent beginnings for an auspicious and prosperous year!" While the children embraced this message with the enthusiasm of their songs and the spirit of their dances, it seems some of the adults in the audience still have some work left to do.