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Facing the threat of success
By Cam Tait
May 23, 2006
Now, before you see the words "Oilers" and "hockey" and "Stanley Cup" in this, the first sentence of this week's effort, a disclaimer: this is not a sports story. Although, it very well could be since the Edmonton Oilers caught fire at the best possible time. For the first time since 1990, Edmonton is whispering 'Stanley Cup' and there are hopes of bringing the coveted silver mug back to the city where it summered for several years. There's a concern falling over the city like a thunderstorm on the tails of a warm sunny day: will things get out of hand if a championship is secured? There have been a few signs that are unsettling, to say the least.
We're barely halfway through the National Hockey League playoffs. The Oilers have won two series on home ice. On both those nights, the Edmonton Police Service had extra troops ready for action. Sadly, they were needed, as fans turned cars over and vandalized some buildings in the city's Whyte Avenue district. And this is to celebrate a quarterfinal and semi-final victory? If the Oilers make it to the final, what's next? The War Measures Act?
A wise friend made a great observation this week. "We live in a very angry society," he said. And, he's right. But where does that anger come from? Are we living in such an ultra-competitive society that the only way we now reach the top of our game is by being cutthroat? Is the media promoting it, too? How many radio talk show hosts out there encourage callers to dial up and get into it with one another on the radio? And television...need I suggest more? The Internet, too, plays a part in cultivating this anger.
I'm afraid that, perhaps, it's becoming the only emotion we know how to express anymore. So what happens when, for example, all those millions and millions of dollars raised finally help find a cure for a terrible disease - cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, ALS, muscular dystrophy, or any other? Are we as a society going to be able to celebrate the work of thousands of people over decades of dedication and embrace a new gift; a new gift that could give thousands of people - even those we love - a new chance at life? Or are we going to see labs and universities vandalized because of the new cure? What kind of respect would that be for the people who worked so hard - some for a lifetime?
Am I suggesting that people in the nonprofit sector are angry? Hardly. They are some of the kindest, gentlest, and good-hearted folks we will ever know. We can't let their work be greeted with such animosity.
Success is a funny thing. We know too many stories of people who have gained success, but in the end, it ruined them. We need to relax and accept good things and truly enjoy them for what they are. We should not view championships or successes or anything good that comes our way as a threat. Clearly, they're not. They're gifts.
Cam Tait is a sports reporter for the Edmonton Journal. He covered charitable issues for almost 20 years. Thoughts, comments, ideas or a simple hello are welcomed at cam@charityvillage.com.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
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