The Identity Show is typically a cornerstone of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day programming for Juniors. This year, no Juniors will be allowed to attend. This decision allegedly follows the disruptive behavior Juniors demonstrated at last year’s Identity Show. Changes to the Identity Show are not the only markers of our declining ability to be a respectful audience. Nowhere is it as noticeable as at All-School Meeting (ASM). It’s not like students have always been paying perfect attention at speaker events. But over the last few years, the level of student disruption at ASM has grown so noticeable that adults are forced to tell the restless crowd to quiet down — often while the speaker is still on stage. Recently, there has been a noticeable “clapping game” where audience members compete with one another to clap last, often interrupting the speaker.
Long before the speaker begins, students are already disengaged with ASM. We walk into the Cochran Chapel tired, exasperated, and already bored. We default to putting in our AirPods, napping, or contemplating when we can take another (extended) bathroom break. We tend to regard ASM not as a potentially valuable or interesting educational opportunity, but an inconvenience. Why aren’t we as curious, energetic, or at least, open-minded as we would be in a classroom setting or club meeting? It’s true that students tend to regard events untethered to a grade or a broader goal as less deserving of their attention. It’s also true that not every speaker will capture our interest. However, our collective attitudes toward ASM have deteriorated into a culture of complaints, where the speaker has lost their audience before they’ve even said a word.
Andover is acclaimed for its quality of education and exceptional resources. Andover’s vast resources feed student interests and provide students with learning opportunities that many other educational institutions cannot offer. Whether Andover sponsors community events or brings in numerous highly-accomplished speakers at ASM, many students may take these recurring social and learning opportunities for granted. The school puts more effort into recruiting speakers behind the scenes than we can see. When students decide to be loud during ASM when the speaker is talking, it not only reflects poorly on the student and the school community but it is simply disrespectful. Being disruptive deprecates our privilege of attending Andover and the unique educational opportunity in front of us.
People often look toward the loudest voice in the room. Yet, being a good audience member simply requires one to remain still and open to appreciating the opportunities around us. Faced with countless responsibilities and packed schedules, it’s understandable that we must prioritize and ration our attention. When a thousand other things are going on in your life, it’s difficult to stay present, especially in situations that have no “measurable” reward or effect on your life. However, Andover is not only a school, but a community. When we show up for others, including our faculty and alumni, we can uphold an energetic and supportive campus environment. It is also the responsibility of all students — especially upperclassmen — and faculty members to lead by example. While being a good audience member may not be easy for all, it can be learned.
Showing up for others does not require a grand effort. It can involve small choices, such as choosing not to put an AirPod in or immediately slumping into a sleeping position at ASM. Simply sitting quietly is enough.
