Thursday, December 14, 2006
In Praise of Chris Fahrenthold
I know, I know... over the past several posts, I have variously accused Chris Fahrenthold of being the Antichrist, plotting genocide, creating murderous robot-hookers, urinating on the elderly, and, perhaps worst of all... plotting to sing "Feelings" at commencement.
The truth is, I really appreciate what he has been up to. Baylor Law has many positives, but one thing we need to work on is allowing a certain levity and celebration from time to time. We are good at the necessary tasks of preparing students for a career that does involve arbitrary disappointments, astounding demands on time and energy, and which requires a depth of knowledge and commitment unequalled in some other vocations. However, this too often masks the good parts of the profession of law. For example, when you are done with a complex and demanding case or task, that is a time and a season for something other than moving on immediately to the next thing; it is a time for celebration or reflection. Also, the legal trade harbors an amazing and wonderful array of characters-- those who are most successful (Gerry Spence, Johnny Cochrane) often get there because of, not despite, their colorful personalities. Part of the whole should be recognizing the goofy individualism that plays a role in success, and allowing the good times of camaraderie between students to be an intentional part of the cycle of education.
That said... if he does sing "Feelings," I might hurl.
The truth is, I really appreciate what he has been up to. Baylor Law has many positives, but one thing we need to work on is allowing a certain levity and celebration from time to time. We are good at the necessary tasks of preparing students for a career that does involve arbitrary disappointments, astounding demands on time and energy, and which requires a depth of knowledge and commitment unequalled in some other vocations. However, this too often masks the good parts of the profession of law. For example, when you are done with a complex and demanding case or task, that is a time and a season for something other than moving on immediately to the next thing; it is a time for celebration or reflection. Also, the legal trade harbors an amazing and wonderful array of characters-- those who are most successful (Gerry Spence, Johnny Cochrane) often get there because of, not despite, their colorful personalities. Part of the whole should be recognizing the goofy individualism that plays a role in success, and allowing the good times of camaraderie between students to be an intentional part of the cycle of education.
That said... if he does sing "Feelings," I might hurl.
