We have a potentially divisive legislative session facing us. We have the inauguration of a new president following contentious primary and general elections.

We still have soldiers fighting and dying in the Middle East. We have fractures in our national unity that have only grown in recent years.

So, what makes headlines? Newly elected Congressman Roger Marshall’s son Cal doing the “dab” during the congressional swearing-in ceremony, that’s what.

Two thoughts on that. 

First, given the weighty issues of our times, all the attention this immature stunt grabbed seems like a mountain being made out of a mole hill. 

Second, sure the boy is only 17 and boys will be boys, but there are times when dignity and decorum are in order.

Sadly, this action was a sign of our times. We live in a narcissistic, selfie, instant-gratification world driven by hits on social media.

Calling attention to ourselves, whether its by acting silly in a photo bomb or posting photos of our breakfast oatmeal, it validates us. By making these types of things news only proves that validation.

Sure, Cal Marshall should have realized the gravity of the situation and must own his actions, but what he did only gave society what it wanted. And, we all took the bait.

Ironically, this editorial only pours more gas on that fire.

Perhaps when there are so much news about what’s bad in the world, a moment of levity is a good thing. Maybe this incident offered a chuckle and united parents across the country, regardless of their political leanings, as they cringed.

But, what those who now find themselves in the national spotlight need to realize is that every little thing they do falls under the national microscope. Their actions impact everyone they are close to in ways they may not realize.

Often, we find ourselves having to grow up really, really fast.

Dale Hogg