“Going under the hood,” for any fan of the National Football League, is a phrase that means a referee is taking a second look at a close play via video. There are close calls in a professional game that elude even the best official’s eye. What’s more, the NFL does not take “cheap shots” or “dirty play” lightly. Weekly evidence of foul play after scanning the video can result in a fine or suspension from the next game.
Perhaps fairness and justice through instant replay has a longer history. Alexis de Tocqueville the French sociologist, visited America in the early 1800’s to see what made the country distinctive. De Tocqueville discovered a population which lived life based on unwavering, religious principles. He referred to these internal barometers as “habits of the heart.” Everything from body language, to tone of voice, to eye contact, to word choice demonstrates the “habits of the heart.” The words “demeanor” and “deportment” reflect concern for proper character. “Demeanor” suggests one’s attitude expressed daily before others. “Deportment” is the way people carry themselves; their manner of life in word and deed. Transcendent or outside truth establishes objective standards, noted by de Tocqueville, set personal demeanor and deportment.
Are manners such as courtesy, civility, saying “please” and “thank you” important threads uniting America’s “habits of the heart”? Peggy Noonan, a Wall Street Journal writer, wondered recently if institutional problems in The White House, Congress, or Wall Street are not simply reflections of America’s coarsening national character. Noonan coined a word calling America’s deterioration a “characterological” problem.[1]
Law, politics, and finance should contribute to the national character. Instead of lawyers who “bend the law” to win a settlement for their clients, perhaps there could be a return to honor a law’s intention. Instead of politicians who win favors for their districts in exchange for their vote, perhaps the peoples’ representatives could stand on principle. Instead of business people who care solely to win for the bottom line, perhaps companies could decide there are lines they will not cross.
Randy Roberts, a Purdue University sports historian, reminds us of a day when institutional ethics were more important than winning. In 1940, Cornell and Dartmouth were locked in a close football contest. Coming down to the last play of the game Cornell scored what seemed to be the game winning touchdown. When the game tapes were reviewed, however, it was clear that the referees had lost track of the number of permitted plays. Cornell scored on fifth down when only four are allowed. Upon receiving the news, Cornell’s coach forfeited the game to Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepted the victory from what the university called “an honorable and honored opponent.”[2]
We can all take a lesson from the 1940 Cornell football team. Instead of “going under the hood” to consider close ethical calls Americans should practice character on the field of play. Perhaps our need for instant replay can simply be replaced by how we play the game of life. Individual displays of good demeanor and deportment might be the first step toward rebuilding America’s national character. For Prime Time America, this is Dr. Mark Eckel, seeking truth wherever it’s found.
Going Under the Hood, Moody Radio Commentary, January 2010
Dr. Mark Eckel, Professor of Old Testament, Crossroads Bible College
[1] Peggy Noonan, “The Adam Lambert Problem,” Wall Street Journal Online 17 December 2009.
[2] Eric Felten, “Playing Fair Even When Umpires Are Blind,” Wall Street Journal Online 26 November 2009.