Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Very Important Parents

Last night Big Kid had a school concert. I was very excited to see him sing. Then I realized that the other parents were all excited to see their kid sing too, and were determined to videotape and photograph throughout. I quickly realized that the set-up was not conducive to getting good video or photos, so after the 2 quick shots I took, I retreated politely to my seat to watch as the show began.

However, the other parents were so excited that they didn't want to sit down. You see, they couldn't get their photos and video if they were sitting down. They shouldn't have to pay the $10 for the school-shot copy of the DVD, they would just go ahead and film it. Also, two photos of their child surrounded on stage by their class was not enough, they needed to capture every moment, presumably for a flip book re-enactment of the event.

A few knew that standing would be impolite, so they raised their cameras over their head and shot continuously from there. Unfortunately, much like a human head, a pair of hands and arms with a camera can easily block the view of the person behind you.

Several parents thought it was okay to stand on or around the videographer's platform. Half of the room was sitting behind this platform, and couldn't see their child if they happened to be in the center of the stage--but hey, the platform parents got to see their kid, right? That's what's important, right?

The polite camera people jostled each other in the side aisles and blocked all of the exits.

I glimpsed Big Kid, in a narrow V created by a fat guy's head and the arm of an overhead camera holder, by leaning dramatically to my right occasionally, careful not to block the view of people behind me. I hardly saw him at all.

He was by far the cutest kid there too, and once he spotted me, he began winking at me with an enormous smile, utilizing half of his face to do the winking since he's still new at it. It was hysterical and adorable and I would have loved to have seen it more than three times.

There was a mom with a camera in baggy capris, crocs and an ugly shirt up on the video platform and after she turned around several times and noted the dirty looks I was giving her for obviously blocking my view by standing somewhere she shouldn't, I almost snuck up behind her and kicked her knees out. I thought about it, I probably would've gotten a standing ovation from everyone sitting behind us.

If she knew how big her butt looked from the back, I assure you she would have taken her seat willingly. I should have taken a photo of that and posted it here, that's what we'll do next time. These people must learn and are incapable of getting a clue like the rest of us, so we're going to have to find new ways, like posting their big, rude asses online for public mocking.

If you are a music teacher who organizes stuff like this, for the love of my sanity, please permit the parents to get 5 minutes of picture taking on stage prior to the show and then tell them no photography allowed, make them sit in chairs, and let them buy the video. It's a fundraiser and a crowd controller and absolutely worth $10 not to have strangers fantasizing about breaking each other's legs during the show.

I look forward to actually seeing the performance once I purchase the video. From the glimpses I got, Big Kid is clearly a rock star in the making.

11 comments:

Doodles said...

sorry that you couldn't see your kid. and yes you should post her butt next time... it would at least give us a view of what your view was like... I hope you purchased the school one because it's really a conspiracy those parents making it imposible to see your kid are actually actors paid for by the 10 dollar dvd fee. jk

have a great day.. stop over and let me know what you think of names for a shop we are trying to start.

Jennifer said...

I think this is the very reason our preschool no longer does a Christmas show. They have done one since Baby Girl started and it was so sweet, but the parents are so obnoxious. It was impossible to get any good pictures. And the rude push their way to the front parents don't even offer to email you any either. They could at least do that. I mean, how hard is it type in a few email addresses.

Now we get to ride in the parade. That being an actual outdoors sometime physical thing most parents don't participate. Yippee!

Beth said...

None of my kids' schools ever offered the $10 DVD. THAT is brilliant! Why didn't I think of that?!

Anonymous said...

I hope the show was enjoyable still for you. I have been to things like that where the other people are just flat out rude!

mandatorybloghere said...

I agree I remember these things and thought the parents were soooo rude.Sit your big ol butt down

Valerie said...

Ugh. I hate people.

Amanda said...

We had the same horrible experience at my daughter's kindergarten graduation last year. I missed her walking across the stage. I was LIVID. People are so, so rude.

Anonymous said...

The massess are asses. Some of them big asses.

Susan in Texas

Ami said...

Well, we all already know that Big Kid is a rock star in the making! But, I'm sorry you had to deal with rude parents. Unfortunately, they are everywhere. Jerks.

Former Fat Chick said...

omg, if you took apicture of my giant ass and posted it 9even if I was being a dumbass) I would go NUTS! that is the meanest thing you could ever do!

Heidi said...

I cannot stand self entitled people! They seem to be everywhere.