Give Change a Chance

“If you want to make enemies, try to change something.”
—Woodrow Wilson


Even in today’s cutting edge, 24/7 world, we, as a society, tend to resist most types of change. Yes, you can probably count on one hand those that still enjoy their music via an eight-track tape player rather than on an I-Pod and the rotary dial phone is so passé, it has now come full circle to being considered camp by some. Nevertheless, by and large, as a group, we tend to cherish and protect the status quo.

This whole train of thought began in my mind with the announcement of the presidential gold dollar coins. Suddenly, earnest debate began on whether or not the coin would ever be truly “accepted” or end up stored away in vaults collecting dust next to the piles of Susan B. Anthony’s and Sacagawea’s. Some pundits maintained that as long as the public still had access to paper bills, they’d never switch to the coins. Others scoffed that the dollar coins were a weak attempt to capitalize on the popularity of the state quarters. Yet, why are these same state quarters so well received? Because their basic design is identical to the “regular” ones that fill our pockets and purses. The foot dragging doesn’t end with coins.

There was a huge flurry of excitement and anticipation a few months back when CBS announced Katie Couric would be the first solo female anchor of a “big three” evening newscast. After the initial curiosity peaked, ratings fell and critics were already writing off Katie’s attempt to be “first.” However, local TV stations and cable networks have had women news anchors for years. What was so different about Katie’s attempt? It was “new” for this particular niche of the TV market. From a personal perspective, I remember shopping as a small child with my mom. She’d tell me we needed to make a stop at Scruggs to pick up a few things. “Scruggs,” I’d howl, as my mom quickly corrected herself as really meaning Vandervoort’s.

Now I’m the one on the hot seat, as I still shop at Famous, even though the sign above the door reads “Macy’s.” No doubt, change can be uncomfortable. It challenges our familiar memories, forces us to face the uncertainty of the future and insists we adapt to it to survive…whether we really want to or not. Change is equitable, able to rock the entire world or merely rattle our own personal little corners. For most of the last years of my dad’s life, he relaxed in a well worn, broken in—or broken down—(depending upon your perspective) recliner. We affectionately called it the “Martin Crane chair,” after the one on TV’s Frasier.

Finally, for the sake of pure aesthetics, something had to be done.