As if on a signal, three events happen in rapid succession:
First, a conductor raises a baton, and a trained orchestra strikes the air with their melody.
Second, a distinguished procession, a parade almost, of leaders and dignitaries begin their slow march to the center of the room.
And third, starting at the center of the room and moving like a wave to the outer rings, a crowd of sixteen thousand rises to their feet in a rumble of noise.
What just happened? What strange event is this? And why did everyone in the room rise to their feet?
The answer, it turns out, all comes down to culture.
Culture is defined as both a way of thinking and doing. It is socially constructed, meaning that rights and wrongs of behavior are determined only by what others deem appropriate. Culture is created by thousands of actions and interactions of a group over a period of time. It is dynamic, so it adapts, even evolves to the needs of people, to the place where they live, to what situation they are in, and even through time.
Culture defines the moment, when on the September 19th inauguration of new BYU President Shane. R. Reese, that everyone in the Marriot center rose to their feet as Pres. Reese, accompanied by apostles, leaders of BYU and other institutions, and other distinguished guests marched into the room.
So why did each person rise to their feet? Some would say that it was just to fulfill a custom, or just because those around them stood. Others would attest that standing is a way to show respect to those present.
But the interesting thing is that standing up, which in this situation was perfectly acceptable, would be quite strange and even unacceptable in another.
Imagine this: you’re sitting at home, relaxing, studying, watching TV, doing something. Then you hear a knock at the door and your friend, girlfriend, cousin, brother (whoever really) walks into your living room. They begin to take a seat next to you, but instead, you stand up and stay standing. Instantly, your visitor would feel confused, out of place, or quite possibly intimidated.
So why is standing in one instance perfectly acceptable and in another, awkward and confusing? Part of the answer might be found in proxemics, which describes the use of personal space and how our personal space affects our interactions.
Consider some elements of the inauguration. The many participants were seated with about a foot and a half of space between each one (the personal range). The procession had a bit more space, maybe three feet as they walked in (the social range). But the space between the audience and the speakers was monumental (the public range).
And what does all that mean?
It means that because the space between the dignitaries and students was so large, it was perfectly acceptable to stand, whereas at home with your friend, in that personal setting, standing would look and feel out of place.
So, understanding proxemics can help us make sense of culture. But beyond that, maybe the bigger question is, will this cultural phenomenon of standing to show respect at an inauguration or other event stand in twenty years? In one hundred years?
Some would say that time will tell.
But the truth is, that we will.
Sources:
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/c-shane-reese/becoming-byu-an-inaugural-response/
Photo, Brooklynn Jarvis Kelson/BYU
Photo, Nathan Fertig, Unsplash
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