The Patriot Ledger
Posted Mar 01, 2010 @ 05:00 AM
EDITORIAL —
Editor’s note: Readers often comment that there should be more good news in the paper. While it’s true that there’s more than enough bad news to go around, on Mondays on the editorial page we will highlight some of the many good news stories that appear on our pages on a regular basis.
If nothing else, teenagers are renown for locking psychological and emotional doors between themselves and those they perceive as their arch-nemesis: grown-ups.
Parents, educators and others responsible for their well-being are often frustrated to learn that the keys that used to open those locks no longer do.
Luckily, John Morello has a key that works.
The Boston native’s youth, charisma and comedic skills gain him access others are denied. And he doesn’t squander it.
He uses it to deliver information that could save lives; information that would likely be ignored if it came from an “authority figure.”
Morello teaches – in ways so subtle as to be mistaking for entertainment – the dangers of drugs.
His one-man show, called “Dirt,” recently had students at Hanover High School laughing – and thinking – about the subject.
A series of monologues, it also deals with other important issues, such as sex and racism.
Despite its basis in comedy, tragedy is what inspires Morello to take his show to high schools across the country. He lost one brother to a drunken driver and another to a heroin overdose.
It’s odd – and for some possibly uncomfortable – to think about someone encouraging teenagers to laugh about a problem coursing so rampantly through this generation that it is now described as an epidemic; one that has killed more than 3,000 people in Massachusetts over the past seven years.
A recent study by the state Department of Public Health concluded that opiate overdose is now the leading cause of death in the state for adults under age 25.
But sometimes humor is the only agent that can penetrate teen defenses; defenses built on the notion that they are invulnerable and that others are using the guise of concern simply to oppress them.
So it’s OK that they’re laughing. That means they’re listening. And maybe that means they live.
http://www.patriotledger.com/opinions/editorials/x1475171820/A-funny-thing-happened-on-way-to-drug-awareness
COPY AND PASTED FROM MY EMAIL 10-8-09
Dear John,
You recently performed at Grover Cleveland Middle School in Caldwell, New Jersey. A few weeks before you came, I was given a bulletin by my father about you coming. I honestly thought it would be another “Don’t Do Drugs” sort of assembly. I walked into the auditorium the day you came, saw a cop, and my prediction was certain to be true, so I thought. You then came on stage. Your first joke that was slightly out of line of other assemblies made everyone in my grade look around at each other, the teachers, and most importantly the principal. The jokes kept coming, and then, we started to laugh. Some of us laughing, others crying of comical genius right in front of us. You then switched to a more touching story, which made my grade silent, and even one girl cry. You were able to pull the strings of emotions of each and every one of us like a master. You might think I’m just rambling on and on about you, but I must say one thing. Your act was by far, the best assembly I have had in my life, if not one of the best acts that I have witnessed all together. It kept my grade talking for days. Every once in a while I will hear a scream of “El Diablo!” down the halls. I must thank you for making me laugh, making me think, and most importantly teaching me a lesson about drugs. You will be remembered as the funniest act I have seen in my life so far. Thank you for coming.
-8th Grade Student Of Grover Cleveland Middle School
Letter (yes a hand written letter..not an email) from a student June 2, 2009
Email from College Director of Admissions
March 2009 From Pittsburg State University
This was by far one of the best ways to present this type of material.
He didn’t preach to us about not doing drugs, he actually didn’t even
tell us to not do them. He was so very real with everyone there. He
showed us each and every way that addiction affects all of us. The way
it affects the addicts family, friends, and innocent bystanders. He
performed monologues to portray what each of them went through, and it
was truly and amazing story to watch unfold. He did an amazing job of
letting the people there into the minds of these people and showing us
their thoughts, and true feelings. I highly recommend him for any middle
school, high school or college group – I truly think everyone in those
age groups needs to see this performance. I also believe parents of any
age child needs to see this as well. It shows them what we are thinking.
What we are really going through and that we do need them, were just not
always sure how to ask for help in fear of disappointing them. This man
has been through a lot of crap in his life and he is taking it to do
something positive for others. He deserves any and every good thing that
comes his way, he has definitely earned it. J.T., who got him to come
here, also deserves a huge pat on the back and a big thank you from
everyone who got to see it. If he ever comes back, every single person
should go see him, the feeling he portrays is unreal.
–
Jon A. Bartlow
Assistant Director of Admission
Coordinator Pitt C.A.R.E.S. Orientation Program
Newspapers
Hundreds of references available upon request!
A PHOTO REVIEW
When we experience something we can tell how we feel with many expressions. Words. Songs. Pictures.
One girl at one school. Screen name JackieJay. Saw the show and took some pictures.
Go here to see.
