Wilton PTA: Lord of the Flies?

The situation between members of the PTA and has been nothing short of heartbreaking. However, from a socio-psychological perspective it is fascinating. The events that led up to the main incident and the feelings reflected in the over on the Patch, are, in my opinion, a microcosm of the harsh realities that plague affluent small towns.

What has became readily apparent is that Wilton too is affected by:

Power struggles
Power hunger
Insecurity
Frustration with one's particular life circumstances (i.e. unfulfilled hopes, desire for achievement, lack of recognition, etc.)
Distrust
Ego
Money
Cliques
Judging of others
Stay at home Moms vs. Working Moms
Stay at home Dads vs. Stay at home Moms
Inability of adults to solve problems effectively and appropriately
Misuse of anonymity to spew hurtful comments
The overuse and misuse of Facebook
The question of the true Spirit of Volunteerism
The loss of innocence

Unfortunately it was the PTA incident which forced the above issues to the surface in a very public way - concerns and questions which now stare us all in the face. What has unfolded reminds me of the Lord of the Flies, the award winning book about "British boys stuck on a deserted island who try to govern themselves, with disastrous results. Its stances on the already-controversial subjects of human nature and individual welfare versus the common good," according to Wikipedia.

And in fact, the players in the Wilton ordeal resemble the characters in the book. Wikpedia interprets the novel thusly: "At an allegorical level, the central theme is the conflicting impulses toward civilization—live by rules, peacefully and in harmony—and towards the will to power. Themes include the tension between groupthink and individuality, between rational and emotional reactions, and between morality and immorality. How these play out, and how different people feel the influences of these form a major subtext" of the book. And those of you know who are familiar with Lord of the Flies, there is the emotional and physical harm.

I ask that we reflect and acknowledge the emotional and physical (health) harm that has resulted from our own town's disintegration and do everything we can to protect our children and rebuild our trust in one another.

Let's not feed the 'beast', but instead hear the trumpet conch.