This afternoon was a yawn-in gone wrong.
A group of students planning a ‘yawn-in’ protest today found themselves not in front of their favorite internet sensation Mark ‘Yawn Outside’ Talbert, but instead his big big boss: Hotel School Dean Michael Johnson.
“The disruptions that have happened in this class are unfortunate,” Johnson said to the students. “As a school, we are looking into it. I’m expecting we will all show everyone in the class equal respect. You’re welcome to come talk to me anytime.”
Johnson addressed a class of about 200 business casual Hotelies, as well as a few others who came to watch the events unfold. Since Talbert’s outburst went viral with t-shirts, music, and articles after The Insider’s original interview with Talbert, the Hotel School has been the talk of the town. In a serious tone, Dean Johnson stressed the importance of mutual respect within the classroom, saying that the negative publicity brought by the yawning catastrophe has been unfortunate.
“The most important aspect is everyone’s learning experience and continuing education,” Dean Johnson told The Review afterward.
After Johnson spoke to the class, Talbert began his lecture on a humorous tone, pointing out that the ‘Yawn Outside’ video had appeared on the O’Reilly Factor’s ‘Pinheads and Patriots’ segment. Talbert, who said he had a talk with President Skorton this morning on the phone, then offered his apologies.
“Just for the record, I am sorry for whatever I did on my part for bringing this negative attention to our school. I like you guys,” said a choked-up Talbert. “I have a degree from this school too, just like you will.”
Ah, yes. The all to familiar ennui of the end of a meme. They always seem to go by too quick. Blerg. We’ll always have HADM 1174.