While not an endorsement of Governor Hochul these days, perhaps there’s something to learn from the NYS rollout of the lime-green shaggy-haired “Frankie-Focus” mascot (see also Chris Churchill’s Sep 9th “Times-Union” piece on this) of the new cell-phone ban in schools.
Especially as “Frankie-Focus” appeared on the scene not long before the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, a time of increased “Kavanah” improved focused concentration, meaningful intentionality, undistracted attention.
No doubt NYS paid some PR firm good money to come up with this mascot, but one may wonder: Why depict a “Frankie-Focus” as shaggy and almost disheveled? Wouldn’t you think that focus would be sharper, crisper, a class-act, more put together? and the lime-green color evokes a Grinch-y look? What is the mascot’s image trying to tell us?
(1) Frankie Focus may have a shaggy look on purpose. The crisp sharp folks are (usually) already focused. But those of us who are all over the place, who lose attention quickly, who have a hard time keeping it together – we don’t need a phone to distract us even further. We’re having enough of a hard time focusing already! And even a shaggy Frankie can focus! You don’t have to be calculated and precise to focus. If Frankie can, we can! Too many think they aren’t cut out for prayers, never mind the longer ones. Maybe Frankie teaches us, you don’t need to be perfect at it, its not about accuracy or accomplishment, you just give it your all – even if you’re fraying at the edges!
(2) Can’t get away from the Grinch-y look. My kids noticed it right away. So what’s the point of that? Well, there is a Grinch-y aspect for Frankie, after all he’s coming after the phones at school. But he’s no meanie. His luminous countenance and big bright smile tell us that he’s doing it for our good. Kabbalistically you might call it: “Tzimtzum bShvil HaGiluy” – Concealment for the sake of Revelation. He’s a Good Green Grinch. It’s a minus that adds up for us. There is sacrifice involved when we strive higher. Sometimes something has to give. But it’s well worth it.
(3) any other good explanations for Frankie-Focus that can be messages for us?