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Our Words Have The Power To Redefine Us In An Instant
May 29, 2018
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As we continue to watch people lose jobs, influence and/or credibility over questionable behavior on social media, it makes you wonder when people will learn to think before they tweet.
Perhaps they feel immune to losing their gig; they've been empowered to "speak their mind."
Well, ABC made a strong statement yesterday when it comes to incivility in the social space: "It doesn't matter who you are."
ABC has canceled #Roseanne. pic.twitter.com/UaEITxZ1Rw
— Kate Aurthur (@KateAurthur) May 29, 2018ABC eliminated the network's 2018 highest rated (and perhaps most lucrative) show in light of Roseanne Barr's racist tweets towards Valerie Jarrett, an African-American former senior advisor to President Obama.
Allow this to serve as a reminder:
It only takes one tweet or one post to reveal who you really are, and apologies often fall short.
I apologize to Valerie Jarrett and to all Americans. I am truly sorry for making a bad joke about her politics and her looks. I should have known better. Forgive me-my joke was in bad taste.
— Roseanne Barr (@therealroseanne) May 29, 2018There's a misconception social media is this unrestricted playground where we can say and do whatever we want without consequence; as if the subsequent apology will excuse poor choices.
But know this:
While we have the right to say what we want, there is accountability.
"My bad' is no longer sufficient.
Think this stuff out.
Never, Ever React In Real Time
Build the discipline needed to take a breath and slow down.
Harness The Ego
Is what you're about to say of value? Is it really necessary? Or are you feeding the beast?
Find Your Filter
Whose opinion(s) do you hold in the highest regard? Maybe it's a mentor and/or someone in your family. Would they be proud of what you're about to say?
Choose Words Wisely
Understand the implications of your words. Feel your words from every person's point of view.
In Their Face
When we share content socially, they are reading it on their mobile phone - inches from their face. This proximity sometimes leads to even non-controversial content feeling inappropriate.
Social Media is the metric of emotional response.
Don't let someone's emotional burst of stupidity get the best of you; equally, don't let yours take you down.
Build discipline - one of the greatest characteristics we can display with our use of social.
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