As I perused my LinkedIn feed last week, one particular post jumped out at me:
LEARN. READ. TALK. LISTEN. TRAVEL…are you an idiot without your smartphone and Google? …should probably work on that…it’s become pathetic…PLEASE AT LEAST TRY TO HAVE AN ORIGINAL THOUGHT, IDEA, OR OPINION… (posted by M.G., listed as Founder & Chairman of the Board)
It may have been the capital letters shouting at me. Or the word idiot. Perhaps it was the beautiful ocean photo that accompanied the post. Something made me stop scanning and read.
Unfortunately, there was no link to an article further explaining the author’s experience or point of view. He simply needed to vent, I suppose. And, he chose to do it in an unprofessional way on what is supposed to be a professional networking site. I admit, I may be more sensitive than others to name-calling and insulting language. I just don’t see the need.
Let me also say that I am among those who, while well-read and well-educated, reach for my smartphone anytime a question stumps me. I don’t think that makes me an idiot. I still have original ideas. I still think. I’m an intelligent person. I also know how to use my available resources. Back in the way-back day, I would have pulled out my World Book Encyclopedia to research and learn. Today’s technology means I can still do that research and learning with the world’s knowledge in the palm of my hand.
Friday Food For Thought…
When an executive publicly uses this tone to criticize people for an observation he has now generalized, is it any wonder that others see this as acceptable language and behavior? (I wonder how his followers feel.) When someone with a bully approach is a lead candidate for president, is it any wonder that many people feel meanness is not only acceptable but preferred? When a parent berates a child using words like “idiot” or “pathetic” or worse, is it any wonder that kind children sometimes grow up to be cruel adults?
As leaders, parents, and members of a community, what example are we setting with our words, tone and behavior?
Why not just be nice?
