This post has been a long time coming. =) The political season is upon us here in the great U.S. of A. and BOY has it been a crazy ride! While every political season has its ups and downs, this one seems to be overly “insane” with one candidate being investigated for crimes against our nation and another defending the size of his, ahem, member during a debate. Among many other ludicrous, media-driven insanities… blowing small facts into huge stories and publishing stories absent any fact at all. This is happening on both sides, of course.
Quick note: I’m not “vague-booking” here. I know that Hillary supporters will think I’m talking about Trump supporters. And I know Trump supporters will think I’m talking about Hillary’s camp. BOTH are true. If this were ONLY on one side, I’d not be shy in calling out that side. Because I’m a hardcore patriot… committed to AMERICA. And while I will place my personal vote in November — I will support and align behind whoever wins this election, as I have always done.
Regardless of anything we share personally across social media, the sobering truth is that one of these two candidates is going to occupy the greatest office in the land, and soon. It’s encouraging to remember that our polarizing “political season” will — eventually — give way to a more amicable, more American tone of unity and friendliness.
The OTHER sobering truth is that while your vote will be counted only once, how you have acted publicly regarding this election will be remembered. Now, if you’re a civilian, you’ll likely keep your job either way. BUT, if you’re at the helm of your own company, you may want to consider holding on to a SHRED of your perceived professionalism… if there’s any left to be found.
This means, grown ups, NO name calling. We learned this in kindergarten, but it clearly did not stick. Please don’t give up your power, and your professionalism, so easily… as to digress into public name calling… stereotyping entire groups of people, assuming to know WHY millions of people vote for one candidate or another, and assigning derogatory names to millions of voters who are voting for THEIR candidate and not yours. (Oh, the sheer AUDACITY of these people… to vote for one candidate when you clearly disapprove… LOL.)
This means that if you are a licensed professional — who does not see, treat, or represent one of the candidates (and his or her MILLIONS of followers) — diagnosing them with various mental or physical illnesses is childish… and probably against your licensing board’s guidelines. =) Even the National Enquirer makes sure to note when a doctor, counselor, therapist or nutritionist HAS NOT WORKED with the celebrity being gossiped about and — therefore — can’t really back up any of the crap they’re spewing.
If you are a liberal, seek to understand. Embrace those who don’t conform to YOUR belief system. If you’re a conservative, do the exact same. Seek to understand. Embrace those that don’t conform to YOUR belief system.
Because newsflash: this will be a close race. So, when you diagnose and assassinate the character of ONE candidate and — of course, as has been customary in this election — those that will be voting for that candidate, you are literally “name calling” and insulting a good 45% of the market. YOUR market.
Make no mistake… I don’t care who you vote for, as long as you vote. BUT, when you start assassinating MY character, I will remember. But who cares, right? Here’s the kicker, I’ll remember — and so will many others — EVEN when you assassinate the character of people I’m close to, who are voting opposite of me in this upcoming election.
In other words, I’ll remember how unprofessional and ugly you were towards those you disagree with… EVEN IF you and I agree on our chosen candidate.
I will remember your lack of adult-ing.
I will remember your name calling.
I will remember your hostility, your childlike finger pointing, all in the name of politics.
And so will many, many others.
Politics is heated. Frankly, I don’t know why anyone would want the office of President. I’m truly honored to have two major candidates to choose from. But, how YOU conduct yourself during these days will remain. They will become part of your brand, your reputation, how much respect you command in your industry.
Are you BEING what you hope to see in America?
Are you a LIVING IRONY? Bashing Trump for HIS name calling while you call his supporters racists, misogynists, ignorant and more? Denouncing Hillary for her half-truths while you yourself take ONE soundbite and share it — knowingly absent the full truth — for the sole purpose of making her look bad?
Are you modeling the RESPECT and TOLERANCE you learned in elementary school?
Are you keeping dialogue OPEN — because you’re so passionate about what’s best for America — or shutting it DOWN?
Just some thoughts… based on what I see across the board. MOST people reading this live it the greatest land in the world. MOST people reading this are proud to be an American. We are MORE alike then we are different. Let’s not allow this political season to erode our professionalism… Please. We’re better than this!
