Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Thu, Oct 20 2005
Free Speech Is Priceless—But Not Without Its Price
When those of us who write blog posts use a lot of profanity and we resort to namecalling we may be placing our own integrity on the line. If I choose to maintain a blog and think I might ever have a job or position in the future that requires any sense of decorum or a lot of responsibility I feel it would be wise to pause before uploading blog posts that, for example, refer to President Bush as "Shrub". Free speech is a wonderful thing. But indulging in a lot of loose cannon verbiage could end up hurting the writer a lot more than the object of one's tirade. Most jobs that require interaction with the public require a certain amount of finesse. Even jobs that might seem not as public sometimes require a background check, which involves digging into a prospective worker's habits and public personna. Down the line any of us could end up applying for jobs with companies whose executives and supervisors care very much how we present ourselves and our thoughts. It's possible that some of those folks would be comfortable swearing a blue streak during a major press conference, or might even call President Bush "Shrub" in such a situation. But the majority of those executives and supervisors who would avoid doing such things would likely expect the people who work for them to also conduct themselves in a circumspect manner in public. And blogging is extremely public. It reflects who I am as a person.
Aside from the issue of possible future employment my own sense of responsibility keeps reminding me that I have to own what I say. My opinions can still be strong without being disrespectful. Actions may speak louder than words, but If I'm going to say something I'd better say it in such a way that I'd be willing to have it follow me around for a very long time. Free speech is only as good as what comes of it.
posted at: 08:58 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
When those of us who write blog posts use a lot of profanity and we resort to namecalling we may be placing our own integrity on the line. If I choose to maintain a blog and think I might ever have a job or position in the future that requires any sense of decorum or a lot of responsibility I feel it would be wise to pause before uploading blog posts that, for example, refer to President Bush as "Shrub". Free speech is a wonderful thing. But indulging in a lot of loose cannon verbiage could end up hurting the writer a lot more than the object of one's tirade. Most jobs that require interaction with the public require a certain amount of finesse. Even jobs that might seem not as public sometimes require a background check, which involves digging into a prospective worker's habits and public personna. Down the line any of us could end up applying for jobs with companies whose executives and supervisors care very much how we present ourselves and our thoughts. It's possible that some of those folks would be comfortable swearing a blue streak during a major press conference, or might even call President Bush "Shrub" in such a situation. But the majority of those executives and supervisors who would avoid doing such things would likely expect the people who work for them to also conduct themselves in a circumspect manner in public. And blogging is extremely public. It reflects who I am as a person.
Aside from the issue of possible future employment my own sense of responsibility keeps reminding me that I have to own what I say. My opinions can still be strong without being disrespectful. Actions may speak louder than words, but If I'm going to say something I'd better say it in such a way that I'd be willing to have it follow me around for a very long time. Free speech is only as good as what comes of it.
posted at: 08:58 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
