BY: Stephen Caldwell
1
Over the past few weeks, two very well known groups
have begun to dig extremely large graves for themselves. This probably
shouldn't surprise you - companies are well-known for public relations mishaps
- and oftentimes it isn't really what they say, but how they say it... seems logical, right? I, for one actually think
that's only part of the story - I think it's about what they don't say!
Take for instance, the NRA debacle after a wave of
tragedies. I honestly don't care what you believe or what they believe about
gun rights - they said it all wrong and made many people angry. It seemed like
they were trying to militarize schools, which is utterly laughable in
retrospect. They were impassioned (into action) by the shootings, like so many
other people, but the tragedy served as a backdrop to their cause rather than
the banner. I believe this is where they went wrong.
They have now been joined by the Boy Scouts of
America and Microsoft! These partners in crime are much less controversial
(especially Microsoft) but nonetheless related deeply.
Boy Scouts of America really messed up bad. They're
a good organization too! I was in it, my friends were in it, and it was really
terrific. Wherever you stand concerning homosexuality, the BSA probably angered
you. They angered gay rights supporters and conservatives alike! I don't think
that has ever been achieved, actually. So maybe we should be applauding them?
They tip-toed around in an ambiguous way, making everyone feel the BSA didn't
understand the importance of their stance. Here's to hoping they get this
figured out!
Microsoft unveiled the Xbox One (360's successor) to the
gaming public and was met with near-universal derision. Their presentation
focused on the console's non-gaming capabilities with nearly no references to
actual video games. Gamers felt (and still do currently) that Microsoft has
abandoned them.
So what do I feel? I feel the NRA, BSA, and
Microsoft all aren't really doing as bad as you might think - after all - these
are complicated issues with complicated answers. But by making themselves seem
"uni-focused" single-minded, sole-purposed, et cetera they have
thereby opened themselves up to much greater scorn. I'm not saying they
shouldn't commit to an opinion (because that's a pretty bad move too) I'm saying
they should make sure to acknowledge the space and perspective they are
speaking within.
2
Athletes and movie stars are treated as royalty,
given hoards of cash, and are generally undeserving of their good fortune....
or so goes the argument. We have ALL heard these tiresome tirades of
misfortune, imbalance and lowly disgust at the human race. IT IS TIRESOME. I
shall not, will not, will never subject anyone to such foolishness.
Some professions truly are "overpaid"
while others receive the opposite and others still seem to be about right.
Teachers make a big difference and a small pay check whereas engineers and
scientists seem to be justly rewarded.
So why such variability? Simple.
Numbers.
Sports organizations are known, followed, and spoken
of by a gigantic number of people. Look at all the things fans buy! Whether its
season tickets or expensive jerseys people love sports, and the same goes for
movies. It is no wonder teams and studios have blossomed into these
well-performing giants! It's because we love it and we fund it!
Teachers cater to a very local, very select, very small population (relatively speaking).
The only way I think teachers and other unfortunately positioned professions
can be helped is by government intervention... but this can be quite tricky
business - just look at what is happening in the health industry!
3
The world can be a very anti-American place. Whether
originating from other countries or America itself - it seems like the only
people fighting for this country are our government and rednecks. Certainly, a
well-loved bunch. Who would want to join such company?
Me! That's who!
I don't have big muscles and a big truck. I care
about the welfare of others groups, and I'm definitely not racist. I'm always
willing to see how terrific big-business can be (seriously) and I'm super ready
to go to the small business down the road. And I don't think it's that hard to love America!
For one, we started as a nation of rebels who
wouldn't settle for even the slightest bullshit. We rocked the greatest country
in the world for our freedom and independence. No selfish desires, it was
really for posterity and awesomeness.
I think people don't dispute our origins - but feel
we have gotten a bit wayward. They will point to some of our mistaken wars, war
crimes, and general manipulation of other countries. "A large, abusive,
and powerful government that doesn't heed its citizens" is a pretty good
summary of what people think we have become.
Throughout history, the strong countries have always
been disliked by some group. Smaller, weaker countries feel helpless and
ignored whilst comparable countries feel threatened and competitive. I am
basically saying some of this "hate" is simply due to the fact that
we've got it good and we're on top.
So what have we done with this
"out-of-control" power?
Well, we've given it to scientific endeavors, art
groups, the space station, helpless countries, poor Americans and poor
foreigners alike! Sounds pretty awful,
no?
I talked to a lady that recently moved to America
from India, and she said how nice it was to go places as a single female... how
all of our governmental "problems" are like splitting hairs, and how
we've already gotten past the bigger things that most other countries are
struggling with.
So here I am, a skinny little suburban American who
goes to college and enjoys my country! Give it a chance guys, it's a freaking
awesome place!
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