Have you seen the latest Leon commercial where the beloved goofy yuppie couple was hosting another couple in their home? I enjoyed it very much but noticed something that pointed to our societal need for affirmation, political correctness, and self-power.
The host offered the guest some charcuterie but mispronounced the name. The guest quickly corrected the host’s miswording. There you go. Did the guest do the right thing? Have you found current societal approaches to simple personal responses, claims, and actions that may offend others as targets of social media attacks and corrections? A politician that said something or did something many years ago that today is seen as offensive, or perhaps a not well thought out name for a new automobile that’s name means something offensive in another nation. But more personally noticed are the moments, words, and actions of others that for whatever reason, become a cause celeb for a short while.
Sure being straightforward with another is acceptable, even educational. Why did the guest react to the host’s inaccurate naming of charcuterie? Achieving power by appearing to be smarter than the other person. Are they so close they can speak to each other in that manner? The host’s reaction was one of nervous laughter and not acceptance. The host was made to be humiliated and uncomfortable. Such things happen on social media daily. Attacking those who have, who have achieved or tried to achieve others’ approval, applause perhaps. Say the wrong word, appear to be less intelligent than presented, and wagging tongues will attempt to knock them down a peg or two. People have a Jackal and Hyde approach to others. Nice to see someone better themselves, but also would it not be nice to criticize and belittle someone too?
The host will surely not invite these people back to their homes. Wonder what should have been done?
The power was held by the guest realizing the social blip. Say nothing and enjoy the offered food. While making drinks perhaps say to the host that he has heard that charcuterie can be pronounced many ways such as the correct way. In polite conversation, much can be achieved. Build up his friend, and not pull him down. Are people generally mean-spirited? Often correcting someone is just as mean as hitting them with a stick. The guest showed himself to be the smaller man, and certainly not a good friend.
Not everything is worth correcting. Before responding always think before you speak.
Correct with evidence and not your opinion. That way solutions can be found and not personalized.
Never embarrass the other person.
It is always the way you say something.
Correct using questions…the Socratic method.
Above all be prepared to be corrected, open to conversation and debate, but always with an open mind and cheerful heart. We exist to build up ourselves and our neighbors in a process demanding logic, charity, and goodhearted will.
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
[email protected]
