youronlyone

youronlyone , 2 months ago to Random stuff

Quite honestly, I don't understand whenever people tells you things like:

1. Don't associate with them, they are this and that.

• Me: I'll be judged of that.

2. Don't use it, their CEO/President/VP/Manager/Agent is this and that.

• Me: Why are a few individuals the basis to boycott something?

That is no different from saying, “Don't support this President because this and that!” Then why are you still living and working in the country where that person is the President?

I understand if it is like this: “Don't use their product because that company is this and that.” Because then, it is a corporate thing. Or, “Don't go this country because it is this and that.”

I think, and this is just my personal preference, it is more acceptable to say it this way:

• Did you know? This and that.
• I've heard that person is this and that, who knows. YMMV.

Here's a real life example. An ex-colleague and friend once “warned” me that Person A is this and that. That everyone in the community hates and banned Person A.

This friend, and their friends, had no idea I've known Person A longer than them. And while I agree with some of the negative things they are “spreading” around, I disagreed with them on so many accounts.

I did not tell them that of course. When there's a “cancel mob” (“cancel” was not even what it was called then), it is better to [1] distance yourself from them; and [2] keep your disagreement to yourself lest you get cancelled too.

Here's the other thing about that example. I had the chance to work with Person A ln the same company later.

Because Person A was “cancelled” (I'm just using the modern terminology), even in this company no one liked Person A, some even tried to get him terminated.

I talked to some of them and told them these:

• First, I've known Person A before all those rumours started, and I can tell you that while I agree with some of those, I disagree with most of it.
• Second, this is the first time you have met Person A. Can you be sure that the rumours you have heard are mostly true? Forget about “most”, at least half are true?
• Third. Let's say 100% of the rumours were true, should we not give Person A a chance? Maybe Person A changed? Maybe Person A was simply misunderstood?
• Fourth. Okay, fine, those rumours are still true to this day. But Person A is with us, in this company, for his talents and skills, and I'm telling you, Person A got a lot of very valuable connections and skills which will help us. Compare that to the rumours, the rumours had nothing to do with our company. And Person A just joined us; and does not represent our company anymore than you and I. Much less after work hours.
• Fifth. If anything, use Person A's extensive network, talents, and skills, for our company. Don't let Person A's personal life affect your business/work-related decisions.

Guess what? It worked. It was a win-win-win for everyone. Those who “hated” Person A because of the rumours also benefitted from Person A's network/connections even later in their careers.

Inform people if you want. However, saying it in a way that you are “recruiting” them to join your cancel crusade, won't win you anything, instead, it might backfire on you.

You know, thank you for the information, I'll take it into consideration. However, I'll be the judge if I'll boycott/cancel Person X and/or Company X and/or Product X. And if I did not join your cancel mob, it doesn't mean I = Your Target. Far from it.

^_^