I usually don’t write political blog posts, but I felt like today that I would make an exception. 🙂 Yesterday was indeed a big day for our country– election days are very exciting. It is an honor and a privledge that we have the freedom and opportunity to be able to vote for our candidate in choice.
I found it especially interesting to see how social networking sites like Facebook have come alive with discussion and people displaying who they are voting for, and how this has changed the overall communication sphere of how to campaign in a political election. It was fascinating to witness! 🙂 There were so many things to do– you could donate your status for your candidate, send virtual gifts to people, and upload videos and articles. It’s amazing how it has all changed! 🙂
I actually voted a few weeks early by absentee (still registered to vote in California), and I voted for John McCain and Sarah Palin. McCain and Palin did not win yesterday, but I was very impressed with how McCain handled his speech after it was announced that Obama won. McCain showed class and dignity, and I have the upmost respect for him and for his service to this country.
Looking at the public relations field for example, we advocate that we need to have symmetry, be transparent, and to respect other people’s opinions. I think that we need to do this more often in this country. Not everyone is going to agree on most issues, and that we need to have an open forum to have these dialogues and productive discussions, and at the same time respect the fact that we may have differences in opinion, but that everyone has an equal say in the issue. The message that I came away with this election was change– but to be effective, words have to be supported by action that is proactive and that it meets the expectations to everyone.
So, the main point that I am trying to make is– that in order to move forward, we need to respect differences in opinions. Whether it is about money or politics or football teams (I may disagree with a few people about USC-UCLA, but that is okay!). I think that we need to assume that not everyone thinks the same way– whether it is at your job, in school, or among your friends– we have to recognize this.
We need to take a PR lesson for ourselves. As PR professionals, we tell our clients who are corporations that they have to be clear to their stakeholders on who they are, their mission, communicate what they stand for, and how they want their reputation to be perceived. We need to do this for ourselves as individuals in terms of managing our own personal brand. We also have to also be transparent on who we are at the same time. For example, we need to talk about our core values, how we identify ourselves, and what we consider to be the key associations that we want to be known for among our own target publics (ex. friends, collegues, co-workers, etc).
So, on that note– I will take a note from Robert Downey Jr. from “Iron Man” (classic movie!) when he says at the end during the press conference, “I AM IRON MAN!” Okay, here is who I am:
- I am a Republican.
- I am a firm believer in honesty, loyalty, taking personal responsibility for your actions, and working hard to be all you can be in life– whether that is in school, work, or athletics.
- I am a supporter in family and family values, and taking care of those that you love and respect
- I am a believer in a fair playing field in athletics– both on and off the field.
- I am an advocate for learning beyond the classroom and being a student of life.
- I am a supporter of the men and women in the armed forces that bravely serve and protect our country. Thank you for everything and God Bless you!
- I am Snow White (WHAT??!! Okay, that is totally and WAY off topic– well, I was for Halloween– this was for you Mom!)
- I am an advocate to live life to the fulliest– life is indeed too short and valuable to waste– take every opportunity to explore the world and challenge yourself to become a better person!
- And finally– I am have, will, and forever be proud to be an American! One election will never change that for me.
Well, you know a little bit more about me. 🙂 In order to move forward, we have to recognize that we are all unique individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives, and we have to respect that. Hope you all are having a great day. 🙂
Best Wishes,
Karen
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