Reflection 20 of 52: Is anything confidential anymore?
May 19, 2014
Something made me
extremely uncomfortable about the Clippers owner, Donald Sterling story. Aside
from the obvious disparaging comments we have all heard played over and over, I
felt there was more to come after the breaking news cycle – there always is
more in the weeks following a big public issue. And, sure enough there was.
The apology and denial on CNN with Anderson Cooper, the ex wife
perspective, the rumours of dementia, the antics of the girlfriend, the allegations of a set up, etc.
But the bit that still
bothered me was the “private” conversation and how it was used to discredit the man. The conversation that ultimately caused the NBA to ban him from the game
for life, get the U.S. President to provide his opinion on it, players to
revolt and so on. We have seen the same scenario unfold (constantly) with
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. Cellphone video discretely held during supposed
“private” conversations. The last one sending Mr. Ford off to rehab.
Without a doubt, we all
know there is no such thing as privacy in a public place but what about
your home or your bedroom? I am sure we have all said things behind closed
doors that, for a multitude of reasons, are not for public consumption. Hopefully, we never utter comments along the
lines of the bigotry or derogatory statements by those of Ford or Sterling. Perhaps, just a bad joke or expression of
anger toward a boss or workmate that should never see the light of day.
As Pierre Trudeau famously
said in the 60’s, the state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation.
Seems passé and naïve now that we have seen the selfie pictures of Anthony
Weiner’s appendage or videos of drunk daddy, David Hasselhoff.
Is there a line anymore?
Have we truly lost any expectation of privacy? Most of these high profile cases
are extreme examples of stupidity or the result of serious health problems, but
what about us regular folk? Do we really have to consider everything we do in
the realm of public consumption?
I reinforce the rampant
lack of privacy with clients during training sessions cautioning them against
inappropriate emails or elevator discussions.
But, I still want some place that is my own little sanctuary of privacy.
Bill Maher captures this
sentiment in a recent clip (click here to view video).
I expect most of us have a
bad angel in our head that pokes out every once in a while with a politically
incorrect comment, or some potty mouth statement.
Do we really need to edit
our thoughts, everywhere? I sure hope not.
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