Disrespect: Funny? Justified? Or Ineffective?
The political climate is heating up even more since the health care bill passed. I understand that an overwhelming majority of the American people want it repealed. People are angry at the process that was used to get this bill passed as well as the fact that it did pass. I don't agree with what the President and Democrats have done either, but this is NOT the way to persuade your case! I've been preaching about speaking in grace and with respect for YEARS, especially when it comes to political and religious issues. Not only is speaking with respect, godly and morally right, it's simply more effective.
Notice how he puts his hand on the shoulder of those he tries to "interview." This is, in my opinion, disrespectful and disingenuous. Then he thanks them for what they have done just before he lowers the boom and admits why he is really there. This is not just disingenuous, but a lie. Once you lie, are disrespectful or rude, there is no way to be persuasive. Using these tactics may look funny to those who agree with you, but they are not helpful in getting your point across. They are actually contradictory to his stated purpose of getting answers from these representatives. Even if the idea was to "show them up", it would have been much more effective, to have asked the question respectfully and honestly and waited for them to entangle themselves in their answer to specific questions.
Being disrespectful not only isn't effective, but it gives the other person a reason to dismiss you and what you say. I suspect very few would think of Mr. Mattera as a serious journalist and that gives the other side reason to dismiss him (and other conservatives) as a lunatic.
Here is blogger/journalist Jason Mattera being interviewed and lectured by Bill O'Reilly:
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10 comments
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I think Felice is absolutely right. Jason clearly feels frustrated and hopeless about the future. This wasn’t journalism, it was a way to express that frustration and try to “wake” people up. As someone who’s spent a lot of time at their state capitol and connecting with politicians about homeschool issues, I completely understand his frustration, but that doesn’t justisfy bad behavior. Too many times we react the way we want to without thinking about the bigger picture and the consequences.
Thank you, JoJo, from a wonderful article showing the appropriate way to deal with those feelings. -
Very true, Kimberly! Thanks so much for being one of the few who take the time to try to work with the representatives on such issues! So many just complain without reaching out and sharing their view to try to effect a change. Bless your efforts!
That’s part of the reason I teach communication. I want more to feel equipped to reach out and speak up and so so with effectiveness!
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Interesting that Bill O’Reilly was telling him how not to be rude when O’Reilly is rude all the time. Now, I watch O’Reilly just about every night but come on, he isn’t always respectful. :) I hate when these guys don’t let them answer and O’Reilly does that all the time. I agree with what he says…let them answer and hang themselves. Too bad, though, that he doesn’t follow that rule himself. LOL
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Totally agree with you JoJo – we need to use other means to convince – be loving and respectful.
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great post as usual!