by John C. Lemon
It is, perhaps, an obvious assertion that negative consequences serve to deter unwanted behavior. The greater the offense the more severe the deterrent. When properly administered, it not only adjusts the transgressor, but dissuades the potential dissenter. Or, so the theory goes. The events of 1988, involving Jimmy (The Greek) Snyder of CBS Sports, set a precedent in this nation for the cross section of politics and corporate image. In Mr. Snyder’s January 15th interview, he opined that blacks were superior athletes due to breeding during the slave era. The otherwise affable commentator was dismissed from his post the following day — signaling the network’s intolerance of inflammatory speech.
The consequences of Snyder’s, Steve Urkel-like mishap, drew criticism from some and praise from others. But no matter the side of the fence one came down, a clear notice was sent – changing the rules of public discourse. Several careers have been altered and endorsements voided for similar offense since the Winter of 1988. Either the lessons were lost, the deterrents inadequate or something else altogether. We are no longer Urkelean, apologetically asking, “Did I do that?” From the Whitehouse down, we are doubling down on our positions.
And to what extent will we go? Termination of players and boycott of corporate advertisers have been floated by both sides of the current NFL crisis. For now, we posture; lawyers research and threats are issued. The question is, who has the high ground? Perhaps the owners do, but rumblings of 11th hour policy changes without benefit of NFL Players Association review and consent appears manipulative. Retroactive policy change, as intellectually dishonest as that may be, could ultimately get the job done. But it is in recognizing humanity, the third step in this dance of economics and public perception that I am most interested.
… it is in recognizing humanity, the third step in this dance of economics and public perception that I am most interested.
As Napoleon Bonaparte, French Emperor, 1804 -1814, lie in exile — imprisoned by British forces on Saint Helena in 1815, he forged a reputation for introspection. The military and political leader was credited with several observations, spanning world events to those persons he deemed to have shaped the course of history. Perhaps, none more philosophically challenging than the first century Jewish Rabbi:
I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for him.
Diversion has stood in the way of honest debate – a too familiar tactic, effective in derailing, co-opting and conflating until the hope of conversation is lost. At worst, we make our peace with marginalization. At best, we assume we’ve heard it all before. Diversion has no place in honest public discourse. Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the NFL, and others similarly positioned could author an executive order or its equivalence by the authority of their respective office and demand compliance. Or we, could set aside assumptions, make ourselves vulnerable, exchange ideas and win hearts and minds.
The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends (Proverbs 11:30, NLT).
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