Smear Tactics Will Discredit Perpetrator, Not Reputation Of Target

TheHardwickeGroup.com ^ | 07/07/2011 | S. Rossie

[Martin_Schmidt]

"Swift justice demands more than just swiftness."

When U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart penned those words from the bench in 1958, there wasn't much chance he could have envisioned how quick "swift" could be 53 years later. Nor could he have imagined that swiftness — not necessarily in a legal sense, but in one every bit as important: Reputation.

The fact is, throughout history, it has always behooved people to rectify misconceptions or misrepresentations of their character or reputation as quickly as the message spreads. The longer a falsehood permeates the public discourse — even if the truth eventually comes out — the more likely the false perception will stick. Better to stamp out the rumors as soon as possible than wait for the vindication that comes when a charge, as ridiculous as it may be, dies of its own weight.

While critics may fault Social Media (or at least its misappropriated use) for the rapid ruination of reputations, the flip side is that the same speed and swiftness not only can clear one's name more effectively, but also affords the opportunity to expose — and discredit — the smear artists.

A great example from about a week ago involved conservative radio and television commentator Glenn Beck. He took his family to a popular New York City outdoor movie series in Bryant Park. Sitting behind him were some people who apparently wear their liberalism on their sleeves and found Beck's presence distasteful. After an instance of alleged taunting subsided, one of the antagonists, Lindsey Piscitell, "accidentally" spilled a glass of wine on Beck's wife, Tanya.

[Martin_Schmidt]

"Lessons learned? It's bad enough to be uncivil, but if you want to create and spread mischief, think twice!"

[Leroy S. Mort]

Or “if you want to be a nitwit, it’s not wise to Tweet your intent.”

[Polybius]

Are the Becks pressing simple assault charges against Lindsey Piscitell?

Woman Seated Near Beck at Movie Claims Innocence…But What Does Twitter Tell Us…(With UPDATES!)