In our current society, people have a Jekyll and Hyde approach to others

BY STEVEN KASZAB

Have you seen the latest Leon’s commercial where the beloved goofy yuppie couple was hosting another couple in their home? I enjoyed it very much, but noticed something that pointed to our societal need for: affirmation, political correctness and self-power.

The host offered the guest some charcuterie, but mispronounced the name. The guest quickly corrected the host’s miswording. There you go. Did the guest do the right thing? Have you found current societal approaches to simple personal responses, claims, and actions that may offend others as targets of social media attacks and corrections? A politician that said something, or did something many years ago that today is seen as offensive, or perhaps a not well thought out name for a new automobile that’s name means something offensive in another nation. More personally noticed are the: moments, words, actions of others that for whatever the reason, become a cause celeb for a short while.

Sure, being straightforward with another is acceptable, even educational. Why did the guest react to the hosts inaccurate naming of charcuterie? Achieving power by appearing to be smarter than the other person. Are they so close they can speak to each other like that? The host’s reaction was one of nervous laughter, and not acceptance. The host was made to be humiliated and uncomfortable.

Such things happen on social media daily. Attacking those who have, who have achieved or tried to achieve others approval, applause perhaps. Say the wrong word; appear to be less intelligent than presented, and wagging tongues will attempt to knock them down a peg or two. People have a Jekyll and Hyde approach to others.

The host will surely not invite these people back to their home.

Say nothing and enjoy the offered food. While making drinks perhaps say to the host that he has heard that charcuterie can be pronounced many ways, such as the correct way. In polite conversation, much can be achieved. Build up his friend, and not pull him down. Are people generally mean spirited? Often correcting someone is just as mean as hitting him or her with a stick. The guest showed himself to be the smaller man, and certainly not a good friend.

Not everything is worth correcting. Before responding, always think before you speak.

Correct with evidence, and not your opinion. That way a solution can be found and not personalized.

Never embarrass the other person.

It is always the way you say something.

Correct using questions, the Socratic method.

Above all be prepared to be corrected, open to conversation and debate, but always with an open mind and cheerful heart.