November 28, 2007Ask Meryl: Guilt by Association

Filed under: Ask Meryl by merylrunion |

Meryl,
Thanks to the divisive political atmosphere in today’s world, a person is often “pegged” by the venue that he/she chooses. By appearing on “Air America” one is often labeled as on the “left-wing fringe” while appearing on “Fox” leads some to make accusations of being on the “right fringe.”

Unfortunately, people seem to be judged not by what they say or by the value of their ideas. Rather, they are judged by the medium they use, not by the message.

What can our society do to focus attention back to what is said and how it is said rather than making where it is said all-important?

Meryl responds:

I’m slow to respond to your email because I have been spending my time single-mindedly writing a book to answer it. No kidding – stay tuned.

Your question addresses the societal level. The changes you (and I) seek come from individual focus. By individuals changing their understanding, the perception will shift overall. That’s why I keep talking wherever (almost) they’ll hear me.

And, the changes come from individuals refusing to be limited by how society might peg them. We need to keep saying: “this is me, this is what I stand for, and this is what I have to say.”

My message transcends Air America Radio and it transcends Fox News. I know that, because I say the same things and get the same response when I appear on either. There will be some people who won’t hear the universality of my SpeakStrong message. I’ll always lose some people by the stands I take and the venues I choose. But if I allowed that to silence me, I wouldn’t be walking my talk.

So lets keep speaking our peace and society will take care of itself.

Thanks for your excellent question.