Many times we think the way to get results in our community from City Hall is to use all the typical tactics we’d bring out for local retailers. Screaming, cussing, belittling, and name-calling are all potent WMDs in our vocal arsenal. But do they really work?
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Howdy, Ryan. Great video and great strategy. I have held MANY jobs working with the public in the past, and I can tell you that one can always achieve more by coming from a place of kindness and respect. It’s okay to state a concern or to be displeased with an issue, but there’s no need for rudeness or personal attacks. What’s the saying? “You can attract more flies with honey than vinegar”? This rings true when it comes to engaging public officials as well. Great thoughts, Ryan!
Thanks Barbara. Good words. This idea of using power correctly really carries heavy weight with me. I believe we need to be very clear and direct in our requests, but we can be civil about it. In the process of acting decently too, we just might discover allies in City Hall and build longterm relationships that will be good for the sake of the community and neighborhood.
Where do you think this notion comes from, that we think it’s okay to basically mow people over with our words to get what we want? When we break that down, it starts to look pretty ugly. Yet it’s commonplace.
By the way, I tried to put up a message in this video to say “Brightfarm rocks”, but I had one light turned off and it didn’t work. Can you spot the attempted message? (thanks to Wine Library TV for the idea of course).
Ryan! I saw the sign, but couldn’t make it out! You are so awesome, thank you!!
In answering your question, where does the notion come from that we think it’s okay to basically mow people over with our words to get what we want, I think it stems from a sense of entitlement. Especially when it comes to the public sector – I think people think that since they pay public officials, they should get whatever they want. It’s unfortunate to come from this place, because if you focus on ONLY that, you can’t see the other point of view (the public official’s). What do you think?
I’ll make a more legible sign one of these days, okay.
Good point on a sense of entitlement. I do think that plays into the equation. On top of that, I wonder how our pervading normative isolation in neighborhoods and society plays into this. Is it easier to treat people with less dignity and kindness if we are not in the habit of connecting with others in meaningful ways? My sense is that it is easier to be rude and mean-spirited to others if we don’t see them as people, but rather as a system or organization. We can be mean all day long when we view people as anonymous and disconnected from our lives. I don’t think this is the sole reason why people mow others over, but I think it’s part of it. I’d be curious to hear from anyone else.