An National Hockey League agent, Todd Reynolds, recently tweeted the following from the @uptownhockey twitter account:
When Todd started to see the negative reaction to his tweet, he followed up with the one below just a few minutes later:
While I’m sure social media experts will pick apart the error of tweeting such an inflammatory comment from a business account, I’m saddened by the hateful response Todd received. People attacked hate with hate – even when it was under the guise of understanding and love.
For example, one person tweeted…
I don’t know if you see the hashtag which is what makes her reaction so ironic. If love conquers hate, @aliciabloom‘s comments should’ve been filled with love instead of judgement. And @aliciabloom’s comment was the tamest one I could find. You can read the other hateful reactions to Todd’s tweet by clicking here.
And hence the problem with political correctness. It stifles discussion. It kills understanding. If someone asks a question or makes a statement that is deemed offensive, he’s given the online equivalent of being sent to the principle’s office. Attacking hate with hate is ill advised.
Todd won’t grow because of this situation. Instead, he’ll apologize for his tweet, then retreat into the background. And his apology won’t be sincere. He’ll do it under pressure from his employer and any hockey player who threatens to find another agency to represent them.
Even if he still believes what he believes (which he will even after apologizing), Todd will never see the other side because the other side has practically blasted him for his viewpoints. Called him an idiot, a bigot, a douche, a f***head and any other name that seems appropriate.
Todd has learned what we all are required to do – keep our mouths shut about things that may offend others and only discuss tulips and rainbows when in the public forum.
Or, worst, live and do work with those who come from the same economic class, have the same political views and belong to the same religious circle as you do.
Political correctness causes us to live in a matrix, prompting us to say things that are inauthentic and in direct opposition to our beliefs and values.
