OK, so this is not a funny post. Sorry, peeps.
Someone asked me to do something today which I strongly oppose. More specifically, a superior asked me to use an image of a celebrity on advertising for a bar. Even more specifically, to steal an image of a celebrity (meaning we don't have permission, nor have purchased rights) and use it to promote a specific event at more than a couple bars/restaurants around the country. Apparently, this "strategy" has been approved by the client and the company I work for has been released from all liability, should something happen.
I have refused to do it... not because I'm worried about getting in trouble, but because I feel the need to uphold my integrity in this industry where these kinds of practices run rampant. I'm fairly certain there will be no serious consequences (ie - getting fired) that come from my unwillingness to do this. In fact, I am fairly certain my position on this will be respected. However, hypothetically speaking, say it comes down to this: Do what I ask, or I'll find someone else who will. What would you do?
I kind of need a job, however, do I need any job bad enough that I will compromise this thing - this seemingly small thing - that I'm protecting?
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ReplyDeleteLife is peppered with those types of decisions. Standing up for what you believe -- with people, companies, friends, co-workers, clients and any issue that may directly affect your welfare -- is not just about the moment, but also an ongoing building of a foundation on which you can stand to do so.
ReplyDeleteIn the example of your work, that foundation can include having good career or employment options, being financially sound to be as independent as possible, being good at what you do, creating a reputation and being needed more than the other way around. In short, when you love what you do and you work hard at it, fewer and fewer people can boss you around or force you into decisions like this.
It's a life-long philosophy and discipline that must be obeyed to give a platform for you to stand up. Not everyone can do stand up for it when it happens, but everyone can work towards being in a state that allows them to do so without facing tough choices.
I applaud you.
ReplyDeleteWhen it all comes down to it, I need to be able to sleep at night knowing that the decisions I made today were kosher and honest.
I think that KNOWINGLY going against what you uphold to be good and true is sort of, eh... well, wrong.
It's just not worth compromising yourself or bending your integrity to make someone else happy. You're the only one who gets hurt, no?
I'm proud of you for standing up. At the end of the day there is only one person you have to report to...yourself. I applaud you for holding to your ethics. Yea, it's only a job and at the end of the day you have to please the client, but if they too know that it's illegal then you have to ask yourself what the heck is going through their minds.
ReplyDeleteJust keep swimming Sarah, you are a rock and I admire you for your strength!