It Wasn’t Fair

In 2012 Lindsey Stone posted a photo on her personal Facebook page, and it ended up costing her her job. The photo was taken while she was in Washington D.C. for business and was visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Her co-worker took the photo as Lindsey stood in front of a sign reading: ‘Silence and Respect.’ Lindsey was holding one hand next to her mouth as if she was yelling while she gave the middle finger with her other hand.2

Shortly after posting the photo, thousands of people reacted in outrage at the alleged insult against U.S. veterans. People started to write on her employer’s Facebook page, and a petition circled the internet calling for her to be fired. Lindsey and her co-worker responded with an apology, “It was meant merely as a visual pun, intending to depict the exact opposite of what the sign said, and had absolutely nothing to do with the location it was taken or the people represented there. We never meant to cause any harm or disrespect to anyone.”2 Unfortunately for Lindsey and her co-worker, her employer listened to the public outcry and fired them.1

In my opinion this is an example of worst aspect of the social media era. While I think the photo was in poor taste, it was not a fireable offense. The problem is that there will always be masses of people that enjoy seeing the downfall of others. These people should not be the ruling authority in the life-altering matters of others they have never met. Everyone makes mistakes, and as more people spend more time interacting online, these mistakes are permanently documented. Yes, I believe we should all think very carefully about everything we post online, but a misstep should not end in crucifixion.

References:

1. Barrie, J. (2015, March 9). This woman's life was destroyed after she posted one dumb photo on Facebook. Retrieved August 17, 2015, from http://www.businessinsider.com/lindsey-stone--so-youve-been-publicly-shamed?r=UK&IR=T

2. CBS Boston. (2012, November 20). Facebook Photo Of Plymouth Woman At Tomb Of The Unknowns Sparks Outrage. Retrieved August 17, 2015 from http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/11/20/facebook-photo-of-plymouth-woman-at-tomb-of-the-unknowns-sparks-outrage/