If you’re one who’s fascinated by I-Phones and social media, learn something from the D’Angelo Russell fiasco. And ask yourself the question: When is a joke not a joke?
I’m writing today on a topic of which there can be no argument, or pushback. And that is…relative to modern society there are two irrefutable facts.
One, we’re absolutely obsessed with smart phones, texting, photographing and texting, twitter, photographing and tweeting…and generally, addicted to any bit of news, information, or gossip that’s out there on social media. We’re literally “drunk” for a scandal of any kind.
And two, because of one, and the phenomenon of social media, we somehow feel compelled to share everything we either see or hear with people all over the world – people that would otherwise have no interest. But we send it anyway. A family member once proudly shared that he’d gotten his first smart phone, and said, “I’m sending stuff to everyone I know. Just joking around,” he said. Like Congress or Wall Street was waiting on a good laugh from left field.
Well if we’ve learned anything from the D’Angelo Russell fiasco this week it’s this. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply leave your phone in the car…or at home. And two…what you think is funny really is not funny to someone else, and can have catastrophic impact.
Russell, the Lakers’ rookie guard from Ohio State recorded teammate Nick Young in the locker room as Young shared that he was running with more than the woman with whom he’s engaged. And then, he put it on social media…as a joke. Except, no one in Young’s circle of people thought it was funny, which surprised Russell.
“I’ve always been known as a guy that plays around a lot, and he has been, too,” said Russell. “To be around somebody that’s similar, with the same similar characteristics, is different. He’s one of the guys that I’ve always talked to about anything, and I cherished our friendship. For me to have an incident like this come up and put that in jeopardy is not what I was intending to do.”
Really? Well, just what were you intending to do?
Think about it…then think about that at 20 years of age, in your first job, the Los Angeles need a professional point guard, not an amateur comedian living in the moment.
Think outside the entitlement of what’s been thus far your infantile basketball life…that there really are serious responsibilities that come with the opportunity of living like an adult and cashing a weekly check.
Think about the issue of trust within the organization…and what others are seeing in you when they look beyond your ability to dribble with both hands, shoot the “j”, and dunk.
Sadly, though, this habit of irresponsible snooping is not confined to professionals (?) like D’Angelo Russell. Every one of us with a cell phone is guilty of taking photos of exploding toilets and singing dogs and posting it on Facebook…because 1) they want to be connected, and 2) they’re flexing their inward comedic obligation. Someone out there might think it’s funny. And then the mother lode of posting…IT MIGHT GO VIRAL!
Even sadder, think about the people you see every day (or yourself) who spends every available minute staring at your phone…for fear of missing the next tweet or Facebook post. Gotta’ stay connected.
“Anyone know a multi-vitamin that won’t make me constipated?”
Or, “Anyone got a good recipe for blueberry brownies?”
I’m having dinner with some people at the recent state tournament and one of them pulls out their phone and starts taking pictures.
“Why?” I asked.
“Oh, I just wanted people to know where we were.”
“Why?” I asked again.
“Because we’re having a good time.”
“And?” I asked again. “Did it ever occur to you that while you’re taking pictures and posting on the internet that someone can recognize that you’re not home and rob you blind?”
“Why do you have to think the worst all the time?” they asked. “Don’t you ever have any fun?”
You mean like D’Angelo Russell?
Different scenario, but the same logic. In this day of social media the old saying that cleanliness is next to Godliness has been amended. Now, in the world of cell phones and Twitter, it’s “privacy is next to Godliness”.
Take it from D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young…and learn something. One man’s laugh is another man’s liability.
