Many people know my age and older are familiar with the journalist, Dan Rather. For those that don't know, he is actually quite active on social media these days, and often poignantly points out his observations of current events. On Oct. 20, he posted this as a reflection about what has happened in the new recently. I think he brings up avery good point about "credibility" regardless of one's political affiliation:
"This is what happens when you lose credibility. This is what happens when you lie repeatedly about issues big and small. This is what happens when you foment divisions and show no remorse. This is what happens when your words have no meaning. You lose the benefit of the doubt.
Today John Kelly, the White House Chief of Staff issued an emotional defense of President Donald Trump's phone call to the widow of a fallen soldier. He opened up about the death of his own son in combat. He claimed that Mr. Trump was being sensitive. He said he hadn't meant to criticize previous presidents when he said he wasn't sure if they made calls to the fallen. He criticised the conclusion of a Democratic congresswoman who shared her vantage point of the call. Everything that Mr. Kelly said may be true. Or maybe not. This could fall legitimately in the grey area of different interpretations, at least in cases where the president isn't Donald Trump.
Why did millions of Americans jump to the conclusion that Mr. Trump was criticizing President Obama with his words? Because that is what Mr. Trump always does, including questioning whether President Obama was a real American. Why did millions of Americans not trust Mr. Trump's denials about what he said and that he had proof? Because Mr. Trump repeatedly lies about what he says and what he means. Why did millions of Americans assume that Mr. Trump could not feel empathy for the death of Sgt. La David T. Johnson? Because he has shown no empathy for the people of Puerto Rico still suffering from a hurricane without power or safe drinking water. Why did millions of Americans think that Mr. Trump could disrespect American servicemen and women? Because he attacked a war hero and a Gold Star Family during the presidential campaign.
The impression of Mr. Trump that fueled the narrative around this phone call is one for which Mr. Trump has only himself to blame. General Kelly has served with distinction and honor. He has born grave personal sacrifices. He has every right to speak in the manner he did today. But he also has to understand that while millions of Americans may be inclined to believe his sincerity and character, they have long since given up on those attributes when it comes to his boss.
Yes elections have consequences. But so do words and deeds."
First impressions are important, as are the continued impressions you build of other people (and that other people build of you). As a teacher, I rely immensely on the impressions I have of each of my students. I know that when "John" tells me that "Larry" hit him, and Larry says, "No, John hit me!", which one of them is more likely go have been the perpetrator due to past behavior, or if it is likely that it was just an accident or whatever. The specifics of each situation could be different, and maybe the usually "good" kid really did get angry and hit the kid that usually acts up. The chances are, though, that the kid that have previously try to hit other kids behind my back also did it this time. I try to be fair and listen to both sides and take evidence or other testimonies into account, but the fact is that my previous impressions of how these kids usually act heavily influence how I react.
One of my favorite new TV shows is The Good Place, particularly because the writers play with the ideas of which kinds of characters are credible and what kinds of impressions they leave on the viewer. The show brings up lots of "gray area" situations where there isn't one clear cut right or wrong, and it pokes fun at people who try or want to do the right thing, but continuously act in ways that are not considered moral or ethical.
I suppose I'll end with the question: do I (you) act in a way on a regular basis that builds credibility with others?
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