Comms We Regret

Two news stories remind us that what we say may come back to bite us. Two Los Angeles officials resigned from their positions following crass and racist comments by City Council president, Nury Martinez. (Details here, if you have the stomach to read.) Other resignations may follow.

In another situation, Ye (Kanye West) faced Instagram and Twitter restrictions following his anti-Semitic comment. He wrote, “I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going def con 3 on Jewish people. . . ” In response, Adidas is reviewing its sponsorship agreement.

In the LA situation, someone illegally recorded and posted a conversation on Reddit. In the second, West made his own comments public, but he admits being tired. In both cases, the comments were offensive and not a good choice.

Let’s remind students that they are responsible for their communications and may not know how what they say and write will be publicized.