What does the word ethics mean to me?

As I'm nearing my college career, the topic of professional ethics has been discussed frequently. I'm starting to think of the different types of work I'll be looking for in a few months and where I need to draw the line on ethics. In my pr campaigns class, we were asked the question, "Who would you not work for?" I think over the years my views on what is ethical and what I am comfortable with have changed drastically. I've grown up. Sometimes you have to do the things you don't want to do in order to get where you want to be. I'm not saying that I would throw all of my goals and boundaries out the window in eery situation, but I've learned that you won't always agree with the company you work for. 

One of my classmates said that she would rather be doing something she loved and work for a company that has doesn't make her compromise her beliefs. I think that would be perfect, but sometimes you have to do the things that you don't want to do to get to that perfect place. Since we will just be getting into the working world, we will be at the bottom of the ladder. Sometimes we won't have the choice to say I don't want to do that part of my job. If you want to get to the top, you might just have to suck it up for just a little while. 

In no way am I saying that anyone should throw their belief system done the drain. I'm just saying that you might have to bend a little. 

When we were asked "Who would you not work for?" in my pr class, I have to say not very many things came to mind. I want to like what I do, but I also would love to make money. I'm not saying that I would want to be involved in something of poor ethical standings, but sometime in my career I might have to be. I can deal with that. Of course, I have drawn the line somewhere, but for me, the line changes based on my comfort levels. I think that it is really difficult to draw the line before you have to face something that tests your ethical beliefs. I think that you just have to decide when the  issue is put in front of you. 

Why would he do it?

jackassletters I was going to delete all my Kanye West songs out of protest, but I don't have any. I'm going to torrent some just so I can.

JeffAWard Although Kanye West did well to apologize yesterday I still think he is a douchebag.

ichigofresaemi So I saw what Kanye West did to Taylor Swift...wow...even I thought that was rather rude and I don't even like Beyonce'. Outta line 4 him.

Lilmiss4121 Kanye west YOURE A JERK!

isssybel just voted "oh yeah!" on "Are you angry at Kanye West's treatment of Taylor Swift?" vote too ➔http://bit.ly/14B39B

 

            These are just a few of the tweets coming from outraged fans after Kanye West’s rude interruption at the VMAs this weekend. Some public relations professionals have debated if this stunt was just an act to get people talking about him again. In my opinion, it was just a drunken act by one of Hollywood’s attention starved celebs. It was completely rude of West to interrupt Taylor Swift’s shining moment.

            If West’s disruption really was just a PR stunt like some of the professionals are saying, then it obviously didn’t work. His fans have spoken out against him on twitter. Some are even saying they are going to delete his music to show support for Taylor Swift. I don’t think he expected such an extreme reaction by his fans.

            Now, West’s fans are not the only ones speaking out about his recent VMAs distruption. A recent tweet by an ABC reporter caused an even deeper debate than anyone expected. The tweet paraphrased a recent off-the-record statement made by President Obama. Terry Moran, a former White House correspondent, logged on to Twitter and typed: Pres. Obama just called Kanye West a ‘jackass’ for his outburst at VMAs when Taylor Swift won. Now THAT’S presidential.”

            After the news was out, President Obama said in his own defense, “It’s one of those things that’s unfortunate, but I think it’s an honest mistake.”

            This comment could have just been an honest mistake, but Obama is still the president. But in my opinion, what is presidential mean? I don’t believe that he wasn’t presidential with his comment. Obama was just candid. The times are changing with America’s dependency on media. And I believe what America needs from a president is changing as well. With all the secrecy of past presidents, Americans need a president who is open with them in his actions and emotions. His comment about Kayne West being a “jackass” for what he did to Taylor Swift may have been over the line, but it just showed the American people how human a president really is.

 

You can find the article from the Associated Press on Obama’s candid comment here.

 

And if you haven’t seen the video from the VMAs of Kayne West interrupting Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech, then check it out! 

Never stop learning!

I’ve almost come to an end to my college career. It’s a little scary, but it’s time to evaluate the skills I can bring to any job I choose after college. After reading an article on DaveFleet.com, I’ve decided what my strengths are as a public relations professional and what I need to work on.

Strengths:

1. Communication skills: This is probably my favorite aspect of Public Relations. I feel like this is one of my strengths because I am good at expressing my opinions with others. I believe this strength comes from my love in communicating with others. I also believe that communication is THE key to public relations, whether in writing or vocally.

2. Attention to detail: I think this is where people would call me a perfectionist. Some people see that as a weakness, but I see it as being on top of things and getting it right.

3. Work ethic: This goes hand in hand with proactiveness. When a task is handed to me, I don’t quit until it’s done. I’ve never been able to just sit around and let someone else do the work for me. I don’t ever see that trait of mine vanishing. I just can’t let the ball drop. (There is a reason I make so many lists.)

4. Blogging: Of course, I am not perfect when it comes to blogging, but I do consider it one of my strengths. I feel that it is very important in the changing world of public relations and everyone should jump on the bandwagon.

5. Microblogging: This goes for Twitter as well. Although there may be some controversy about Twitter making it in this trendy, cut throat world of ours, I still think it is important. It may be a trend, but I think you still need to be up with the times especially in the PR world.

6. Coding: According to Dave Fleet, I have the recommended knowledge of coding. I’m not saying that I could create a full blown, spectacular website. There’s no way! I’m just saying that according to Dave Fleet, my skills could be useful on a daily basis.