July 20, 2010 2 Comments Under Issues Management
Silver Lining of Controversial Clouds
As public relations professionals, one of our responsibilities is to keep it real with our clients and organizations. While we need to understand the big picture, we also need to maintain the appropriate perspective regarding controversial issues. In other words, let’s keep the level of hysteria to one that’s accurately reflecting the situation at hand. There’s almost nothing worse than an out-of-control client being guided by an out-of-control counselor, PR or otherwise. While the following clouds have their fair share of controversy, let’s take a look at the silver lining of each.
1) The Cluster – Yes, it’s the most catastrophic disaster in decades; yes, it’s painful, if not criminal, to see the countless people being completely displaced by this never-ending series of they said-they said; and yes, people lost their lives for what appears to be a profit motive. Ironically though, some Gulf residents who previously spent all day fishing are now cleaning up all day for BP for big bucks, keeping jobless and insurance claims to a minimum.
2) The Betrothed - Brisol and Levi announce their engagement. As much as the story makes for tabloid fodder, at least their baby will have a father figure in his life. I’m not saying what kind of father as I’m keeping a forgiving perspective unless given reason otherwise.
3) The Vacationers - In recent weeks, President Obama has been chastised for playing golf on a Saturday and vacationing with his family in Maine as opposed to dealing with the controversy du juor. Personally, I’d rather have a leader whose mind and body are rested, enabling clearer thinking and decision making that affect the rest of us.
4) The Publicity Hound – While LeBron James recently became the focus of the world, he and his team get credit for arranging such an ordeal that overshadowed everything else happening on the planet, even if only for a few minutes. On the upside, his style raised millions for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
5) The Queen of Denial – So Lindsay Lohan is in “obsessive denial” about have to go to jail for repeatedly breaking the law. On the upside, the streets of Los Angeles will probably be safer for the next several weeks. And by the way, Lindsay, the courts don’t recognize acceptance or denial – they’re funny like that.
Granted, the silver lining is longer in some controversial clouds than others. What other linings are out there, or am I the hopelessly glass-half-full person?
I’m a recovered glass-half-empty person which means my dose of optimism often can make others growl with disdain.









