Embracing Diversity

In today’s world of rushing about, and interaction with our electronics have we lost the art of connection? In the industry like the one we are in, where our words are our greatest gifts, we often times forget they can also be our greatest weapons.

I see the lack of respect and professional courtesy everywhere. Social media is full of it. As a society, as an industry have we lost the sense of professionalism we once had in the midst of being opinionated and looking at our own desires before others? There was a time when having a difference of opinion was accepted, when we encouraged thought

Very recently I was following a post on social media where an author, looking to break into the industry posted a question. This person had to suffer the wrath of other authors who obviously felt their skills far outshone those of the new author. There were comments on everything from the spelling of the question to telling them to quit.

If I’m being honest, it was painful and horrifying to see. It made me ashamed and really made me question why there is such anger and hatred amongst us. It really brought to mind the fear we have lost our ability to be professionals. As an author, I know what it takes to gain the courage to submit a project to a publisher, editor, agent…and I know how devastating it can be to be rejected.

How can we judge a person just getting started on their journey into the wilds of this industry? What would we think, or feel if we were in the individual’s place. There is no place for bullying in this world, it is hard enough as it is. Regardless of skill level, or perceived weakness, we are in this together and as such we should be helping to build others up rather than tearing them down.

We cannot believe our success is dependent upon the shredding of another’s dreams. That we rise only because the next person falls. It is not the way to go through this world. I believe in loving your neighbor, respecting them, treating them with fairness and kindness. If you truly desire to have success, don’t allow yourself to fall in the darkness of destroying others. Lay a solid foundation of likemindedness, of awareness and embrace the differences we have.