with Kim Jackson

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. – First Amendment of the Bill of Rights.

I was recently in a meeting and it was finally regurgitated across the conference table; spewing, hitting, and sliding off the peach colored walls.

“Please be cognizant of what you post on your social networks…blah, blah, blah.”

Considering that the number and frequency of violence, bullying, and suicide on school grounds have increased over the last 2 – 5 years; I completely understand monitoring a student’s account for any reference to harm another student or themselves. But, when you can lose your job because you say that you had a screwed up day at work…I honestly feel like this is going a bit too far.

 I know with some positions you have to sign a confidentiality agreement and that means that you can’t tell another person/entity EXACTLY what you do. But, are you really telling me that you can’t go home and vent to somebody about why your day sucks? You can’t say that your boss is an idiot…even if he/she is? Trust me…this is not confidential information. I’m certain there are a number of people that feels exactly the same way as you do.

So, you have to be properly attired when you go to work. Your time to eat is from this time to this time…strictly. You’re medical benefits do not benefit your life. Your 401K has now become your 40 ounce. And now they’re telling you that you can’t go to the home or apartment that they are not paying you enough to keep/reside in, log onto the network that you pay Comcast or AT&T $100 or more per month to have, and tell your social e-buddies that you can’t stand your job today/this week/all the damn time?

Where is the line? And who gave them permission to cross it?

Let me get this straight. A person can burn the red, white, and blue that represents who we are as a nation shouting Freedom of Speech and they have to make up some charge like public disturbance to arrest them instead of the treason that they should be charged with? Trust me, I’ve checked this out. There is no actual law against burning the American flag; although they have tried to pass one repeatedly. It’s not as if people are going home and saying that they’re going to blow off the idiot manager’s head…they’re venting. For all anyone knows, it may not be the company that they work for that’s the cause for discontent. It could be a customer. And you know what? That is not a reflection of the company; it is a reflection of that person. Now, if the company is doing something that is illegal or wrong; then by all means…Facebook, Yahoo, MSN, the side your cousin’s van that has his cell number for his landscaping business…put them on blast. But, this ‘can’t say what you want on a blog or social network’? It’s ludicrously absurd. Seriously, people. This is not viral ‘Shawshank Redemption’. You’re not monitored by your company 24/7 to make sure that you are representing the company in a specific manner.

“Wearing black slacks with a powder blue dress shirt today, boss.”

If anything, the online venting should be encouraged because if some people don’t have an outlet to voice their frustrations; it has been known to manifest itself into a violent exchange at the point of extreme irritation. No one; either employed or not, experiences life with unicorns, puppies, and sunshine everyday. And quite frankly, if you ask around; only a few people can tell you that yes, they do love their jobs because it’s all that they have ever wanted to do in life and that they are living a dream. Think about it…

***By the way…if you were wondering…yes, I do love www.urbanpeephole.com. It’s not just a website; it’s an experience. And I’m lucky as heck to be a part of the production.***