Tell the truth...

Growing up in the 50s, there was a well-accepted practice known as truth in advertising – meaning anything in any media must conform to the truth. Not an opinion, or a hope of what the truth would be, or what any one individual arbitrarily claimed it to be. Only documented, verifiable proof, truth. Whether we like it or not, 1+1 always equals 2. Maybe it’s because the Internet and social media opened so many independent channels that are not guided by any truth in advertising criteria. It’s hard to enforce, so maybe highly visible “Opinion” labels should be required. And maybe every site should clearly admonish viewers/readers/listeners to check all the facts before believing anything. Because, at the end of the day, supporting truth, even when it’s unpopular, is (and should be) a measure of honesty and integrity. Especially when the truth is only “this is my opinion only”. There used to be a deli in Las Vegas run by a self-described driver for the mob who posted in his window “In My Humble Opinion”, and every regular patron knew this applied to just about everything he would carry on about in there. We can all tell stories – of tall tales or truths, but when it comes to stuff that people need to rely on, it should be the truth, and nothing but the truth. So Help Me God! That’s the standard we are required to adhere to in court with the judge and jurors and in business with employees. Why shouldn’t that be the standard for what anyone tells others is the truth today.

 

Steve Brunkhorst (born 1968ish): American consultant specializing in Project Management & Systematic Problem Solving.