The Nerd in Me

In high school I was a debate nerd: debate camp, ethics lectures, state UIL meet. I did L.D. style which is a value-based resolution in which the debaters debate one on one. I enjoyed the conjecture and how I was forced to think quickly. My arguments often took on a blurry tone where I would try to “get” what the opponent was offering and still give you more.

“Oh, he’s giving you justice? That’s great. I love justice. I love it so much I’m also going to get you justice, happiness and safety. How’s that for a win?”

I can say that I’ve made many men (ahem, high school boys) cry and forfeit. It was a feeling of triumph.

Thanks to this background, I feel my merger with public relations was a logical one. Rhetoric and quick thinking are vital. I’ve taken, hopefully, what I enjoyed then and related it again to my life. But, I’m actually more confused with where this should lead. Who really wants to debate over Maslow anymore? I kinda do.

In class Wednesday a small part of me got excited when Maslow was mentioned. A mathematician who was hired to create a philosophy. He created something so simple yet he only thought three people had ever actually assumed the “self-actualization” he developed: himself, Christ and Ghandi.

When Maslow is taken to other publics and in the other manners public relations can allow, this simple philosophy takes on a new viewpoint. How can we help our publics reach their pinnacle through what we are offering? How can this company help a person be the best they can?

Naturally, different companies can fill different voids. An electrical company assists in the fundamentals of housing and safety, while a clothing store can help with the sense of belonging (so important to a middle-schooler) and esteem needs. When a company can look at itself and figure out where they assist people, they can then use other ethical methods to assure the rest of their actions are, for lack of a better word, good.

A good public relations practitioner is there in the middle making sure a company is acting in an appropriate manner for appropriate goals. The goals and objectives can take on a larger meaning when confronted and assuaged with an ethical philosophy.
Anyone who assumes ethics aren’t that important in general is bound to fail. Or become a governor.

As for me, I’ll continue to mentor debaters and try to help them realize the possibilities philosophy creates.