Most people enjoy a healthy dose of cynicism. At any given time, your twitter feed can look like a transcript from an abusive relationship in a court case. But hey….nobody takes that too seriously, right? After all, it can be cathartic to rant online. Or there’s the ever growing ‘memes’ that circulate the web, like the photo above. Clearly, these are harmless, funny and perhaps even helpful for us to partake in.
However, as the old adage goes, “Too much of anything is never a good thing.” And my friends, it seems we have reached that threshold. I think the most glaring example for me is the way we treat other people’s professions. Think for a moment, of the words that many people associate with a profession when it is brought up in a discussion these days.
If you’re a police officer, you’re labelled a racist. Lawyers we deem greedy, accountants are boring, and Realtors are overpaid. If you’re a politician, guaranteed sleaze-ball. Oh, you work for the government? You must be lazy then.
We hear opinions that those in the fast-food, general labour, and admin support roles are people who couldn’t cut it in high-school. Yet we also label so-called ‘dream jobs’, such as a Hollywood actor or professional athlete, as people who are self-centered, vain and spoiled. Even traditionally viewed positive occupations, like being a pastor or doctor, don’t come without some serious baggage these days. The list goes on and on…
So how does this happen? It’s simple really….we love to stereotype. We may not even be conscious of it, but we love it. And to compound matters, we’re bombarded with constant negative examples through the media.
But what is the actual reality?
Most police officers will take a bullet for you, regardless of your skin colour. Many athletes and those in the entertainment industry do tons of charity work and live healthy lives. Lawyers and doctors worked and diligently studied for years and years before ever making a dollar. Many with low-income jobs honourably get up for work everyday to provide for their families.
This whole Rob Ford scandal should be a lesson to us. We don’t want the rest of the world to judge us based on the actions of one man, do we? Of course not. So why do we base our judgement on people’s professions on the negative actions of a few? Yes, there are complete jackasses in every profession, consisting of every colour and creed. But take it from the Jackson 5, one bad apple shouldn’t spoil the whole bunch.
If we must judge, let us judge each person on their own merits, attitude and work ethic. I don’t care what your job is. If you do it with integrity, a strong work ethic and a positive attitude…you will have my absolute respect. There are stories I share with people all the time, in which I met someone who was so passionate about their job, it made my experience so incredibly enjoyable. And it could be something as simple as a submarine sandwich.
I often refer to a Mr. Sub shop located in Elmvale, Ontario. The two workers I encountered throughout the summer making my subs were the most passionate sandwich makers I’ve ever met. Engaging conversation, spotless work space, and the most beautifully crafted subs with minimal spillage! Even they way they wrapped my sandwiches was ‘smart’.
I realize this example is just a sandwich. But what was refreshing to witness was that despite making a paycheque that was most likely somewhere around minimum wage, the employees didn’t treat it like just a sandwich….but rather an experience. And as someone who has eaten many sammies can protest, food made with love and respect always tastes better than food that’s just thrown together.
So let me remind you….there are amazing people who work in every industry. And they deserve our respect. Let’s stop being so cynical towards each other’s professions, because it’s just not healthy or comical. When you see a person working hard at their job, appreciate that and thank them for their effort. It’s only a few words, but it can truly make a person’s day.