Social Media Politics

With all the fantastic buzz around this new craze, I think it is time to investigate some of the serious negatives the intrusion of the corporate world has had on Social Media, and social networking fanatics.

While I am in marketing, and fully agree with the use of social media to engage in a dialogue with your customers, I can't help but feel a bit robbed of my "Facebook joys" since the corporate world caught on.

Previously we could freely blog, blast, complain and purely vent out all our emoticons through our facebook page, twitter or blog without fear of persecution.

Now, the effect of what I am terming social media politics has come into play. An issue I would greatly appreciate your assistance on.

It boils down to the simple question of where is the personal and work life on-line relationship drawn?

Is it fair of possible employers to search for you on Facebook to obtain a deeper insight into your personality. Whilst we publish this freely on the web, shouldn't there be a code of conduct for all corporations to follow?

Instead of "scribbling" what immediately comes to mind on Facebook status - I now stop and pause, to hum the my colleagues reactions if they saw this status. " Mego is really irritated with someone's power trip at work " - will obviously be interpreted.

I am outraged to say the least. Feeling deprived of my on-line "not-so-personal" diary. Nevermind fear of reactions to your on-line out-pours, worse yet is when these evils follow your blogs or befriend you on facebook.

I feel sorry for the techie who would like to share his personal affiliation and adoration for Yoda, whose preferences are now victim to the scrutiny of "external evils" ( invaders of the World Wide Web, the evils who selfishly & intrusively utilize us and the internet to for their own marketing needs. )

To take a stand would be admirable and foolish - such is the nature of social media politics. What if you ignore the friend request? Well then you get pestered to accept. What if you set privacy clauses on Facebook, well then they ( external evils ) will find other ways of penetrating our world. Damn Doodlenutties. ( an annoying person with a small brain ).

This is an issue I think will only worsen as this social media buzz increases like a Tsunami wave. Thus I am reduced to my subdued and polite interactions and updates.

Clearly being polite, quiet and politically correct is working well for me. Hum dee..

Coloured Schizophrenia

For those of you who aren't aware the "Coloured" culture in South Africa is a splendid blend of mix masala passed down recipes, excitable and very expressive families, families which span the far corners of S.A, from Kimberely to Eldorado Park, people who have vast and varied background and ancestors.

With this colourful background, strong sense of family & socializing and loud opinionated personalities ( some of us verbally, some of us in writing - clearly. ), you can only imagine the pains some of us experience in the corporate world.

Never mind our often exciting dress sense. Many of us have been "brain-washed" with some really exciting personality traits and habits. Not to mention the responses you will often get when confronting us with difficult questions. Literally a "WAT". ( Not what.. )

While not applicable only to our culture I feel many people experience difficulty in adjusting to societal norms once you have been raised in an abstract environment, one that now seems so far-fetched in the real world.

Imagine, this "curly and straight-opposed haired" person emphatically responding to your questions with a loud and exaggerated "Yaaaaaaaa". ( Emphasis on the aa." ). Obviously we try and tone down our beloved accent and oh so colourful home language ( although I would love to speak like that at work - I think it would definitely bring about some excitement ).

Now remember that I am a loud and proud coloured. And this has challenged me to no end. But alas I find myself behaving in the most appropriate manner, until the situation gets the better of little old gangster me, and it all pours out.

" Naaa Man".

Perhaps my dears, it is time for a change of heart, a time to come out! Shup, I say to this "appropriate" lady like behavior, and wasup I say to the new improved nca gazzie in me. What you think Hondas?

This should definitely get me a raise. I can see my boss shouting my praise as she hum dee dums the other executives faces when I hol em in, and ask them how the blom was in the last meeting.

Hummmmm. I can't help but think this all just a little dope in my naughty mind.
lol ; ) I'm lovin' it.