In just a couple of months, I will mark 6 years in this business. In that time, I have seen A LOT of faces come and go. I’ve covered so many interesting stories, some I dreaded, some that made me emotional, and others I’ll never forget (especially some of the people I’ve come to know!). But one thing I’ve been a bit lucky on these past several years is a fairly limited amount of public criticism. I’ve never been good at taking it, admittedly, no matter where it comes from. But I think I learned at a pretty early age not to care what people think of me, sort of… Of course to some extent, most of us want to be loved, liked and respected and do our best to ensure that happens by how we present ourselves, the way we treat others, etc.
But when it comes to some people just being darn right nasty with you, especially undeservedly, it’s just ridiculous and not worth the time to give the person dishing out the dirt any credence. This week, a viewer decided to send an email to the station lamenting me because she doesn’t care for my hair. Her note was unkind and rude to say the least. The most awful part about such notes–is that our station general email account is copied to every single person in the newsroom, so everyone reads it–good or bad. I replied with a simple message saying something to the effect of how I understand it’s important to be pleasant-looking in my chosen occupation, but rather than concerning myself with things so incredibly vain, I am far more concerned with my credibility, compassion, and story-telling abilities as a journalist. I thought that would put her meanness to a stop. Well, I was wrong. She replied back to my email with an even nastier comment. My boss was kind enough to tell her he’s worked in this business 35 years, and if there’s one thing he’s learned–especially when it comes to female on-air talent–no two people will have the same opinion: you can’t please everyone. Some people will just love you, and others just won’t–plain and simple.
Life is like that–you can’t win ‘em all over, no matter what. This viewer’s unpleasantry doesn’t get under my skin, it honestly just makes me wonder why anyone would think it okay to tell someone in such a public way that they look awful. Would I go up to the clerk at the mall or grocery store and tell her she looks bad? Would you? No. You would never dream it. It just goes back to the good old golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated. What a novel idea! It reminds me to do that in my own life, too. It’s much better to make friends, than enemies, so be kind to everyone: Jesus in the flesh.
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This post was written by kmashek on August 5, 2012
Don’t let that bone head get to you. You look fine just the way you are. Anyone who sees you on TV and reads your blog knows you are a sweet person, wonderful mom and wife, and a very good professional journalist. Some people don’t have enough to do. Maybe you should give her some numbers and places that need volunters, that would give her something to occupy her time in a GOOD WAY. Kathy
Thank you. That’s how I feel, too! Good fodder for my writing.
Well said, Kathy. It’s amazing how rude people can be using emails. Kera, you always look so nice and do such a fine job in bringing the news to us. I’m sorry you were treated so poorly by this individual.
Amen to all the above comments – I think you have the right attitude – treat others like you want to be treated. Sometimes it is very difficult in the heat of the moment but stay strong and keep up the good work.
Your gorgeous! Don’t let anyone ever make you think otherwise! How sad and people wonder why women have such problems with self-esteem and their image, just cruel and unjust. Maybe this person should post a pic of themselves so we can give our opinion, guess we all can’t be perfect like her. Just keep being you!
Thank you so very much!
I personally think you look wonderful. You always look so professional no matter what story you are covering. Maybe that person needs to take a good look in the mirror at herself and not at other people.
You are a wonderful person, dont let her get the best of you. I think you should post her email address and let us have a go at her, see if she likes it. Dont change a thing, we love you the way you are.
You all are too kind! THANK YOU!
Sadly, too many comments are made by mean-spirited people with nothing else to do than to try to bring someone else down. They can hide behind the comments by being anonymous. You are a beautiful young woman, inside and out!
Amen to all the above comments!! Your professionalism should be #1, and anyone who listens to you and/or reads your blog knows you are a beautiful person inside as well as out!!
My parents always said if you do have nice to say do not say anything. Nobody should be treated like that!
Sadly this woman must not know Jesus as her Savior. If she did, she would know that Jesus looks at our hearts, our motives, and says beauty is found in a gentle and quiet spirit. We need to feel a lot of compassion for this woman.
Well said!
Tara, Do not let this bother you as you have so many positive people who enjoy you..Just look at all the positive comments this one negative statement has sent your way!!!! You are so nice and polite to everyone…Enjoy your family this weekend..
It gets harder and harder to please the public these days. I really don’t know what another generation will bring. I work in the retail business and customers don’t have any patience or manners, as a rule. It usually just takes one person to make or break your day.