Employers and Social Media, a Quandary in Progress.

[Morcheeba]

Since some Native Americans and international students find the American flag just as divisive, this situation could have easily involved that flag as well. It created an atmosphere where some felt unwelcomed. I find this situation is a good example of where someone’s off hour activities has an effect on their employer, intended or not.

So there you have it. Kinda backs my point.

Although I didn't quite say if you can't have one you can't have any, but that's pretty much the gist of it.

 

[Pascal]

Generally speaking to those replying, how would you deal with this situation as an employer or a future employer?

Would it make a difference if the flag was his public Facebook picture?

 

[Morcheeba]

It's a flag. The meaning behind it doesn't come without assumption. So imo it would make little difference to me.

 

[alanon]

Generally speaking to those replying, how would you deal with this situation as an employer or a future employer?

Would it make a difference if the flag was his public Facebook picture?

Depends on the position. If I'm hiring him for a position where he would make decisions affecting my company, I would not hire him. The displaying of the picture would tell me one of 3 things:

A) He's a racist
B) He's merely a Dukes of Hazard fan and is completely socially unaware of the impact
C) He's aware, but just doesn't care.

None of these things are qualities I would want in a potential hire....

 

[Lucki]

a) it doesn't necessarily imply he's a racist. perhaps he had ancestors who fought on the losing side; would you expect him to deny that heritage? It's no different than a Briton flying a British flag - it doesn't mean they wish we were still under their rule, simply that they come from somewhere.
b) fair enough, but being a fan of a tv show is hardly a reason not to hire someone. if i went by that means, i'd not work with any fans of hannity or beck.
c) there are plenty of people like this, and they far outweigh the ones who care too much.

• It doesn't mean he isn't a racist either. When it comes to a public position, it's better to err on the side of caution.
• Agreed.
• It's still the people that care that matter, unfortunately.

 

[Morcheeba]

Wouldn't not hiring someone because they choose to hang a flag of their patronage to heritage be the same as not hiring someone because they are from Iran or Pakistan? EDIT - I should clarify ... a flag is just a symbol yes? An emblem. But in my eyes that would be the same 'assumption' as to look at a person of the middle east and assume they must share the lack of care towards human life as so many other of their country men... that's all really.

I think the lines are a tad bit close to do so without discrimination.

I had this conversation with a good friend who happens to be black on Saturday. He did say he'd feel there would be more appropriate places to hang such a flag especially in an institution such as a University, like home. But it's still with assumption you base your judgment.

I can't look at a confederate flag and not see 'HUGE RACIST HERE!', but as I said before, I DO know that their are still people from the south that are just proud of the south and won't turn their back on their flag regardless of what it was once used to represent. It's a hard call.

 

[Taurothar]

As a point of note, of every university fire code I've ever seen states, you're not allowed to hang any cloth items from walls or doors, as it is a potential fire hazard. Thus, it should be taken down.

 

[alanon]

a) it doesn't necessarily imply he's a racist. perhaps he had ancestors who fought on the losing side; would you expect him to deny that heritage? It's no different than a Briton flying a British flag - it doesn't mean they wish we were still under their rule, simply that they come from somewhere.
b) fair enough, but being a fan of a tv show is hardly a reason not to hire someone. if i went by that means, i'd not work with any fans of hannity or beck.
c) there are plenty of people like this, and they far outweigh the ones who care too much.

I was being a bit flippant with the tv show reference, but basically insert non-racist reason there and the meaning is the same. If his is not a racist, then he is either someone that is unaware of the feelings of others or blatantly does not care. Would you hire that person to make decisions for your company?

 

[Lucki]

Depends on the position. If I'm hiring him for a position where he would make decisions affecting my company, I would not hire him. The displaying of the picture would tell me one of 3 things:

A) He's a racist
B) He's merely a Dukes of Hazard fan and is completely socially unaware of the impact
C) He's aware, but just doesn't care.

None of these things are qualities I would want in a potential hire....

we're talking about a public position here? i thought we were talking about a residence assistant at a college, which is like...whale shit on the seafloor of authority.

Yes

 

[Kotsu]

Hiring purposes: I would not hire him. Regardless of the reason for using the symbolic representation, stereotypes and social opinion are judgments cast upon my company if this employee is at a forefront position.

Dorm purposes: It would come down. You can't have anyone, regardless of how minuscule of an authoritative position, represent themselves with something socially conflicting like this.