Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show has been canceled indefinitely — a move that may have come as a shock, and understandably so. As explosive stories continue to make headlines in the media, such as tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk, Black folks need to be mindful of their words on social media, and off. If Jimmy Kimmel can be canned from his eponymous show — raking in over $15 million a year — for his words, it’s a wake-up call that no one is untouchable. And these days, the smartest move is to just read the room and shut up.
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In the age of social media, where everyone is everywhere — essentially saying anything — it’s crucial not to sacrifice your integrity in high-stakes online and political situations. And if a rich White man can’t do it, what makes you think you can?
Here are 13 tips you can use to be more mindful in the public eye, read the room, and protect yourself amid bubbling social media and political controversy.
Read the Room
Take time to observe the energy and tone around you. Notice who is listening, who is influencing the conversation, and which topics are the most sensitive. If folks are absolutely raging, pay attention to that energy. Don’t just write it off. Adjust your approach based on what you see, that way you can avoid unnecessary conflict later on down the line, personally or professionally.
Lead with Empathy
Empathy does not mean sympathy. Remember that. It only means understanding someone else’s side. Consider how your words might affect others. Try to put yourself in their shoes and imagine potential reactions. If it were you or your loved ones, how would you feel? Leading with this understanding can prevent misunderstandings and protect your relationships, and to be clear — celebrating someone’s death is never OK.
Think Before You Speak
Don’t respond in the heat of the moment. Pause, take a breath, and reflect on the potential consequences of your words. A well-timed comment can have far more impact than a rushed one, and it can make all the difference to your reputation.
Don’t Be a Blog Hero
Those people egging you on aren’t the ones putting their careers on the line. They’re commenting from the sidelines, staying silent in real life, and keeping their jobs, and their livelihood, intact. Don’t let the hype pressure you into saying something you’ll regret.
Be Careful in Your Chat Groups
Don’t fall victim to the assumption that your chat groups are a safe space. There’s no guarantee what you’re saying is confidential, even if you feel you’re amongst peers. Screenshots and leaks happen all the time! Assume that anything you type could reach unintended eyes, and whatever you said can be used against you now, or in the future.
Be Mindful of Comment Sections
Online spaces amplify any and everything, often beyond the original context of the situation. Think twice before writing your post, as the energy of the thread could temp you to say something you otherwise wouldn’t express. Once it’s out there, it’s nearly impossible to take back.
Keep Risky Opinions Away From the Workplace
Your professional reputation is too valuable to gamble. Avoid sharing personal or controversial opinions in work spaces. Protecting boundaries keeps your career and relationships intact. This TikTok user — who loved her job — was fired after she was “doxxed” by someone she knows for her claims that she didn’t “didn’t care” about Kirks passing. Let’s not be careless, this doesn’t have to be you!
Steer Clear of Risky Political Crossfire
Debates can escalate quickly, especially amid tragedies such as the passing of Kirk or the Charlotte Stabber. Aligning politically in a public manner can potentially make you a target, even if that wasn’t your intention. Sometimes, staying neutral is the safest move, especially amid bubbling controversy.
Watch How People React
Here’s a clue: If all of America is up in arms about a particular subject, chances are the best decision is to tread lightly. This is a good time to utilize rule three, and be mindful of your words. When emotions are high, reactions can be just as explosive. Watch what you say and what you comment, and you won’t regret it.
Never Celebrate Anyone’s Death
We understand emotions are high, but this needs to be said: There’s no world in which celebrating anyone’s death is the right thing to do. Kirk was gunned down in front of the world, and that in itself deserves a level of respect, even if you don’t agree with the victim’s politics. While Black issues often do go unchecked, it doesn’t make it right when folks publicly mock or celebrate the passing of any individual.
Jobs have rules
Just because a Black person was let go from their job, it doesn’t automatically mean the termination was unjustified. Understanding workplace expectations and boundaries is key, and staying mindful of those rules can prevent unnecessary consequences. And if you cross a line — expect to be corrected, or ejected.
Think Ahead
Consider this: if what you’re about to write or say stayed relevant forever, would you be proud of it? Every comment, post, or reaction can stick around far longer than you expect. Being intentional about your words keeps you in control and out of trouble.
Be In Control, Don’t be Careless
Now is the time to take caution with your social media presence, altogether. While free speech is your right, it doesn’t protect you from the very real consequences of careless posts, impulsive reactions, or getting canned from your job.
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