Wisconsin TV anchor Jennifer Livingston asks viewers to look at how their behavior and comments impacts others.
Last week, when I saw Wisconsin’s WKBT television anchor
Jennifer Livingston take on her cyberbully, I cheered and watched it two more times.
Her spot has been widely circulated through various social media, and she spoke of the experience on NBC’s
Today show with Savannah Guthrie.
We need more women like her on television.
Actually, we need more women like her everywhere.
Livingston, a full-time working mother of three daughters, challenged all of us to look at how our online behavior impacts those around us.
For those unaware of this encounter, Livingston received an email from a man - who admits he doesn’t watch her station often - criticizing her weight to the point of calling her a bad role model for girls.
That is over the line.
If a person’s judgment of character is based on a number on a scale, then that’s the problem.
This is also an example of how the public treats people they see either in the news or providing the news.
Every time a TV reporter changes a hair style or wears an unusual scarf, someone makes an anonymous complaint.
Focus on the content of their news coverage, not whether their bangs are the right length.
The anonymity on online forums have increased bullying.
Some have argued this letter isn't bullying, but rather rude or obnoxious.
But if a person is pushed too far and feels bullied, don't belittle that.
Words are powerful.
If you don’t have the brass to put your name and/or face to the negative comments you leave, then maybe they aren’t worth leaving.
Livingston - who is the sister of super-cool actor Ron Livingson - has received overwhelming support.
The man who sent the email – a personal injury attorney – came forward and stands by his words.
He claims this was written to address the nation's obesity epidemic.
But that's a cop out. He was mean and tried to find a way to justify it.
If that was truly his purpose, why take aim at a local TV anchor? Why not the many bigger stars or any men in the public eye?
Livingston did take a direct correspondence and make it public. Why shouldn't she?
Just because a bully does something in private doesn't make it OK.
Interestingly, most of those who have written in support of him have been anonymous.
“That’s the problem we have in our society today,” Livingston told Guthrie. “It’s so easy to be cruel when we should be kind.”
Amen sister.
