It finally happened.
I was called the “s” word by a gentleman on social media, last week.
You know. That pretty, white stuff that rarely falls in this part of Texas?
Why, you ask?
After reading through over a hundred negative comments about a new local business owner, I voiced my dismay over the level of animosity displayed by the online community.
Granted, folks were passionate about the anecdote that sparked the comments.
A construction worker, told to remove a patriotic sticker from his hard hat; and when he refused as a true-blooded American, told to leave the job site.
Nowhere in the thread did I read an account of the story from the business owner’s perspective.
Yet, people were quick to throw out insulting and, at times, vulgar names against this person.
One comment went so far as to suggest that the construction crew (employed, I might add, under a paid contract) should “ruff him up.”
The post became viral, with over 1,000 shares from a small town community of just over 3,000 citizens.
There were calls to boycott the business, and to stage patriotic protests once construction was complete and the establishment officially opened.
Still. No word about the owner’s side of the story.
In my line of work, we make every attempt to get both sides of any story reported on, and then we do our best to verify the information we have been given.
So, yes.
I was highly offended at the rabid reaction against one of our newest members of the Fairfield business community, based on a one-sided account from a disgruntled construction worker.
If that is what it takes to become a snowflake; then, God bless America!
Editor’s Note: The original social media post was uploaded on Monday afternoon, March 5, 2018. Two days later, the 100-plus comments had disappeared, and the following morning, the original post was no longer visible.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) discourage the use of stickers on hard hats for safety reasons. Some labels and paints may eliminate electrical resistance, and stickers can possibly “conceal defects, cracks, penetration, and any damage that would be otherwise readily identifiable.”
Under the OSH Act (1970), employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace and must comply with all applicable OSHA standards.
Penalties for willful violation of OSHA requirements range from $5,000 to $70,000 — per violation.
