It has led to racial vilification, and the suicide of a Victorian police officer, and cast a shadow over a large number of Victorian police, including senior officers. I’m talking about a graphic email image of torture along with offensive racist text that’s been circulating among Victorian police. Simply abhorrent, and police ought to know better.
At work, or at home, it’s becoming increasingly common to use email and social media like Twitter and Facebook for humour, offence and even revenge. But as soon as you hit ‘Enter,’ your private joke or spat enters the public domain, possibly forever. So it’s time to suggest three basic rules.
- Take care to encourage and inspire rather than ridicule or shame. Be positive.
- Never post images or text online that you wouldn’t want your boss, your partner or your priest/pastor to see.
- If in doubt, leave it out.
In a nutshell, keep it clean, and keep it kind.
Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, Sunday 28 March 2010.
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