A Question for Ricochet Members
Before the next installment of the running of the scapegoats and the burning of the straw men (more commonly known as an Obama debate performance), I thought I would pose the members a question I struggled with over the weekend.
Namely, should I agree to appear on a regional talk radio program if it 'outs' me as a conservative?
For most (if not all of the members) this would be a simple 'of course'. But my situation is complicated in that I'm a professional artist. A professional, conservative artist who has already survived one blacklisting in the past (a story for another post). A large percentage of my work is sold outside of my home state of Virginia and into less friendly environs in deep blue liberal states.
The radio show is a 50/50 mix of business and politics, and I was asked to be on the air and take questions due to the unique circumstance of: 1) entering our 21st year in business in spite of the best efforts of the Obama Administration and 2) the fact that my little enterprise, small though it may be, is unique in the community. The impact at home would be limited - especially since most of my family, friends, and neighbors are all like-minded and aware of our political affinities. The radio program, however, has some syndication and is podcast over the internet -- and there is no way to avoid equating my political leanings with those of my company.
If it were only my livelihood that was to be impacted there would be no hesitation on my part to accept the invitation, gird my loins Biden-style, and march into the radio studio ready to proselytize. But I have a family. I have employees. I can't assume that by going public with my political beliefs the end result will be positive, or the fallout limited only to me.
I know this question is deeply trivial in the grand scheme of things; this is far from a life or death decision and completely inane when you stop to consider the men and women who have given their lives for our country. But I thought it was an interesting dilemma and a comment on how the last four years of the Obama presidency have unfortunately made such deliberations ponderable.
For the record, I have already made a a choice, so feel free to discuss this without fear of influencing the final decision.
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Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
At first I thought, "Don't do it!" But then I thought that you *should* do it and while you're talking, keep in mind those clients of yours who are not aligned politically. Speak as if they were right in front of you. It would help you offer thoughtful commentary in a unifying manner.
Feb '11
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
I suspect you are going to take the gig, otherwise you'd not have posted this. In light of what you've already been through I suggest you take it, but present yourself in a non-partisan manner, but don't shy from answering a direct question on that. Discuss the philosophy that undergirds your worldview. Discuss specifics about how governmental "helpers" hinder private business. Talk about the good your employees do for their communities, etc. Talk about the positive benefits of small government (show your stripes positively too). Good luck.
Edited on October 15, 2012 at 6:57pmJun '12
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
Tough call. Mollie makes a good point. My thoughts as a non-artist, for whatever they are worth. This economy is tough enough even for people trying to make it outside the art world. I think if you seriously fear retribution for being open about your political views, and that retribution would jeopardize your abiltiy to provide for your family, then decline and work underground to kill the beast from within. Your first obligation is to your family. But if you think you can ride out a blacklisting without significant risk to your abiltiy to provide, go for it .
Apr '12
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
Okay, here's a crazy idea: use a pseudonym as the CEO of the company to separate it from you as an artist. You can even say that you, the pseudonym, recently bought the company in a leveraged buyout and have the artist chained at his easel/computer/workbench/whatever is appropriate. If you want, you can even borrow one of mine.
Jun '10
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
I agree with Mollie. You have the opportunity to prepare simple answers without tarring yourself as a dreaded conservative. For example,
"Governor Romney had a successful career fixing broken organizations. Is there any more broken than the federal government?"
"I am hoping for a change."
"Too many broken promises. Unemployment promises. Cutting the deficit promises. Keeping your own health plan promises."
Keep it simple and unarguable.
Apr '11
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
I like to think that people enjoy good quality products and service. I certainly do. I have never not gone to a movie just because I don't like an actors political views. I don't think we should hold liberals in such low regard as to think all decisions they make have a political basis. Have faith in the quality of your work and business, and in your own reasonable nature.
As long as you don't plan to go and Troll the left on Radio I think you should be fine.
Apr '12
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
I would say no to not muddy your business brand.
If you do go, I would start with talking about your hesitation to speak publicly and give an example like Clint Eastward, who spoke about how conservative people think they have to hide in the shadows. The Left "hotdog" around! Remember that line?
I do admire Romney and Ryan for managing to keep going and for being so positive about what to do rather than throwing mud at their opponents.
Jun '10
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
You must be lying. You can't be an artist! My ex-sister-in-law loudly extolled that "Art is so important to society that no artist should have to work for a living. The Government should just pay artists to do their work!"
My brother is part of a struggling artist-owned gallery and is attempting to convince some other members that they can't rely solely on sales, that they have to push more for grant funding. I said "You mean corporate and patron grants?" He said, "Yea....and State grants."
You have "employees"? It's not a collective or cooperative? How can you call yourself an "artist"?
Jun '11
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
Good call. I've agreed to appear sometime after the election. But I did take the weekend and have the discussion with my wife and family to get their opinion. I didn't include that in the original post because I wanted to hear Ricochet opinions, not 'atta-boys'.
I can do 'soft conservatism' on the radio without going full-on Goldwater. So the actual content of the spot doesn't worry me. But no one will confuse me with a liberal afterward, and that seems to be a litmus test these days.
Apr '11
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
I wouldn't presume to advise you on such an important decision. It just makes me so sad that you have to weigh speaking your conscience against feeding your family. What has happened to our country?
May '10
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
Deciding to take a pass would not have been a crazy or cowardly thing to do, btw. Since you've decided to do it, keep it factual and stick to a few simple points. Follow the advice of David Carroll and Indaba and you'll be (mostly) fine.
What kind of artist are you? I still need a penciler for my graphic novel (which is in danger of turning into a regular ol' novel if I don't find anyone).
May '11
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
sawdustmachine
Good call. I've agreed to appear sometime after the election. But I did take the weekend and have the discussion with my wife and family to get their opinion. I didn't include that in the original post because I wanted to hear Ricochet opinions, not 'atta-boys'.
I can do 'soft conservatism' on the radio without going full-on Goldwater. So the actual content of the spot doesn't worry me. But no one will confuse me with a liberal afterward, and that seems to be a litmus test these days. · 26 minutes ago
I would say liberals are more tolerant of conservative economic issues than social issues. If you talk about taxes and how Obama is making your business less profitable I don't think you'd have much backlash. Talk about gay marriage or abortion and that could be lethal.
Jun '10
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
It might be a head-fake, but check the screen name.
Jun '11
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
Not a head-fake. Moniker is courtesy of my (then) 3yr old son on seeing the state of my studio: "Dad, do you make sawdust?"
I'm a woodworker/carver. The eagle over there----> was a commissioned piece last May. 8' long, 4' high.
If you receive Pendleton Home catalog you can see more of my company's output. We have 8 items featured with them this fall.
May '10
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
sawdustmachine
Not a head-fake. Moniker is courtesy of my (then) 3yr old son on seeing the state of my studio: "Dad, do you make sawdust?"
I'm a woodworker/carver. The eagle over there----> was a commissioned piece last May. 8' long, 4' high.
If you receive Pendleton Home catalog you can see more of my company's output. We have 8 items featured with them this fall. · 4 minutes ago
Ah. Funny how that works.
May '10
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
Your kids need more than food and shelter. They need a good example. That will endure long after the food is consumed and the home exchanged.
Oct '12
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
Stay part of the silent majority. It's not worth it. Is there anything that you could add to the discussion that's worth the cost to your career? That said, I have a profession, physician, that most would assume I'm a republican, so it's easier for me.
Jun '12
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
I think if you simply present yourself as someone who has come to certain conclusions through thinking and experience, you'll be fine. I spent 10 years in the NYC advertising agency life as a copywriter and was open about my conservatism. (love saying that). When it really got down to brass tacks super liberals treated me as some sort of rare bird that improved the diversity of things. I don't think I ever lost an assignment or opportunity because of politics. Plus, it was always fun to have people sidle up to me after a fun debate (10 v 1) and say "i thought you were so right." They had to whisper their conservative leanings but could openly say "hey- who has coke" ? Good times.
May '10
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
Not sure I can offer advice. I can only tell you how I'd evaluate such an invitation.
What is the opportunity cost? What else could you profitably engage in during the time required by the appearance?
What is the opportunity value? How much would you have to spend to get comparable advertising coverage? (To optimize this you'd need to go in prepared with a message that you'd revert to at every opportunity.)
What is the potential of getting positive impact from conservative art aficionados and collectors?
What is the value of patriotism and standing up for beliefs? (All that is necessary for the utimate triumph of evil is for a few good men to do nothing. "We ... pledge our lives, our fortunes, our sacred honor".)
Jun '11
Re: A Question for Ricochet Members
One aspect to consider is whether you will help or hurt the causes you believe in. Probably with a successful business you don't fall apart trying to "sell" yourself. I turned down a request from a local TV station to represent the "pro-drilling" viewpoint after I spoke at a recent town meeting. The opportunity was unexpected and I had been nervous enough to give my prepared remarks to the twelve people at the meeting. I feared I'd look like an idiot on TV. I was able to direct them to a fellow who's more comfortable doing that, so it worked out all right. But your dilemma makes me reflect that responsible adults should be able to stand up and coherently counter the foolishness around us. Good for you.