I’m reflecting on a smile I had on my face when I watched an exchanged pop up on feed on facebook. It was a kid (or two) who had made it into a prestigious indian university pasting an email from another university abroad using profane language to snub the sender and indicate their choosing the Indian one (and hence, snubbing the other)..
A lot of thoughts popped up right then –
1) The power of technology to potentially ruin somebody popped up. Everything that we say on a platform like facebook is archived practically, forever. The possibility of all our online deeds catching up some day is a worthwhile thought..
2) I think the biggest reason behind my smile was at the naivety of the kid. The last few days have been an eye opener in terms of realizing how small the world really is. Connections seem to be popping up from all over the place..
It works the other way as well. You never really know who you are offending.. and word does go around..
3) Profane language leaves a sour taste in the mouth. (Mine, atleast) Especially when it is used for the purpose of feeling superior. It’s nice to be on a high.. heart goes out to the kid whose many years of hard work have been suitably rewarded but there’s a reason champions of sports like Federer and Nadal are champions.. they win with grace..
4) Another thought that came to me is about burning bridges. I heard a lovely story –
‘I was playing basketball once as a member of my alumni team against my alma mater’s current team. I realized that the guy I was marking was really good so I fouled him and realized he was no good at taking free throws. I kept making small fouls and at some point, he burst out -‘It’s just a game’. And I said ‘Oh yeah.. then let me win!. We did win the game.. but I definitely didn’t make any friends.’
The good thing is that all those who have an urge to get better love to compete. No world record is set in solitary practice.. I learnt that day that it was important to be on top of my game, yet be a nice guy’
5) What of friends who sweated and toiled to make it to the very place being thrown down? :)
6) I tend to remove anyone with negative statuses on facebook or gtalk. Life is tough enough without opening my computer and feeding myself more negativity. So, all these kids have been hidden off my feeds forever..
So, let’s say, 5 years later, this kid decides to apply to a top B school and is shortlisted for the interviews, and let’s just say (given the size of the world and my own dreams), I land up to be his alumnus interviewer.. Wouldn’t I have formed an impression long before the kid said ‘Hello?’..
Why am I saying this..
Because the kid’s profane language was used against my alma mater..
And the person made fun of was a friend from the Office of Admissions…
A Learning a Day 