Shame on Elizabeth Lauten

Not in the least do I feel badly for Elizabeth Lauten. The communication director of a Tennessee congressman, Lauten resigned from her position as a result of negative feedback she received after criticizing the daughters of President and Mrs. Obama. Lauten took her pot shots at Sasha, 13, and Malia, 16, because she disapproved of their behavior at the light-hearted pardoning of a turkey event held by Presidents each year just before Thanksgiving. Lauten accused the two teenagers of not showing any class as well as not dressing as properly as she feels they should have. But that was not enough for Lauten. She also lobbed a broadside at Sasha and Malia' parents by claiming neither respects their positions or the nation.  


If it is any one who demonstrated a lack of class or decorum it was Lauten. As a professional communicator, it is her job to represent her client - in this case, Republican Stephen Fincher. Additionally, as he is an elected official whose job it is to serve his constituents and the nation, Lauten also has a responsibility of doing what she can to bring people together. Instead, perhaps blinded by her own contempt for the Obamas and lack of appreciation for the potential opportunity her unique position provides her to do actual good, she chose the low road. Shame on her. Yes, Lauten apologized. But based on her own behavior, I question whether Lauten genuinely believes her comments were out of line.


It is communication workers like Lauten that give public relations a bad name. Those who work in the field as practitioners and scholars strive hard to give this important profession and social science dignity and respectability. At its best, those in public relations provide voice to those wishing to be heard, hear others, and develop a greater understanding of how to seek better understand as to how they can more effectively connect with others. In doing this, these professional show great respect for the art of communication and those who treat it seriously. Sadly, Lauten is not one of them. Hopefully, few if any will think she is.