Reputation

In recent times it seems as if we have been hearing about the word "reputation" a good deal. Accusations seem to be flying back and forth regarding the level of one's reputation or standing among their peers and general public. Some people, because of who they work or associate with, have expressed concern about their reputations. Others have tried to bolster their reputations by becoming more vocal about issues of the day. All this can certainly make one wonder just how sturdy a person's reputation might be. Is it, in fact, something that can ever be locked-in and never changed or altered?

In "Othello" by Shakespeare (who else?) the character Cassio laments how his reputation has been damaged by false accusations. He moans,"Reputation, reputation, reputation! O! I have lost my reputation. I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial......." In Cassio's case, he had a right to be upset because he was charged with something unjustly and through no fault of his own. But not everyone who views their reputation as being under siege is innocent as was Cassio. At times, folks can do harm to their own reputations. Sadly, of those, some fail to recognize that they might be the cause of their dilemma.

The point is often we are in-charge of how we are perceived particularly when it comes to communication. People who lie, for instance, should not be surprised that they are viewed negatively. At the same time, those striving to be honest are much better able to help create a better or more positive reputation for themselves. That effort must be ongoing because the reality is reputations are not locked-in. As usual, Shakespeare said it best in "Othello" through Iago in his reaction to Cassio's lament. "Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving......."