Is Good the Same As Kind? What We Can Learn From the Imus Incident

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) April 13, 2007 -- The recent Don Imus incident is clarifying a lot of confusion about what is acceptable and what is not in broadcasting as well as social dialog. It is also clarifying the difference between goodness and kindness, according to author Ed Horrell, author of �The Kindness Revolution�.

�I have to admit that I have been a Don Imus listener for a long time� says Horrell. �By that, I mean that I have listened to his show and often times been both amused and surprised by his comments. I have enjoyed his highly intellectual conversations with business and political leaders and have wondered how he could then immediately say rude comments to and about his guests.�



Horrell goes on to say that he thinks Imus is a good, but unkind, man.

�Based upon Imus� actions, his work with charities, injured soldiers, and ill children, he does a lot of good things. However, his behavior and language are not those of a kind person. There is a difference�.

Horrell says too many people try to get away with being unkind by justifying it by doing good. �I see this all the time. Business leaders, politicians, and others who treat people with disrespect and indifference and then go do something charitable and think they are kind people. They are confused�doing good deeds does not make someone a kind person.�

Horrell says that businesses and organizations are no different than individuals in the separation of goodness and kindness. �There are many companies who do good in the community and are unkind and discourteous to their employees. These same leaders rationalize that their community involvement and gifts offset their poor treatment of employees. Simply stated, goodness is action, kindness is culture and attitude. They are not the same.�

Horrell also contends that kindness is rarer than goodness. �Most people are basically good people� he says. �They don�t hurt others intentionally and in many cases, reach out and help others. Kind people however, are rarer and harder to find. They are breaths of fresh air.�

Horrell says that it is time for kindness in the world. �With all the negativity in the world, including the recent Imus events, people are clamoring for kindness and warm treatment in society. Maybe a revolution is indeed taking place here and now.�