americanism

I just thought I’d comment quickly on this phrase that I seem to keep coming across. Of course, living in the U.S. you never hear the term, but now that I’m across the pond I hear it quite often. “It’s too American” or “Too much Americanism in this conference”, etc. Let me interpret: “It’s too peppy” “It’s too positive”…basically  ”I hate my life and all things that make me smile”. Well, maybe not the last one.

When I’ve asked people to explain, they say it means too positive, too upbeat, to fake, too cheesy… So I just want to get one thing straight. My love for life is real. My positive outlook on life is real. My love for humanity and always finding the good in people are real.

I refuse to take part in “Englishisms” (if I may borrow the crappy use of stereotypes). I will not complain about the weather. I will not talk bad about other people and I refuse to find the need to point out the negative of EVERY situation.

Now, some people may say that it’s the fake happiness they come across in America that they don’t like. I can explain that. You’ve probably encountered it in a restaurant. Apart from the fact that servers in restaurants do not accurately represent the rest of the country, in these situations, being nice pays the bills. The people serving you depend on  your tip. They make zero dollars an hour after taxes. When your survival is crucial on how well you please a fatty at your table, trust me, you’d be putting on a big cheesy smile too.

Anyway, I don’t think being optimistic is a problem, trust me, there are a lot of negative nancies in the U.S. too, it’s a personal choice. So to all you debbie downers who can’t stand “americanism” I leave you with one of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

Hmm, now wasn’t that a cheery little post?

don’t hate, participate!

I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation that made me smile the other day when I was getting on the train in Leeds. Two people were discussing facebook and twitter. The man was saying something to the effect of mocking someone who was mentioning Twitter and woman was saying “FACEBOOK??” in a high-pitched condenscending tone. Then she said, “If you want to keep in touch with someone just call them up and go out for a drink.”.

While I agree with her in the sense that personal interaction, face-to-face is important, I think she’s missing out on the whole point. Social networks helps to keep in touch with people all over the world, whether it be friends or family. Interacting with people all over is like traveling thousands of miles in the seconds it takes you to sign-in. You can learn from all types, from all different backgroudns, from all over the world. The other thing about social networking that people like this woman don’t understand, is that relationships can be created, built and maintained through the online world. Many people have created friendships and business partnerships without ever having shaking hands (or hugging as I prefer). That’s the beauty of it all!

I wish I could urge these like-minded people to just give it a try, but they probably will never read my blog post and hence I’m preaching to the choir. Oh well. They will continue to live their lives through phone calls and pubs and  never make new relationships beyond their cul-de-sac.

social media works for polar politicians

The best thing, I believe, about social media (if done right) is that it’s raw. It can be pure and honest. That’s what a politician who’s been attacked by the press needs; a politician like Sarah Palin. I read an article that she’s become a facebook “phenom” and she is only second to Obama on friends and twitter followers (that is until she deleted her twitter after resigning).

Could Palin be the first really successful politician to use alternative means of communication to bypass the press? Is she only successful because she’s extremely polar? She doesn’t ride the fence, she’s a hard-core conservative. Palin certainly stirs up the water and a lot of people are interested in what she has to say- whether because they love her, hate or just want a laugh. I think that’s what it takes for social media to actually work for her or anybody for that matter. People have to WANT to read your facebook status or notes and WANT to see what you are twittering. She has more than enough interest in her that she can successfully get her message out without the media, especially the liberal media, twisting and skewing her message.  It’s also helped her go in depth on several different issues which may not have been possible through traditional media outlets who tend to interrupt, steer and manipulate.

Social media has allowed politicians,like Palin, to steer clear of the press, go about their lives, and still get there message out- how and when they want. It especially works for extremist politicians who are “demonized” by the press, those who know they have to bypass mainstream media to get their message out. It also allows the politician to guage people’s views and opinions. They can then use that feedback to address relevant issues or answer pressing questions.

One may or may not agree with Palin as person or a politician, but it can be said that she’s found a way to stay out of the limelight without being silent. She’s sent her message out, it’s her truth.

Ahhh, the joys of social media.

Atlantic Islander.

In the past two and half months I’ve moved to England, searched for a place to live, planned a wedding, got married and started working full-time. I’ve been quite a busy girl (hence the lack of blog updates). Hopefully, now, I’ll be able to keep up with all my blogging/twittering (especially since I’ve started work with Wolfstar, a public relations and social media consultancy).

It’s been a very interesting ride so far and since I always get the same question of how the two countries compare, I thought I’d make a short list of  my likes, dislikes, observations, etc so far.

Observations I like:

• Most people recycle
• I can go pretty much anywhere without a car
• People who drive massive SUVs aren’t “cool”. Well, they may think they are. The use of the term “Chelsea tractor” makes me smile.
• I don’t have to tip and if I do 10% is sufficient.
• I can drink water directly from the tap and it doesn’t taste like chlorine.
• Even though I work in a fairly large city, a 10 minute drive takes me to beautiful countryside.
• Senior Citizens are everywhere! I love that they are very active and society doesn’t shut them off like we do in the U.S.
• Even though I haven’t used it yet, I love the NHS

Observations I don’t like:

• There is a serious lack of good food. Even restaurants that people rave about seem mediocre when compared to food I’m used to in the U.S.
• People don’t seem to stick to one side of the sidewalk. If you drive on the left, you should walk on the left! I definitely end up walking in zig-zags all over the place and get some pretty evil stares. Oh well.
• On the surface, the population seems cold. (some have claimed that it’s just because English are more “reserved”) Maybe I’m just used to that good ol’ southern hospitality.
• Religion is almost non-existent for those 30 and under.
• WTF ENGLISH APPLIANCES!!!??? Stoves/ovens, washing machines, microwaves…etc.  They are so confusing!! Full of symbols and numbers and codes which all stand for something else. Half the time the symbols aren’t even recognizable, so you just end up in a lost stare hoping the machine can read your mind.

Neutral Observations:

• I find that there is a conflict of opinion in that many people have a general “anti-american” view (the one Obama mentioned in his euro-speech a while back), but when I tell people I’m from the U.S., they think I’m crazy for moving here and almost always say they’d love to live in the U.S. hmm. Here’s a secret: it’s not all beaches and sunshine, don’t take what you have for granted.
• Most seem to be very stylish and by stylish I mean wearing what’s “fashionable” now, but also very creative in what they wear, especially women. They are very bold and daring. I never saw that much in the U.S. unless they were on TV or in NY.

I’ve only been here a couple of months, so my observations may be ignorant. I’m sure my observation list will continue to grow as well as change.  As with everywhere, you take the good with the bad. Right now, I’m loving it here in the UK. I find that almost everyone I’ve got to know is nice and welcoming. I’m delighted about the chance to leave my bubble in the U.S., live in another country and learn about the world from another view.

Not So Happy Birthday

Today is Roxana Saberi’s 32nd birthday and she will be experiencing it in Tehran’s Evin Prison. A journalist whose love for the country and desire to break down stereotypes has led her into wrongful imprisonment.

On the news the other day, I saw an Iranian leader say that he would not release her even though President Obama promises she is not an American spy. He said that if Obama really wanted better relations with the country, he should respect his country’s legal processes and allow her to go through the system like everyone else.

Where is the line? It’s their country and she’s living in it. Though we know that the treatment is wrong and unjust, is it our place to demand action? I know many people that would should go in their fully armed and force them to give her up- but I live in the south where conservatism rules. If it was my daughter, or mother or sister that’s certainly what I’d want our country to do, but I’m not president. So I respect President Obama for his tough decision and have faith that he has the strength and intellect and integrity to do the right thing for our country.

Anyway, my prayers go out to her and her family and every other free speech believer that has been imprisoned there for not-so-popular opinions or even imprisoned there for no reason.

The good thing is that she is still alive and can see another birthday! The bad thing is that of her 6 years of work, I wonder, after this event, if her life has really broken down the stereotype?

I Feel How I Wanna Feel Forever

I am absolutely head over heels in love with the one God made for me and am so so excited that we are engaged and plan to get married later this year. My prince charming lives in England and our two different passports have been quite an obstacle. But love knows no borders and hopefully we’ll be together soon.

I have created a wedding website so that all of our friends and family can stay up-to-date with the latest happenings, especially the most important: the approval of my fiancee visa!!

So check out our cool site I put together: Edward and Phylecia’s Wedding Website.

Global Night of Worship

Wow! I just got back from the church I attend, Buckhead Church, and tonight was their Global Night of Worship. It was so amazing! Just singing and praising God all night with people around the world.

We came to gether to worship the God of this world and Jesus Christ who gave His life for this entire world. It was broadcast on the internet and anyone could join. We were joined by a partner church in Brazil and people were watching from all over the U.S., Ireland, Kenya, Romania, China, etc.

This world is crazy and it will continue to degrade, that’s for sure. No matter how many peace talks there are or how many allies are formed, greed, hate and anger will continue to ravage our world. But the one thing that can bring people together in times of economic downturns, starvation, oppression and sadness is love and my God is love. To be able to worship God with people all around the world is so wonderful and reminds me that God is bigger than our world and universe and no border can contain Him.

We watched some videos during the worship that the web casts had to block out. There are many countries who don’t have the same right to see or hear certain messages that we do in America and this really struck me.

In our country we freedom to do, say and think what we want, but many times don’t even use that power. We have the right to run in the streets and praise a God who blesses us everyday, yet we don’t. Meanwhile, in other countries people are hiding out and risking their lives to whisper a prayer in the dark. What is wrong with this picture?

I walked away humbled. I’ve always known that wherever God leads me in this life, I want to serve Him in a hands-on way in the mission field. I know I can give Him glory in everything I do and I will continue to strive to do that, unashamed. But one day, I hope that He can use to me somewhere with someone to alleviate oppression, hunger and pain. In the meantime, I will continue to live my life loving wherever I go and whatever I do and whoever I meet, because If I do not love, I am nothing.

There’s Always a Reason to Smile on Christmas

As I’m sitting around for the whole family to get home so we can all be together, I thought I’d shoot out a quick Christmasy blog post. 

All this Christmas season, I’ve heard mention of our poor economy way too much. What gifts are you going to give in this terrible economy? How is your family saving money during this gift-giving season? Kids are going to have to do without this season as toy donations fall. This shows me that our country, if not the world, has really missed the point.  Adults are showing kids by our actions and our worries that money affects holidays. This is so sad.  If we could all just stay focused, if we had been focused on Christmases past, our Christmas and holidays would not be affected at all. But since, obviously, apparently, our Christmases have been dependent on the economy-what a sad sad Christmas this will be. 

As I think about how many people are stressed out this holiday because they spent way too much on gifts, I hope that each and every person has a moment (even it’s for a brief second) when they realize what Christmas is all about and have a moment of pure peace. Christmas is about love. About a God whose heart longed and greived so badly for his people that He sacraficed His son so we could have a relationship with Him. The greatest love story of all time. The greatest act of love ever told and greatest gift ever recorded. That’s what this season is about. And whether or not you are a Christian, this season is still about love and love is the greatest gift you could ever give and receive. Whether it be to a stranger or a best friend or family, it’s a gift that this economy can’t touch. 

For those scrooges left who feel they don’t have anyone to love, not even a stranger. Value life. You’re still here and there’s a reason. Use 2009 to put a little more love in your life and see what an amazing year you will have and when Christmas comes around next year, you’ll be surprised how merry and bright it can really be.

Merry Christmas Everybody!!

I’ll do what I want.

First of thanks to everyone who responded to my blog via comments, emails, twitter DMs, etc.  After thinking about it a little further, I’ve come to several realizations:

I have been blessed to know a lot of social media and public relations blogger super stars, so I think that I was a bit intimidated and overwhelmed and felt I didn’t even compare, thus became discouraged and lost motivation. But I am new to all this. I’m not a social media expert, I just believe that’s where I want to go with my career. 

Just like anything, hobby or job, I will excel in what I enjoy. So I will take Karen Russell’s advice and blog about what interests me. By blogging when I want and about what I want, it will never be forced. As I my blog develops, I’m sure it will find its path. And I’m ok with it being a crazy, unpredictable, all-over-the-place path because that’s who I am.

What’s the Point?

I’m starting a new blog, but why? I enjoyed posting blogs before but sometimes it felt a little obligatory. I’ve never really been one to journal, so there’s not therapeutic “reaching out to the world” kind of feeling I get by blogging about my thoughts. So since the point, for me, obviously isn’t for personal gain, then it’s for professional reasons. And I really believe that’s why I started my original blog to begin with.

I graduated from the University of Georgia (gooooo Dawgs!!!) with a degree in Public Relations. Most, if not all, all of my classes were traditional PR classes and I’m thankful to have that solid background. My capstone project before I graduated was to execute a real PR campaign for a real client. I just so happen to have the best client ever and that was UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. My team’s project was to organize a social media and public relations event on campus. We invited PR and Social Media educators and professionals to come together and learn from each other. What should educator’s be focusing on to help students in the real world? That kind of stuff. The event was an amazing success (pat on the back) and has become an annual event. Thus was born CONNECT.

Every one who hosts an event knows that you don’t really participate much, but I was lucky enough to sit in a few lectures and panels and even meet some awesome people like Kevin Dugan and Paull Young. One of the things I caught were teachers and pros talking about how blogging was so important and how some students have already been recruited by huge PR agencies because of their online presence. To be honest, I was like “crap! I need a blog! What’s a blog? Why a blog??Isn’t it just a diary online?” Yep, that was me.

So I started one and for months it was empty because I had no idea what to write. I just graduated so I didn’t feel I was professional enough to be blogging about PR stuff and was afraid that if I wrote something stupid, my blog would just hurt me instead of help me. So I blogged about personal stuff about once every two months. It was quite boring for me honestly and even now starting this new one I feel kind of uninspired. But I feel like I should.

I want to do PR and I want to do Social Media and just tonight alone, I’ve just read two posts that say a social media practitioner should have their own blog (and a good one at that) EEEK!! I’m screwed. Or am I?

I want to hear from PR and Social Media people. Some say you need to have one. Some say you don’t. If I’m going to be advising people on blogging and don’t do it myself, I’m useless. Do I have to practice in my personal life what I preach in my professional life? (Should the blog be considered professional life for that matter?) Or can I just be able to give great advice?

So I want to know what people think. Give me motivation…or not.