Essay 134

Adage.com posted a copy of Shona Seifert’s court-mandated essay — check it out. Then enjoy the MultiCultClassics response below.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Asking Shona Seifert to draft an essay on the Proposed Code Of Ethics For The Advertising Industry is like asking O.J. Simpson to deliver a thesis on Healthy Relationships With Ex-Wives.

Seifert’s proposal makes a strong case for extending her prison sentence. You don’t have to read between the lines to see Seifert has not come to accept her own unlawful acts. Her negative and illegal thinking is blatantly clear. She throws blame on everything and everyone but herself, which is actually the standard behavior for a pathological felon — or a senior level account person in the Larry Tate mold. Then again, Tate’s shenanigans never warranted jail time.

Seifert also insults the business leaders and icons quoted throughout her exposition. These people never recommended cheating, lying or deliberate misconduct (a few of Woody Allen’s fictional characters excluded). Seifert is closer to a religious charlatan or even a fanatical terrorist who twists spiritual teachings to justify evil deeds. She should instead reference Hussein or Hitler — they’re more her style.

The judge who instructed Seifert to author the how-to manual probably had noble intentions. But the end result may generate greater harm than good. Seifert casts a bad light on the field, creating a net impression that unethical practices are the norm versus the exception.

Let’s keep things in proper perspective. Michael Jackson does not represent ideal parenting and childcare. The rogue officers at Abu Ghraib do not represent the U.S. Army. Jose Canseco does not represent Major League Baseball. Doctor Kervorkian does not represent the AMA. Enron executives do not represent American business. Shona Seifert does not represent the advertising industry.

Breaking the rules is admirable from a creative standpoint. But breaking the law is an entirely different story.