Even when there a cries for equality for all races, facts do not seem to matter when there is a perceived public desire to mete out justice for the sake of a cause. Here, Patel was the bigger fish, even though they committed the same crime.
What does this have to do with crisis management? The crisis manager would do well to learn how to navigate the minefield carefully in an environment where facts no longer seem to matter. Relationships, trust in the media, a good eye for timing, and a solid grasp of the details, public mood, and timing are required. The case and the dangers to our justice system are better explained by a crisis manager who is honest and upfront.
Patience is also required. Taking on current social sentiments is often misguided, as it damages your reputation, or more importantly, it gives the so-called 'cancel-culture' a reason to dismiss your past works. Even so, loud and angry social justice warriors will always try because slandering one's reputation is seen as the quick and accepted way to silence the opposition instead of engaging in a substantive, honest debate.
The keys to success are patience, calm persistence, and fortitude. Opportunities will eventually present themselves, even if you cannot win today.
Legal justice and popular justice have combined to create the new normal. Media jumping on social trends is what makes headlines today. That's why crisis management is becoming increasingly complex.
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