Don't be the Next Elizabeth Lauten

It’s time for another example of how someone epically screwed up on social media and lost their job because of it. Up until Monday, Elizabeth Lauten was the communications director for Rep. Stephen Lee Fincher of Tennessee. However, Lauten resigned from her position after uproar caused by her comments on Facebook concerning the first daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama. 

Following the president’s customary turkey pardoning event last Wednesday, Lauten posted rude comments on Facebook about the appearances of the first daughters. She expressed the Obama daughters should try “showing a little class” and avoid dressing as though they wanted “a spot at a bar.”

Shortly after posting to Facebook, Lauten issued an apology, but it was too late because the damage had already been done. Bloggers and those on Twitter started writing about Lauten’s post creating buzz and causing word to spread quickly. Because of Lauten’s insensitivity and, frankly, her stupidity she confirmed resignation from her position as communications director on Monday. 

Press secretary Josh Earnest summed up the situation pretty well saying, it’s “pretty much common sense” to know attacking the president’s children on social media is out of line. I completely agree with Earnest’s statement. Not only is it common sense, it’s one of the first things you learn about professional social media etiquette: If you are a spokesperson or a public figure you can’t post your personal opinion to social media if it could be used against you and put you in a compromising situation. 

However, Lauten did exactly what they teach you to do if you create a crisis for yourself, and that’s to admit your mistake and apologize. But, it was too little too late. Because of citizenship journalism due to the rise of blogs and Twitter, the world had already condemned Lauten for her actions. I think she deserved it. If you are in a position of authority like Lauten and you choose to be careless with your words on social media then you deserve to deal with the repercussions. 

Let this be a lesson to us all about the power of words and the power of social media: both are weapons that can be used to your advantage or get you into trouble.