One of the most difficult jobs out there is to represent people. And not just to represent one person, the way a lawyer would, but to represent an entire sector of people, as someone with the title of “representative” is wont to do.
But sometimes, you end up asking yourself, “am I actually representing those whom I claim to be representing?” Here are 8 signs that you actually aren’t…
8. You travel first class when you represent people who can barely afford a plane ticket.
Perks? Sure, that’s okay, every now and then. Nothing wrong with this, if it’s all done in the name of the job. But it does raise eyebrows if you do more of this than act on behalf of those you represent, right?
7. You insist on privileges those you represent can never hope to get.
Listen: if the daughter of a plundering dictator comes across as better than you when it comes to not acting entitled, you’ve got issues. You really do.
6. The people you supposedly represent actively despise you.
If you are so out of touch that meeting your own constituency results in a hostile encounter, then maybe you’re doing this “representation” thing all wrong.
5. You have no idea what your constituency is going through.
If you have this mistaken notion that walking a few rallies in the name of your constituents is enough to be seen as doing your job, then you probably missed the memo. Your people need a lot more than just that.
4. When you want props and credit for doing what you’re supposed to do.
Representing people is exactly why you’re a representative. If you think representing your constituents makes you praiseworthy and exceptional, then you’re putting a little too much stock in doing exactly what you were elected to do in the first place. Most people don’t get extra credit for doing the bare minimum of their job, but some representatives really, really think they should.
3. When you almost never even see the people you represent.
If you almost never see your constituents, exactly how do you expect to know what they need? The fact is, some representatives think seeing the people they represent once in a blue moon is enough to work with, and they are sorely mistaken. What were all those flights for if you end up not seeing them most of the time?
2. When you apologize and somehow try to make people pity you in the process.
A true representative would say something along the lines of precisely misrepresenting his or her constituency, given the behavior they have demonstrated. The minute you make your apology all about you is the very moment where you realize that you really only ever represent yourself.
1. When you’re a dude, glibly citing a female bodily function.
You’re a dude. You do not represent women in any way, let alone have the right to make excuses for your behavior based on something only they go through, all without acting as entitled as you did.
What do you make of the whole brouhaha? Tell us below!
