Yes, I Look Like a Terrorist
A strange email about first impressions.
Nov 12th, 2008 | By Skye Jethani | Category: Culture, FeaturesThe following email just came in from a reader of Leadership:
Dear Mr. Skye:
Have you considered the value of first impression…it is as researched as anything in psychology and marketing and any other related discipline.
As much as you may not like to hear it, you look like the often maligned individuals associated with terrorism. If you would just wear a mustache it would not any where near the impact of that first impression.
Sorry, but as much as things can be superficial and argued in that direction, the fact remains that your appearance undermines the impact of what you write. Again, it won’t hurt to ask for some objective feedback from some folks who owe you nothing, or are not worried about how you will react when you ask.
In your best interest,
[Name removed for privacy]
All right, Skye, is this e-mail for real? Is it about you or the funny-looking dude you have a picture of above? Anyway, I don’t think you look like a terrorist . . . a terror maybe, but not a terrorist! Although, I will say that I did like the goatee.
This email is for real. It’s not a joke. And it is about me, not Mr. Bean Laden. The email came to me this morning from a reader of Leadership who was commenting on my headshot in the magazine.
Well, part of me thinks the e-mail is hilarious, and the other part of me is enraged at people’s judgmentalism, fear-mongering, etc. I guess because I know you, the thought that you might come across as a terrorist seems absurd to me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t cringe when I see people in airports who appear to be from the Middle East (although I’ve been told the attackers of 9/11 were dressed like businessmen, I mostly get a little unsettled inside by people in traditional Muslim garb). Fear does crazy things to people, and others just say stupid things because . . . well . . . you can make your own speculations about why people say things.
…waiting for “Mr. Skye” to ask for some objective feedback from some folks who owe him nothing, or are not worried about how he will react when you ask…
Should I keep waiting? Or will you react by attacking my home and livelihood?
Or perhaps you should grow your hair out long again and then get berated for going against nature?
Geesh.
Hey man. I cannot believe this. I appreciate you sharing it and your sense of humor. Sad in so many ways but hilariously pathetic as well.
b