Four Little Words: Sending the Wrong Message

A few days ago, I posted a query on Facebook asking friends for recommendations on local dance studios.  I got a couple of responses, and went to the page of one of the dance studios on FB to check out their posts.  The cover photo showed a bunch of smiling girls in sequins and stage makeup, smiling for the camera.  What surprised and shocked me was the fact that among these girls, one was holding up a sign that clearly read, “No One Ugly Allowed.”

Right from the word “go” I was appalled.  No, I was not reading that wrong.  That’s what the sign said.  I could hardly believe that this was the image that they wanted to project to current and potential customers.  But there it was, staring back at me, and anyone else who happened to pull up their public page. 

I couldn’t help myself.  I couldn’t sit by and let this go.  I had to say something.  So I posted a comment right on their public page, expressing my shock and disgust that they would consider this image an appropriate business decision, let alone an image that they wanted to use to promote their classes.  I went on to indicate that they would certainly not be getting my business.  (Note: I wish I would have been able to post my actual quote.  However, I was unable to retrieve it because they had been smart enough to remove it as quickly as they were notified that it existed.)

So I went back to my post and informed my “friend” about my thoughts regarding their site.  She then went on the defensive, stating that:

1)    The sign had to do with a joke at the studio and a song that they dance to. 

I’m pretty sure that I do not want my kids dancing to a song that in any way, shape or form makes that kind of statement.  I am most certainly not giving my hard-earned dollars to a business that thinks that this is an appropriate message to send to young, impressionable children.

2)    She indicated that their studio was extremely welcoming of all children. 

I couldn’t tell that from the ignorant sign, so thanks for clearing that up for me.

3)    She called my post slander and said that I made a snap judgment and was no better than the sign in the photo. 

Well, don’t hold back. Tell me how you really feel.  Oh wait.  This is my blog, so I’m going to tell you how I feel.    

First of all, in our current society, and more importantly -- school culture, where “anti-bullying” is the policy across the board, I was dumbfounded that a business that caters to children would allow their students to participate in such blatantly bully-like behavior.  I won’t even begin to try to understand or explain the mentality of the parents here.  I’ve seen Dance Moms (shudder), and I hold no naïve illusions that some of these studios are more elitist than others.  Yet it shocked me to the core that a business would post such a brazenly ignorant statement that reeked of snobbery and exclusivity. 

Secondly, if you have to explain or defend something in a photo, then perhaps it is offensive to others.  I should not have to hire an interpreter to decipher the “correct” message being sent in a digital image that advertises for a business; the message should be clear.  I cannot possibly be the only potential customer who looked up this studio on FB before deciding whether or not to pursue a business relationship with them.  However, it is extremely likely that I was the only person brave enough to express my disgust at the image that they were projecting in my eyes.

In the end, what amused me about this encounter was the response from the studio in question mere hours later.  They did not respond to me directly.  They did not, as my “friend” had done, try to explain away their sign or provide me with a backstory to defend their decision to post that photo.  What they did do was to change their cover photo.  It now shows their studios initials written in the sand.  And the fact that they did this is all the validation that my argument requires.      

In conclusion, I am still looking for a dance studio – one where my children will be accepted and where I don’t have to defend the actions of a place where I choose to do business.  What you post on FB is a valuable part of your business and the message you are sending to customers, whether you choose to believe that or not.  Sending the wrong message on social media can be a costly error in judgment and impact your business negatively.  I know of at least one business that believes it now. 

So here’s a little song that fits this encounter – if only in words – rather well and you can even – wait for it – dance to it if you feel the urge.

Theme Song #37:  I Send a Message by INXS
http://youtu.be/rLVFk6zQx1E

Working on my choreography,

Selina