As someone who genuinely looks for the best in people, I like to think I will always, at the very least, attempt to understand someone’s actions when they are expressed in a way that sits outside my own belief system, or beyond my own moral compass. Of course, because of the increasingly partisan world we all live in today, this isn’t always an easy task.
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I love the industry I work in and there’s no doubt this has an awful lot to do with the people in it. Although it may seem somewhat bizarre, I actually enjoy the challenges that the anti-tanning lobby throws in our direction. I relish the opportunity to have collegiate discussions with the tanning naysayers about UV exposure and tanning beds. They are a stubborn bunch, that’s for sure, but it has to be said that some are clearly as passionate about being on their side of the fence when it comes to tanning as I am being on mine.
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The problem, however, is they are generally rooted in a one-dimensional argument. When you politely challenge their position, ask for clarification, evidence, or suggest they open their mind to the evidence that scientifically refutes their position, they simply can’t cope – and more often than not, resort to banal, puerile rudeness. Obviously, this speaks volumes to me.
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Freedom of speech is, of course, a democratic right; but I fervently believe one must be able to back up claims with fact. And when they resort to straightforward lies to achieve an objective, this is surely where the line must be drawn.
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Although it may seem somewhat bizarre, I actually enjoy the challenges that the anti-tanning lobby throws in our direction.
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In the UK, we recently experienced the founder of a charity, as part of a disingenuous attempt to promote the anti-tanning bed campaign, telling what can only be described as lies. This surely is wrong on so many levels. I have tried my very best to understand this action, requesting meetings to discuss my concerns; engaging on social media in an attempt to secure clarification, and even undertaking my own research to see if there was indeed some information available of which I had hitherto been unaware. All of these attempts resulted in a negative: no information, no clarification, no meeting. Again, this speaks volumes.
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So, I now find myself in a position where my passion for my industry and the unwarranted and unjustifiable claims and attacks being made on it are taking me to the next level. I have always truly believed the only solution to a closed mind is an open door, and I still hold on to that view. Yet when there appears to be no intention of our opponents even approaching the door, despite all best efforts, it seems to me a different approach needs to be considered. And so, that’s what I and some of my industry colleagues are embarking upon in the UK.
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Enough is enough and they have crossed a red line with their sophistry. It’s early days at the moment and as I know the naysayers concerned read this magazine, I have no intention of showing my hand by giving too much away. Suffice to say, “No more Mr. Nice Guy!” But if anyone would like more information, please contact me directly – I would be delighted to share our plans with you.
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