Optics

 

 

 

 

"A science that deals with the genesis and propagation of light, the changes that it undergoes and produces, and other phenomena closely associated with it"

Merriam-Webster

 

 

Optics. Another on of these words which has become part of the new jargon. If you look it up in the dictionary, you get the scientific definition as printed above. If you look it up on Google, you will more than likely see examples of fiber optics. Yet in the lexicon of today, optics is mentioned frequently by the talking heads. Simply put, it means how something is visually perceived by the public.

For example, one of the commands I was stationed at while in the Navy had a full length mirror by the main entrance. The purpose of the mirror was to see yourself and make sure you were “squared away” prior to departing. Over the mirror was a plaque that read “You are not in the Navy, you are the Navy”. When you were wearing the uniform of the United States Navy, both you and your conduct were noticed by others. In other words, wearing the uniform, how you looked as well as how you acted reflected on the Navy itself. Optics.

While working in industry during at a performance review, my boss mentioned to me that during a meeting I had crossed by arms. I thought, "Okay, so what?" He went on to tell me he took a class years ago on body language and crossing your arms meant you were not interested. In other words, the optics of the meeting might have suggested that I "unplugged" and had no interest. I explained to him that was not the case - I had a bit of a gut and resting my arms on it was comfortable. In any event, I took that to heart and did not cross my arms anymore in business meetings. Optics.

I am ready to absorb the torting of this word into our lexicon. We have done it before with other words, why not optics? In this world of 24X7X365 news coverage which uses all the new media, the camera is always on. Years ago, Dan Rather wrote a book called The Camera Never Blinks. That was 30 years ago. In today's media, the camera not only does not blink, but has an out and out staring problem.

Lets look at the optics from the last election. In my opinion, they were terrible for the Republicans. The "brand" for the Republicans has always been fiscal responsibility and strong moral standing. First, it was disclosed that the state Republican Party, through mismanagement or under-management was broke. Coming into a major election cycle, the party of fiscal responsibility was broke. Then one of the married leaders in the House had a public affair with a married staffer. Strong moral standing? Ouch! Finally, in a major election of the United States Senate, the Republican candidate did not have enough financial support from the broke Republican Party to take time off from his day job to run against a popular sitting Senator. Result - the Republicans got a "butt kicking" not only for the Senate seat, but lost the State House and Senate as well. Optics.

The term may be new, but the concept is not. How old is it? The bible talks about it. If Christians are to be the new creation, they must be different than the world. When the world looks at Christians and does not see a change in behavior, the world will reject the change. When a pastor or church leader falls victim to an affair or theft, the damage to the church is catastrophic. Optics are important in everything. Military, business, politics and faith. Plain and simple truth.

My advice to the Republicans is this - long before the next election, in fact starting tomorrow, be very concerned about optics. This time, have optics be your friend, not the instrument of your undoing. Similar to the motto at the command I served at, "You are not in the Republican Party, you are the Republican Party". Damn it - this time act like it!