Grappling with the Gray #21: Foul Investment?

Grappling with the Gray

Few things in life are black and white. That’s why we have to learn to Grapple with the Gray.
This episode's ethics challenge:
In case you missed it, on Oct. 2, 2021, while interviewing NASCAR driver Brandon Brown, the winner at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, an NBC Sports reporter misinterpreted the chanting of the crowd as “Let’s go, Brandon.” They were actually chanting “F—- Joe Biden.” Instantaneously,, "Let's Go Brandon" became code for expressing contempt for the president.
Not long afterward, a client came to me with the following question:
The client was attracted to a particular cryptocurrency she thought to be a promising investment. However, the name of the currency was FJB -- not just the letters, but the words written out. The client told me that, as a matter of principle, she avoids profanity and tries to disassociate herself from it at all times.
Then she asked whether her sensitivity to profanity was reason to decline investing in the currency if, by doing so, she would forfeit any potential financial gain.
Points to ponder:
To what degree are we obligated to disassociate ourselves from people, projects, products, or opportunities that violate our own personal standards, even if they have wide social acceptance and do not violate the law?
If we would advise the woman not to invest, how is this different from “Cancel Culture,” in which individuals or groups respond to behaviors or attitudes they find objectionable by withdrawing support, financial or otherwise?
Meet this week’s panelists:
Deb Coviello, aka the Drop in CEO, is an author, speaker, podcast host, and silver medalist curler who coaches C-Suite leaders of today and tomorrow to navigate challenges with confidence.
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Sonia Funk is a Speaker and Corporate Wellness Strategist for Leaders and their Teams, and also an award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter.
Libby Kiszner, coming to us all the way from Jerusalem, is a developmental editor and writing coach, helping authors share their wisdom with the world, find fulfillment, and attain financial success.