Just before it was cancelled, my wife started watching Ugly Betty, and recently started watching past seasons on DVD. It’s a visually stunning show… and well, let’s face it, I got sucked into watching some episodes. My theory was that there must be career-related lessons there. While I’m still sorting that out, I think there is something to be said for how Betty finds a way to wade through anxieties and humiliations to keep a (mostly) positive outlook that helps her move her career forward.  

Perhaps one of the more stunning elements of the show is the mean-spirited competitiveness of the office environment. Surely it’s a caricature of office politics, but a striking one nonetheless. Still, there seems to be a lesson about perseverance in the face of a hostile environment that could translate well to “real life.”  

Today, it seems, we’re all living in an increasingly hostile environment. At times, incivility seems to be the driving cultural dynamic. Frankly, it’s all too easy to be treated rudely if you express a contrary point of view in a conversation. It wasn’t always this way, of course.

When I first moved to the Southeast, I learned that good manners allowed two ways to be critical of others. One was to add, “Bless their heart,” to whatever criticism you made; the other way was to preface critical remarks with, “Not to be ugly, but…” At least it was an attempt to be polite, however feeble.

Frankly, ugly is ugly.

Yet, even a passing nod to manners is better than what we’re now witnessing.  Maybe things will change. Maybe they won’t. Yet, if Betty has a lesson for us, it seems to be this: There is integrity in continuing to stay good hearted and to give it your very best no matter how ugly the world around you may be. After all, in the end, it worked for Betty. It can work for you.