Do You Acknowledge Your Own Bad Judgement?

Composed in Irving, Texas--

Years ago, the Caruso Brothers band was touring on the college circuit, trying to find its place in the rock 'n' roll pantheon.  Along the way, we found it necessary and rather fun to pass judgement on other acts that were engaged in a similar struggle. 

I remember that the brothers and I spent a lot of time criticizing a young, trampy woman from Michigan who seemed to be sleeping her way to the top.  Certainly, she could never be a star with her thin, reedy voice and utter lack of musicianship.   She didn't even play an musical instrument!

Yeah, well Madonna did okay for herself.  Meanwhile, the Caruso Brothers did some good work and petered out well before becoming famous.  We were wrong to criticize The Material Girl and we apparently thought a little too much of ourselves.  All in all, the brothers' judgement was way off.

People who are critical are often wrong.  Today, many people maintain that Madonna is a "no talent" and undeserving of her success.  And yet, she is worth millions.

Consider criticism from another angle.  People who are criticized are often wrong, too. 

Perhaps you've heard of Suze Orman, the ubiquitous author and television personality who has become famous for giving women advice about money.  Many women don't care for Suze.  An overwhelming majority of the women who disparage Orman don't have much money.

Orman is a former bakery shop waitress turned financial planner.  She currently has a net worth of $32 million.  Her TV work has earned her an Emmy.  She has published six best-selling books.

Here's the best part.  Orman's new book, Women & Money, contends that women don't do enough to fend for themselves when it comes to money.  She's the gender's biggest chearleader and most women aren't paying attention to her valuable message.

Perhaps women don't like Orman because of her message.  She says that many women fear money or at least fear not having it.  She says that this fear is compounded by the shame women feel over not knowing about money and their tendency to blame others for not teaching them.

These are harsh things to say to your core audience, but that doesn't mean Orman is incorrect in her assessment. 

Women have come a long way in earning money and power.  They are a growing force in the economy.  I hope they will exercise good judgement when it comes to good advice.

Meanwhile, the Caruso brothers are no longer angry young men.  To a person, we are less critical of others.  I think we are also more realistic about ourselves.  Most people use better judgement as they mature.  I guess one of life's shortcuts is to acknowledge our bad judgement before it occurs.