Comedian Anthony Jeselnik doesn’t just walk the line of controversy—he sprints across it, plants a flag, and dares anyone to follow.
Over the years, he’s gotten a bit of notoriety for making jokes about tragedies (i.e., Aurora theater shootings, Boston Marathon) the day they happen.
Poor Taste?
You may think that’s in very poor taste. And you wouldn’t be alone in thinking that.
Though the way Jeselnik sees it, it’s an opportunity for him to make some people laugh on a day there ain’t a lot of laughs to go around.
Whether you agree with that or not, it’s not his jokes I want to focus on—it’s his scathing critique of how most people (and businesses) respond to tragedies online.
I’m paraphrasing here, but this is his take…
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When a tragedy strikes, I don’t mock the victims—I mock the people who sprint to social media, posting the same tired line:
‘My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.’
That line is worth less than nothing. They’re not giving money, time, or real compassion—they’re just saying: ‘Hey, don’t forget about ME today.’
It’s like a wedding photographer who only takes selfies.
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This is How Many Businesses Approach ‘So-shill’ Media
Here’s the thing: this doesn’t just apply to individuals. His words shine a spotlight on the lazy, self-serving approach so many businesses take with so-shill media.
Most brands don’t add value to the conversation—they’re just shouting into the void:
‘Don’t forget about me today!’“
Yes, social media can be a goldmine for your business—if you use it right.
Leave the “Look At Me” Posts to Others, Do This Instead…
But mindless, ‘look at me’ posts? Those stink up the place like yesterday’s leftovers. (You know the ones—yet another blurry latte photo or a ‘Happy National Donut Day!’ post no one asked for.)
If you’re gonna show up on social, bring value. Have a cohesive strategy. Speak directly to your audience’s needs and desires.
And make offers or calls to action that slap people awake and make them want to act.
Don’t let your posts be the online equivalent of a wedding photographer who only takes selfies—narcissistic, pointless, and instantly forgettable.
Do better. Your audience—and your business—deserve it.
