Does controversy enhance or detract from someone's social standing?
It seems as if the answer to this question is two sided.
Controversy can boost one's popularity in the public market by drawing interest to a certain individual or individuals.
Or, it can shame someone.
The best one can do when controversy surrounds you is to perhaps change it to boost your popularity whether the controversy you face is good or bad.
I do not mean popularity in the typical, high school sense of the word, but in the way in which people are drawn towards others.
Naturally, the controversy one faces differs in every situation, and it may be difficult to twist it to your advantage. If you cannot twist it, then it is more important to stay strong and undergo the trials of public tormenting.
However, some things of controversy are just not tolerable such as a prejudice-filled comment or something that may inflict harm on another. If you are undergoing something inolving those two categories, then you should have kept your thoughts to yourself.
Controversy sparks interest, and it is important to keep people interested. However, you must evaluate why one is undergoing the controvesy and whether it is important or shameful to keep in the public spotlight.
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An interesting question. You could take this a lot further. I think part of the reason people are so cynical today is that controversy has been so exploited by celebrities and the news media. What is really controversial anymore? And does anyone really want to talk about it, examine it, or learn from it? No. They want to sell ad space with it.
But I'm a cynic. Others may disagree.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman