05.03.03 The 1st Sign of a Negative-Gossip Conversation

1. Unsubstantiated or False Information

One of the most common signs of negative gossip is when the gossip information is unverified, damaging or even false.

By the way, I almost got hurled into a conversation of that nature the day someone called wanting me to put a friend, who also happened to be a church minister, back in line for a list of abominations that she had assumedly committed. The caller related how it was no longer news that my friend had not been living ‘right’ since everyone at church knew about the lady's messes. Surprisingly, not only was I not aware of my friend’s misbehaviour but, there was a very high probability that the information was false.

In the JuaLink's gossip ring, the allegation that Obed took to Yubu the board chairman instigating that Faraja and Neema were fraudulent, was false. Unfortunately, Yubu entertained the rumour with no questions asked, commissioning an investigation and approving payments for that exercise thereby setting an entire board on a wild goose chase.

Therefore, if you find yourself in the middle of a discussion of that kind, ask whether the gossiper can substantiate his or her claims. Does she or he have factual proof of whatever is being conveyed? Would that person be ready to present those facts if asked to do so? Are the facts authentic or are they just ‘hearsay’?