Social media can unite us with humor, which is something we’ve needed over the past 12 months.
So if you need a chuckle today, watch this video that went viral immediately.
A Texas lawyer’s technical snafu during a court hearing conducted on Zoom has led to a lot of “catty” comments.
That’s because a cat filter covered attorney Rod Ponton’s face during the proceedings, leading to an amusing exchange with Judge Roy B. Ferguson.
“Mr. Ponton, I believe you have a filter turned on in your video settings,” Ferguson noted.
“Can you hear me, judge?” Ponton replied.
“I can hear you. I think it’s a filter,” the judge responded.
Ponton agreed and explained: “I don’t know how to remove it. I’ve got my assistant here and she’s trying to remove it but… I’m prepared to go forward with it.”
He then added, “I’m here live. I’m not a cat.”
As the judge later said, “These fun moments are a by-product of the legal profession’s dedication to ensuring that the justice system continues to function in these tough times. Everyone involved handled it with dignity, and the filtered lawyer showed incredible grace. True professionalism all around!”
I love how the judge made light of the situation noting that the justice system is trying to figure things out having to pivot to operating remotely quickly and so things like this happen from time to time. It’s real life and we are all in it together.
When a foible like this happens to you, address it head on and find the light moments in it. Humor has power – mistakes happen – especially during Covid. Show yourself and others grace.
“I am not a cat” could be the best quote of the past 12 months. And check your filter settings!
Oh and one final note, if you really want to know how to turn yourself into a cat on your next Zoom, here’s how.