Basic media psychology: business cards are important. The ink, the paper, and the content tell us a lot about a person. In China, the exchange of business cards is a ritual involving a careful presentation with both hands and a careful positioning of the appropriate language side of your card for your new acquaintance. This is the Mandarin side of my card. I know there is no direct translation for ‘Rutledge,’ but I love that my friend carefully chose the beautiful characters to both emulate the sound of the name and also gave thought to the character choices so that the meaning was gracious and fortuitous. I love receiving the cards. I like the characters, the things people choose to include, and the tiny bit of time that allows you to make eye contact with each new person in a different way than happens in the U.S.
Dr. Pamela Rutledge is available to reporters for comments on the psychological and social impact of media and technology on individuals, society, organizations and brands.