We’ve heard this bromide many times before, but this latest episode reinforces — nay, proves — it. You cannot hide from the “media” anymore…the social media, that is.

Helen Thomas has a 100-year career (or so) as a White House correspondent, and it all goes poof in an INSTANT, thanks to a homemade video shot by a citizen journalist. If you care to watch the offensive, repugnant remarks, be my guest (If you choose to ignore it, good for you.):

She retires a day or so later.

We’ve seen it with Domino’s, United Airlines, etc., etc., etc. We all have cameras now. We all have mics. We all have publishing platforms.There is no hiding; we all are potentially exposed.

Those who tried to hide in the shadows after being publicly exposed, or those who claimed they were the victims of misquoting, or deniers of wrong-doing altogether…none is immune any longer. If someone as, er…”esteemed” as Ms. Thomas can lose a decades-long career literally overnight, what does this mean for the rest of us? And our companies?

Editor’s comment: In her case, good riddance. As someone who is just one degree of separation from personal run-ins with this bigot, I personally thank the emergence of social media and its attendant technology for exposing this hack for who she is. Couldn’t have come soon enough, and couldn’t have happened to a worthier louse.