English 1101
2/1/16
Prof. Young
The Lie
Is lying a good thing to do? Not really, but we all do it. Why do
we do it though? Perhaps to avoid punishment or to fool a loved one or a
friend. Is it permissible to lie? Well, there are two different ways to attack
this question. One can look at it from the realistic point of view (pov) and
say that lying is not acceptable but it is alright to tell it once or twice (or
three times!). One can also look at it from the moral pov by supporting 100% no
lying in any circumstance. I feel that this is an extremely controversial
because many different opinions, ethnicity, cultures and religions play a role.
For example, I am an Italian american Catholic (lol, major minority) and see
that due to my background and values, I see lying as absolutely unacceptable (I
may be a hypocrite sometimes, I am not perfect).
In the movie Night of the Museum: Battle of The Smithsonian, Robin Williams, acting out Theodore Roosevelt, said, "sometimes it is more noble to tell a small lie rather than a painful truth." This quote is an absolute game changer. It gives a decision for all to decide for all to side on this question. I think at times a small lie may be better than a truth that hurts, but only for short term solutions. For long term solutions, the truth always trumps.
This question will forever be relevant to any society because after all said and done, we are human; and lying is a part of the mistakes we make as humans.
In the movie Night of the Museum: Battle of The Smithsonian, Robin Williams, acting out Theodore Roosevelt, said, "sometimes it is more noble to tell a small lie rather than a painful truth." This quote is an absolute game changer. It gives a decision for all to decide for all to side on this question. I think at times a small lie may be better than a truth that hurts, but only for short term solutions. For long term solutions, the truth always trumps.
This question will forever be relevant to any society because after all said and done, we are human; and lying is a part of the mistakes we make as humans.
Thank you for your thoughtful post Vincent.
ReplyDeleteCan you develop your answer by including Henry? What is the relationship of Henry's lie to your point? Is it similar, different? Does it extend your point of view?
Was it necessary for Henry to lie? What was he trying to avoid?
I look forward to your response.
Prof. Young
Henry did not need lie. It was an absolute mistake from the beginning. For starters, lies are never kept forever; it is a fact of life. Secondly, this lie will definitely haunt him in the future because down the line, somehow someway, someone will find out that Onion is actually a boy, not a girl. He will be exposed, thus ruining his already ruined reputation as Henry Shackelford. In a way, it does relate to my point, and the quote from the movie does relate some way. Basically reiterating what I said, lies only work in the small run. Henry's lie is working for him as of now, but time will tell his empire of lies crumbling down. There was no reason for him to avoid the truth. Let us say that Henry did not lie to John Brown. The worst that could have happened to him was maybe to carry a firearm and possibly fight. I say possibly because he is 12 years old and odds are John Brown would have not made him fight. Even though identity problems may be a problem for Henry and lying is the answer to solve this, I feel as if identity is not a strong enough reason for him to lie continuously, at least not as strong of a reason as something like fear of John Brown.
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