What bothers me more than just about anything is how people in the political arena, the news and on TV act like they love everyone, only say good things about others and blatantly lie about nearly everything. Anytime you hear an actor being interviewed, they say everyone they work with is wonderful, the director is so nice and so on. We all know these people are just saying that and hiding the truth. I’d like to see just one person tell the truth and recklessly risk their career because they refuse to lie. What if some famous actor said this in an interview:
Q: What was it like being directed by Steven Spielberg?
A: He’s a freaking jerk, and I will hate his guts until the day I die. I did make 18 million dollars, and I know I’m supposed to act like I like him just because everybody else does. No matter how you slice it, he is an asshole who thinks he’s God. It truly sucked working with him.
Why do they lie? The main reason is because they would never get another job. It’s all about superficial image and fake reputations. Society reinforces and rewards these behaviors, producing highly deceptive individuals. There is a fine line between being polite and being a fraudulent liar. I’m not saying Steven Spielberg is really like that, but if he was, we would never know. When a famous person is exposed for a crime or something nefarious, we love it even more. We love to watch people fall and have their lives ruined.
I was the only person that ever stood up to an out of line boss at any job I’ve ever had! When something was wrong, I would stand up for what is right while everyone else turned a blind eye. Every time I’ve ever done that, my coworkers turned their backs on me in order to keep their jobs. I would love to work as a professional journalist, but would be fired for telling the truth the first time I opened my mouth. The people in the media, especially the corporate media, are told what to say and write. They can’t just say whatever they want. They are controlled.
We all try to save face and protect our reputations even if it has a powerfully negative effect on society. I can forgive someone who tells the truth, but it’s much more difficult when they lie. Why not admit you’re wrong, apologize and change your ways (that would be far too truthful). This is a tough subject to discuss because it is so sensitive. We are taught to be two different people: the one in the public eye, and the real one at home behind the scenes. We bloggers are like that too in many ways.
Telling the truth will make you unpopular and kill your career
A few months ago, TV talk show host Montel Williams, was working part time for Fox news. He was being being interviewed and was asked about the death of actor Heath Ledger. Montel said though he felt bad that Heath Ledger died, it was unimportant compared to the many soldiers who had died that day in Iraq. He said nobody mentioned who these soldiers were, and would appreciate it if they would talk about the soldiers instead.
He upset the producers of Fox news, and was fired for telling the truth. Maybe what he said wasn’t the popular thing to say, but I personally appreciate him saying it. I don’t want to see anyone die, but when an actor gets more attention than soldiers getting blown in half, something is terribly wrong. I believe that most of us appreciate the few people out there who bravely tell the truth regardless of repercussion and backlash.
Politics is infested with liars and the public demands it. Recently, presidential candidate Barack Obama said that when small town Americans fall into hard times, they cling to religion and guns. People were extremely offended by this statement. What he said is true, but telling the truth can destroy a political career! Now, to avoid losing the election, he has to hide his real feelings so people don’t get upset. The public doesn’t want the truth, they want to be coddled and lied to. Why are we so sensitive? He didn’t wear an American flag pin on his shirt, so people think he is unpatriotic. By that rationale, a person can wear a flag pin, proclaim their Christianity and kiss America’s ass - they will then fit the superficial mold of what is acceptable, even if they are lying.
I want the truth and nothing but the truth
We need a leader who will tell the truth, no matter how brutal or offensive it maybe. We need journalists who tell the truth, even if it gets them fired from their jobs - fearless warriors of the written and spoken word. More than anything, we need a public who can handle the truth. I’d like to have a president who looks into the camera eye and says. “You people suck. You don’t care about anything except yourselves. This country is all screwed up because of you! It’s your fault!”
That would be refreshing because it is absolutely true. I don’t want lies, nor to be coddled by anyone - I want the truth in all it’s glory. We all tell little white lies, and we don’t want to purposefully hurt people’s feelings; however, when it comes to important things like the leader of a nation or war, the truth must be told no matter how whose feelings get hurt. It’s time for people to toughen up and get over their delicate sensibilities.
I would like to see every person running for public office undergo a polygraph test on television. Wouldn’t that be fantastic? We the public should demand it.
I know a young guy who had his arms blown off and lost his left eye in the Iraq war. He told me he was so hurt to see the media hardly ever talking about the war. Everyone is busy watching American Idol and Survivor. People are so far removed from reality, it is truly bewildering. It’s not really their own faults because the media never talks about who died in any detail. At the end of every news cast, they mention how many people were killed that day and never even mention their names. The media only shows what is popular to keep ratings high. It’s all about money.
I know many people who don’t watch the news or pay attention to what’s going on in the world, mostly because they’re not interested and are disturbed by it. The truth is, our entire society is based on lies, not just in America, but all over the world.
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t enjoy our favorite shows and movies, but we should learn about what is going on in the world - no matter how much we don’t want to.
* The polygraph picture is from Tennessee Lawman
Technorati Tags: critical thinking, politics, truth, war
“I’d like to see just one person tell the truth and recklessly risk their career because they refuse to lie.”
You know it! I would as well.
I quit my Nursing job two years ago as I refused to continue to work for the system that was completely screwed up, and I stood face to face with my boss, and said it like it was. Low and behold, everyone turned their backs on me, and continued to complain in the back halls.
Pentad’s last blog post..Personal Development- Preparing to Stroll
It’s time people learned their true power
I don’t watch a lot of the news because it seems to be more of a circus and as you said, unpopular views are punished. I don’t know when the “news” changed exactly but it isn’t news anymore, it’s just entertainment and fluff. I keep seeing segments and asking myself, “This is news?” I can still get news that is relevant to me through online services without the media circus, repetition, and censored bits. I’m sure that will change sometime too as pure news can get tough to filter from all the other crap, but for now it works best for me.
teeni’s last blog post..Anniversary and a Question
I watch some network news and read dozens of on line sources. Then, I have to put the pieces together in my mind to determine what is actual fact and what is not. We live in a much different world than is portrayed on TV and the media. Thanks Teeni
You touched a nerve with me- lying pisses me off royally… if I catch my kids lying in a given day- I tend to be really irritated with said kid and it takes them awhile to get back on my good side.
I think my extreme distaste for lying comes from my Dad- when I was really little he had this hippy dippy theory that he and my Mom would be my friends and not parents. It was rather idealistic of him, and worked in some ways and other ways it failed miserably.
One of the things was that they were never going to lie to me, so there was no Santa or Easter Bunny. So his sister -used to put things in her closet from the Easter Bunny for me as she happened to meet him in King’s Tavern and he was looking for me. Why the Easter Bunny was in the bar with my Aunt- I don’t know…
Anyway it wasn’t until later- like in my teens I realized that drug abuse had made my Dad the biggest liar on the planet and having been raised to hate untruth it was quite difficult to come to terms with. But like most people my Dad was human and he said a lot of crap that was supposed to be moral and make me a good citizen, but the real lesson to be learned was not to become a dope head like him. Great Post Bobby.
It doesn’t piss me off because I know I can only control what I do or say. If someone else lies, it’s not my fault, it’s theirs. So, I cannot allow myself to actually get angry. I know that’s much more difficult when your children lie. I lived as an angry person all my life, but no longer. I have learned to not let what someone else does to determine my inner feelings. I learned how to do that over a period of years
I always like the saying “The truth will let you free”…so far in my career, I haven’t lie to save my own dignity or anything…and I intent to end it like that…
nimrodjo’s last blog post..Techie Things?
i think that is the one thing about blogging that is in every way unique… each of us has our own soap box,, and the opportunity to remain true to ones self is available… i do appreciate there are those of us that choose the “path of least resistance,, that are afraid to be singled out,, to speak their mind,, or just are trying so hard to be someone that they cannot afford to be true to themselves… but for people like me,, and you,, it offers us a place we can be more real than we ever could in the “real world”… isn’t that a sad catch 22?????
paisley’s last blog post..inner beast
This is so very true Bobby, but unfortunately this is how it works, people are afraid to tell the truth and to be straightforward when they have their careers and jobs at stake. Couple of months ago I have written a post on my blog with the title - To Say or not to Say - I would like you to read it. It is also about the widespread problem of not exposing the real issues affront.
Jasko’s last blog post..Kabul, Afghanistan
Pointing out truths never adds popularity. Secretly though, there are people who dig it and get off on it, thinking ‘well it’s about time,’ but for the person making the revelation, it’s the risk they take and they’re prepared to take that risk. It’s about adhering to principles.
My most recent one was revealing my manager’s hypocrisy about Internet usage on the office floor, just to go on a power trip (when 90% of the floor didn’t have access to the Internet, and only managers did). Due to a separate complaint I made about office bullying, she decided to pick on my project hours, nagging me about why they were low (when no one allocated any projects to me anyway), and the aftermath of that was me revealing that she’d used the Internet during work time to check on her online dating profile. My company didn’t like me saying that, but at that point I couldn’t give a rat’s left testicle either. When the person investigating my complaint turned to ask me if I had Internet access, I replied with a triumphant, “no I don’t,” and I thought ’sucked in, you can’t pin any Internet things on me.”
Anastasia’s last blog post..Shameless Plugging: Blogs/Bloggers
I laughed in his face and ratted him out again. After that day, he never talked to me again. He was a cruel person and I always thought it would comeback to haunt him. He had a stroke soon after from his high stress personality and was paralyzed. It was really sad to see, but I treated him with kindness after he returned to work in a wheelchair. He turned into a really nice guy and went around apologizing to people for how he had treated them. I will never forget it. It’s strange how things work out sometimes.
Hmmmm the whole truth and nothing but the truth?????
Ironic right, I lived in lies for most of my life, now my sole purpose is to sort through the chaos and confusion of it all to find the truth that resonates within me.
Can’t really see it happening, but it would be refreshing.
As for myself, I am a seeker of truth………MY truth and the one and only reason I seek it out is because I was a liar….ha ha.
mighty morgan’s last blog post..Seeds of Hope
Hey, when I said I liked your post. I really mean it
Imagine what happens when everyone become like Jim Carrey in Liar LIar, what an honest world we would live in, and can be quite chaotic when everyone discovers the truth. I guess there are reasons why people lie…or it could be part of their job?
Haney’s last blog post..Apologies
Yes…when an actor is asked what it’s like working with another actor, the answer is always “awesome.” That word needs to be banned from interviews. You know people like Russell Crowe were not “awesome” to work with, yet I don’t think I’ve ever heard an industry type describe him as a cocky prick.
There were a couple of times though that come to mind of honesty in the media. The cast of a movie Lindsey Lohan was working on described her as a spoiled brat. Also, I heard a funny quote by Denise Richards. A papparazzo asked her advice on someone’s relationship (Britney’s Spears’ I think). Her reply, “I’m not the person to ask for relationship advice. I’m divorced and I slept with my best friend’s husband.” Gotta love the honesty.
About the lack of news of fallen soldiers, I hate to admit I would be more likely to watch the Heath Ledger story. It’s not right, but we get desensitized by hearing of soldier deaths daily that they don’t grab our attention anymore. That doesn’t mean soldiers are not on my mind. I am basing who I vote for primarily on who I think is most likely to end the war the fastest, and I believe that is Obama. I don’t think anyone should have had to die for such a useless war.
Bobby, you would make an awesome journalist, but I have to agree with you that America is not quite ready for you yet:)
Robin’s last blog post..The Curse of My Monkey Paw
The reason we entered WW2, was because Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. What people fail to see, is that we did everything we could to invoke an attack from Japan. Also, we knew he attack was coming two weeks in advance, but purposefully failed to warn our own citizens. Then, America was mad, giving us a reason to enter WW2.
The war in Iraq is not meant to be won, only sustained - to reap profits for defense contractors, to secure the oil and put up more permanent military bases. People are waking up though. I predict another inside job terror attack on America before long to instill fear in all citizens so we can attack Iran and establish a police state here. It will be blamed on terrorists…but the wrong ones. It will be done by the terrorists who own America.
The biggest lie ever told is the lie of 9-11 and I will never shut up about it, nor will I ever forget it. As far as the upcoming election, I will vote for whichever democrat wins the nomination. I am an independent, and wish we could abolish the two party system
I totally agree with you, Bobby. Me, too, I like to be direct and to the point, in everything. But only one thing is not always working which is when I don’t want to show my feelings about something personal. Here I may, not lie, but find a way around it. But in everything else in my life, I like to be direct and answer questions directly, no matter what other people would do if they were in my place. If I am doing something I believe is correct, I love to show it off even if other people would be ashamed of telling. I like to make it sound common sense, I mean, I like to show I am happy and proud, and that I should be. And sometimes, when I do so, I find other people joining me, who were at first afraid. Liking making my five prayers here in Germany, no matter where I am and what people might think. I mean if I am now living in a society where people accept to kiss in public, then why should I be ashamed to pray in public??
Bravo Bobby Again!! I am determined to stay true to myself also while blogging. This week I am attempting to have an International Flair and introduce blogs from around the world. people of different cultures and societies. And, once again I have paid my dues in lack of comments and in some other areas we won’t disscuss.
But, you know what? I don’t care!! I am going to stand behind what I see in people and if others don’t like then so be it!!
Today was Zubli!! Hope you can drop by soon…it’s always good to hear your thoughts!!
Salam dan terima kasih Bobby:-)
Shinade’s last blog post..Bloggers Unite For Human Rights
Yeah I think that is the same reason Bush hasn’t been Impeached - people are too worried
about their Jobs + putting Food on the Table + a Roof over the heads of their Family*
can’t say as i blame them*
EntreCard RED HOT DROPPING!!******
iGOO MEGA TRILLION $$$ DOLLAR LAUNCH!!
EVERY BLOGGER in the UNIVERSE will receive a $$$ TRILLION DOLLARS!!
iGooMEGA$$$TRILLIONS
Cheers Everybody!! Billy ;)) Peace*
BillyWarhol’s last blog post..A Month in the Life of a Gay Man
Everybody is so hung up on being politicaly correct, if you’re not people tend to take great offence. But, is it not worse to tell lies because that is what you think people want to hear.
It’s the same pattern wherever you look in any corner of our little planet. Where there are humans there are liars. We would rather lie than upset our neighbour.
I don’t know. I’m rambling but politicians are liars. They have to be. If they told us the whole truth they would never get a vote
But do people want to hear the truth? I’m sure most would rather live in a world where every American can be an Idol (or have the X-Factor, as I’m in the UK) than in a world where people die needlessly.
Hey Bobby!
I hate it too. Especially when it happens at work and when something happens and everyone just keeps quiet. Or they gripe away when the boss is not around but maintain smiles when the boss is there. No one wants to make things right because they are either afraid they would be ticked off or they would be given more work to do.
You’re absolutely right… those people are all liars. Sometimes it’s just hard to know what is the truth anymore.
*it’s been such a long time since I’ve commented*
Bobo’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
Terima kasih, Bobby. Juga, thank awak lettaken kommen blog saya. LOLZ, I am entertaining the entire blogging world while taking my lessons.
Yes, I agree Bobby. As awak know saya mix up my content as well.
Salam!!
Shinade’s last blog post..Kilgore Texas Officially Welcomes Home Bravo Company 3144