2008 Woodie Awards
The simple truth of lying
Tiffany Coleman
Issue date: 1/9/06 Section: Forum
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Lies and distrust are more than a center of our collective consciousness; they are an inherent part of our social-psychological make-up.
Attempting to clear the fog of deceit is close to impossible in a society based on a controlling foundation of lies.
I am not above lying and for that, I will forever be far from grace. Lying is condemned, in one form or another, by all major religions.
The righteousness of truth has been labeled as a route that parallels that of God's plan.
The moral ethics of our society dictate that we should not lie, steal or cheat. This leaves those who follow these forbidden paths to be cast out with criminals and other undesirables.
Despite seemingly unbearable obstacles to a life of lying, some studies in past decades have shown lying to be an integral part of human life. These studies assert lying starts out inconsistent, followed by unbelievable lying; and with age comes lying as a standard way of life.
Lying has become such a staple in our society we have many other words to label it instead of "tagging" all people as taboo.
Perhaps our willingness to forgive those who lie is the reason we apparently condone the lies of those around us.
How hard is it to confront your coworker, friend or spouse when you know or suspect they are lying to you?
How many questions do you ask yourself in their defense before you finally confront them, if you confront them at all?
As a liar, I can honestly say I constantly defend the lies of others.
Whether through half-truths, blatant lies or my own personal silence I willingly perpetuate the lies around me.
No one forces this deception upon me. I walk with it as though it were my own, gladly wrapping myself in deceit. This complete complacence toward lying frustrates me.
Why do I care so little for the truth that I hide it from others and myself constantly?
A simple Internet Google search on lying includes tips for teaching children not to lie, psychological reasons for lying, religious feelings toward lying, lying in the government, and the philosophy of lying.
Attempting to clear the fog of deceit is close to impossible in a society based on a controlling foundation of lies.
I am not above lying and for that, I will forever be far from grace. Lying is condemned, in one form or another, by all major religions.
The righteousness of truth has been labeled as a route that parallels that of God's plan.
The moral ethics of our society dictate that we should not lie, steal or cheat. This leaves those who follow these forbidden paths to be cast out with criminals and other undesirables.
Despite seemingly unbearable obstacles to a life of lying, some studies in past decades have shown lying to be an integral part of human life. These studies assert lying starts out inconsistent, followed by unbelievable lying; and with age comes lying as a standard way of life.
Lying has become such a staple in our society we have many other words to label it instead of "tagging" all people as taboo.
Perhaps our willingness to forgive those who lie is the reason we apparently condone the lies of those around us.
How hard is it to confront your coworker, friend or spouse when you know or suspect they are lying to you?
How many questions do you ask yourself in their defense before you finally confront them, if you confront them at all?
As a liar, I can honestly say I constantly defend the lies of others.
Whether through half-truths, blatant lies or my own personal silence I willingly perpetuate the lies around me.
No one forces this deception upon me. I walk with it as though it were my own, gladly wrapping myself in deceit. This complete complacence toward lying frustrates me.
Why do I care so little for the truth that I hide it from others and myself constantly?
A simple Internet Google search on lying includes tips for teaching children not to lie, psychological reasons for lying, religious feelings toward lying, lying in the government, and the philosophy of lying.
