Reece Frazier
27 April 2010
RD4
RD4 - Free Speech: A richer global community
Censorship dates back to the beginning of ruling bodies of power. Limiting free speech was, and is, often a venue for controlling a population. By limiting the flow of information, a government was able to paint a picture – propaganda – for their citizens in whatever light they chose. To most individuals propaganda is unacceptable. However, such a viewpoint is not always shared. In ancient times, which continue into today, the restriction of information and ideas was considered to be a public service, for the sake of, “shaping the character of people .” This was considered essential to proper governance. Countries, like China and North Korea, continue to practice an extreme interpretation of this idea today, limiting virtually all free speech and controlling every avenue of information. On the other hand, there are other countries which implement varied levels of prohibited speech. The United States of America, upon foundation and continuing into today, remains one of the few countries with the complete right to free speech. Although an individual or organization may hold true to mainstream dissenting ideas, they are allowed (in the U.S.), and even encouraged, to share their beliefs. With the flow and exchange of information, comes the spurring of new ideas, ultimately allowing for a richer global community. [THESIS] Access to free speech is essential to the growth, diversity and culture of Earth’s interdependent societies. [THESIS]
Dating back to beginnings of modern political revolution, writers and political theorists like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and even Benjamin Franklin shared ideas which caused some sort of dissidence toward the government in place. Quite often, these “free thinkers” were repressed in sharing their ideas with the widespread population, for, the rulers believed, if their ideas were circulated there would be anti-government pandemics – and frankly, they were right.
The American Revolution began in the mid-late eighteenth century. The colonists who inhabited North America had been ruled by foreign power since their home countries had sent them to explore and settle the newly discovered lands. These “foreign powers” levied taxes and dictated law which made many of the colonists unhappy. The recently inventing printing press allowed a means for mass production of the circulation of ideas. Prior to this revolutionary invention, ideas were exchanged through word of mouth and handwritten memoranda which was extremely limiting.
In present times, there are individuals who, like at the time of the colonial revolution who have extremeist perspectives that do not always sit well with the majority of the population. A commonly referenced individual is Ward Churchill. Mr. Churchill share’s his ideas with a very minute proportion of the population (keep in mind, our current population is approximately 309,151,303 versus 3,893,635 in 1790 – so a “minute” proportion greatly varies). Although the vast majority of individuals in the United States tend to disagree with Mr. Churchill’s ideas, our country’s foundation is based upon this very idea – the idea that he be allowed to share such dissenting ideas.
Our countries forefathers felt that it was quintessential that our right to speak freely be preserved throughout time and subsequently enacted the First Amendment. The amendment reads, “Congress shall make no law [ . . . ] abridging the freedom of speech [ . . .].” Although it is plausible that its placement be merely incidental, it would seem that the importance of the matter correlates its position within the Bill of Rights.
On September 11, 2001, a group of religious extremists attacked the United States by hijacking commercial aircraft and plunging them into national icons. Some argue (amongst them being Mr. Churchill) that it was indeed the United States’ own fault for what had happened – exclaiming that our capitalistic nature induced such a catastrophe. Although this idea may seem outlandish to most, Mr. Churchill’s discourse, may indeed be beneficial for society as a whole.
We live in an empire where our ideals, it seems, are what the rest of the world also has to enjoy. Unfortunately, outside these fifty states lies a much different world where the luxuries of running water, electricity, clothing, food, iPhones, computers, schools, and other items, which we deem a “necessity,” are hard to come by. There are those on the outside who seem to believe that our success is caused by their demise. While that is not particularly the issue at hand, this conviction, similar to that which Mr. Churchill follows, could allow for an unsuspecting individual to allow some thought into the matter. One could argue that we do indeed live in a global community and the riches of a few should ideally be shared with another – outside of one’s own nation. Exploiting those who are less fortunate, to get to the top, is not always appropriate. The preservation of Mr. Churchill’s right to speak freely, and share his ideas which are dangerously controversial, allow for such out-of-the-box thinking to exist; it is such extremist thinking that founded the United States of America. Without discord change is inhibited.
Opponents of free speech often argue that such rhetoric (like that of Mr. Churchill) is demoralizing for society and stains the names of people who died in vain. Although this may be true, the idea behind allowing the freedom to express one’s self does not question the validity or soundness of an idea, but rather, enforces that the person is allowed to speak at all. Classmate Kimberly Malott has commented that, “Ward Churchill is a character that does not seem to present any validity in any of his arguments [ . . . ] People with views should have evidence to fully support their claims prior to arguing with others that they should try to see their point first before viewing the actual valid evidence.” While Mr. Churchill tactical arguments may not deserve merit, his ideas spur thought, discussion, and even a few seconds of thought for those who have fallen.
Selecting which types of speech to regulate and not regulate would completely undermine the principle behind free speech. In 2005, the University of Hawaii invited Ward Churchill to speak. This caused a widespread uproar in allowing funds, public and private, to be used on someone who, according to Star-Bulletin journalist Craig Gima, “compared some Sept. 11, 2001 victims to a Nazi war criminal.”
Hawaii Senator Fred Hemmingway felt that the very idea of an individual with such ideas be allowed to speak at a University would ultimately lower private funding and discredit the University of Hawaii. Senator Hemmingway’s public disapproval of the University’s invitation solicited a very insightful response from then University President David McClain. McClain responded to the Sentor’s public outcry by reminding him, “Freedom of inquiry and of expression are what universities are all about, and freedom of speech is a cornerstone of our democracy.”
When our country was founded, over three hundred years ago, the movers and shakers of the Revolution were outlaws – essentially committing treason. Their ideas, in of themselves, were criminal (although, in present day, the exchange of ideas is legal, however an attempt to overthrow the government not). With the right to freedom of speech and “extremist thought” comes the ability to share this with the government and speak freely about the things which (one feels) needs to change. This exchange of ideas will eventually bring change and new ideas.
Furthermore, those who wish to limit speech have attacked, time and again, ideas (such as Mr. Churchill’s) which make any demographic uncomfortable. Such a limitation is unfair, and would restrict progressive thought ultimately leaving society in the dark ages. Whenever change comes about, whether it be in women’s rights, the government’s ability to levy taxes, Wall Street legislation, or cuts to social services, someone is guaranteed to be uncomfortable or unwilling to change.
The sharing of new ideas and unpopular beliefs brings about new ideas, compassion, and dialogue about problems currently in place. Take the ideas of two extremists and blend them together – your product is essentially a balance between two ends of a spectrum. While this example is extremely idealized, a limitation on either end of the scale would produce a half-hearted and incomplete product. By the open sharing of ideas between people, the desires of our diverse global community can be met with compassion and compromise.
In the spirit of free speech, one must wonder –in countries where speech is been limited, and the culture submits to governmental control, who then is “right?” Would the cultural allowance to prohibit the flow of information be considered permissible? How does the impact of the ideas of Western societies, specifically the freedom of speech, affect third world countries. Are such “rights” actually “right?” We have developed over a few hundred year and concluded that out “god given right” is to be able to speak freely. However, China, with its expansive censorship, is in much better financial condition than the United States. Are we really on the right track?
Developing countries around the world have begun to accept the idea that in order to have a successful global community, one needs to open their ears to ideas outside of the norm. Free thinkers have made the world what it is today, and without the exchange of such outlandish perspective, the world would be stagnant and growth would be limited.
Works Cited
Malott, Kimberly . "Attack Ward Churchill." Online Posting. 26 April 2010. Laulima Discussion. 24 April 2010. [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.33517.201030/page/c2a89a6c-a93e-47dd-b419-873ef93bb50f].
Newth, Mette. "The Long History of Censorship." Beacon for Freedom of Expression. 2001 July. 24 April 2010. [http://www.beaconforfreedom.org/about_project/history.html]
"U.S. POPClock Projection." The United States Government. 2009 August 31. 24 April 2010. [http://www.census.gov/population/www/popclockus.html]
The United States Census Bureau. 24 April 2010. [http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1790b-02.pdf]
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
FD3 - The Simple Truth
5 April 2010
FD3
The Simple Truth
Today we embark upon a journey. A journey which will bring us up, throw us down, and involve many sharp turns. Most of us have already begun to think about tomorrow with hope, wonder, joy, and maybe a little hesitation. Life is an adventure and it begins here. We will be challenged in ways we never imagined. Our parents won’t always be there, and we’re frankly reminded that we must now truly begin to depend on “me.” Life will be a voyage, whose fate will be determined by our individual actions. When the going gets tough, we will be tempted to take the easy route and forget whom we really are. I challenge you, Kapiolani Community College Class of 2010 to this – no matter what happens, or how hard things get, don’t forget to be honest. Honest to each other and ourselves. [THESIS] The key to leading a truly happy, successful and carefree life is being honest. [THESIS]
Life is filled with relationships. We have already begun to foster many that will take us through out lives, and there are those, which are fleeting. One of the fundamental building blocks to any relationship is trust. Generally we like to begin our relationships with trust, but maintaining such idealism tends to be somewhat tedious. I once found myself between two best friends who were very close, and had been friends for years.
At one point in time, one of the friends lied to other about something rather mindless – I believe it has something to do with lunch plans. Several months, a dented car, and a bloody fist later, I found out that one was doing drugs and sleeping with a mutual friend behind the other’s back. Now I don’t anticipate that every lie will transcend into something as drastic as that, however I would like to emphasize that lying is the first bathroom break while you’re drinking. Once you start, it’s just that much easier to keep going.
On the other hand, if these two friends hadn’t lied and kept the trust going between them, they may have experienced a few moments of anger and frustration throughout their relationship, but they would still have each other and a friendship that just may have lasted a lifetime.
Based on personal experience (and research), it seems that many of us choose to lie when its convenient, or if the possibility of getting caught is slim. Professor Miriam Schulman at Santa Clara University explains the rationale behind this decision making process, “Most of us, I suspect, are utilitarians on the subject of truthfulness, deciding whether to lie based on the possible consequences: Trivial fibs that hurt no one are acceptable; whoppers that injure others are not.” I’m sure all of you understand how much truth there is to this.
I believe this is where most of us begin. We think, “Hey, if I tell my instructor my computer was broken, I’ll be able to go out tonight and make up my homework later.” Now, with experience, we all know that that single lie, will almost definitely lead to a second lie, as well as a third, fourth, and so on. This particular sequence is typical because once you make one lie it’s that much easier to rationalize another.
Recent history will show us that the consequences of a “white lie” weren’t always as simple as fleeting guilt. In “A Brief History of Lying” the BBC reported, “In English medieval courts truth was tested by ordeals of fire and water, on the basis a truthful person would be protected by God. Someone suspected of lying would have to carry a red-hot iron bar for nine paces. Alternatively he could opt to walk across nine red-hot ploughshares. Either way, if the suspect was burned then this was proof that he was lying and so could be promptly hung.” If such consequences were so severe today, I am almost 100% sure that the world would be a much better place.
Quite often we find that we make minute lies and expect the consequences to be nominal, if any, but one thing we usually forget is the lie itself. When building a relationship entrenched with lies, or even one sparsely covered in white lies, it becomes almost impossible to have a sustainable relationship without one lie or another surfacing. I have too many times told a white lie here or there and in a later conversation I have stumbled upon my very words. However, along those lines, one may more easily justify lying and extensive cover-ups for the sake of “the greater good.”
Many of us are often caught in situations where more immediate incentive is directed toward lying rather than telling the truth particularly when the lie may benefit a large group of people. Classmate January DeMello once shared, “Some people want to win at any cost and they will do whatever it takes to win…” Although, in the moment, the victory may be touching, the true feeling of success is therein unattainable. Hard work is something that can only be done, not imagined. The pressure of winning for a group is quite tempting, but is the burden of knowing that we didn’t win on our own merit truly worth the sacrifice?
For some people it may even be intuitive to lie rather than to tell the truth. I’ve met many people who lie about mindless things that wouldn’t really matter one way or another. These people have it worst, because they often are caught in webs of lies and deceit. Although these friends often have the best intentions in mind, we all know a friend or two who could tone down the exaggerations, and made up midnight escapades. We, as friends, will appreciate these people for that reason, but imagine living that life – to look inward and not know fiction from reality. This is probably the worst that could happen.
Now, I stand before you today and would like to remind you of the challenges before us. Life is long – life is hard. Our character is built upon our actions. Every step in life is a choice. As we venture out into the world, we will begin to realize that honesty is truly the best policy. We may be tempted to take the easy way out once in a while, but as college graduates we know that after hard work and sacrifice comes reaping the rewards. Relationships are built from the ground up with trust. Although those we lie to may not always know of or find out our fibs, we bare the burden of constant worry and hesitation. By being honest in all arenas of our life, we can expect long-lasting friendships, trustworthy relationships, and trust that would is just a little better place because we did out part.
Works Cited
"A Brief History of Lying." BBC News. 06 January 2002. 28 Mar 2010. [http://www2.hawaii.edu/~jamess/lying4a.htm].
DeMello, January. "Discussion 1." Online Posting. 03 Mar 2010. Laulima Discussion. 29 Mar 2010. [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.33517.201030/page/c2a89a6c-a93e-47dd-b419-873ef93bb50f].
Schulman, Miram. "Truth and Consequences." Santa Clara University. Sping 1999. 28 March 2010. [http://www.webcitation.org/5iXHGiD2a].
Log of Completed Activities:
L-Mar. 9t- Intro to Paper #3. Read the Guidelines for Paper #3. (Confirmation reply required.)
X-Mar. 15M- Complete readings for paper #3. (Confirmation reply required.)
X-Mar. 18T- Laulima Discussion #1
X-Mar. 19F- Laulima Discussion #2
Mar 22-26: Spring Recess
X-Mar. 29M- RD3 due [50 pts] (Confirmation reply required.)
X-Apr. 1T- RD3 reviews due [50 pts] Review the checklist for evaluating RDs. (No confirmation required.)
Apr 2F- Holiday: Good Friday
X-Apr. 5-12- FD3 due [125 pts] (Confirmation reply required.)
FD3
The Simple Truth
Today we embark upon a journey. A journey which will bring us up, throw us down, and involve many sharp turns. Most of us have already begun to think about tomorrow with hope, wonder, joy, and maybe a little hesitation. Life is an adventure and it begins here. We will be challenged in ways we never imagined. Our parents won’t always be there, and we’re frankly reminded that we must now truly begin to depend on “me.” Life will be a voyage, whose fate will be determined by our individual actions. When the going gets tough, we will be tempted to take the easy route and forget whom we really are. I challenge you, Kapiolani Community College Class of 2010 to this – no matter what happens, or how hard things get, don’t forget to be honest. Honest to each other and ourselves. [THESIS] The key to leading a truly happy, successful and carefree life is being honest. [THESIS]
Life is filled with relationships. We have already begun to foster many that will take us through out lives, and there are those, which are fleeting. One of the fundamental building blocks to any relationship is trust. Generally we like to begin our relationships with trust, but maintaining such idealism tends to be somewhat tedious. I once found myself between two best friends who were very close, and had been friends for years.
At one point in time, one of the friends lied to other about something rather mindless – I believe it has something to do with lunch plans. Several months, a dented car, and a bloody fist later, I found out that one was doing drugs and sleeping with a mutual friend behind the other’s back. Now I don’t anticipate that every lie will transcend into something as drastic as that, however I would like to emphasize that lying is the first bathroom break while you’re drinking. Once you start, it’s just that much easier to keep going.
On the other hand, if these two friends hadn’t lied and kept the trust going between them, they may have experienced a few moments of anger and frustration throughout their relationship, but they would still have each other and a friendship that just may have lasted a lifetime.
Based on personal experience (and research), it seems that many of us choose to lie when its convenient, or if the possibility of getting caught is slim. Professor Miriam Schulman at Santa Clara University explains the rationale behind this decision making process, “Most of us, I suspect, are utilitarians on the subject of truthfulness, deciding whether to lie based on the possible consequences: Trivial fibs that hurt no one are acceptable; whoppers that injure others are not.” I’m sure all of you understand how much truth there is to this.
I believe this is where most of us begin. We think, “Hey, if I tell my instructor my computer was broken, I’ll be able to go out tonight and make up my homework later.” Now, with experience, we all know that that single lie, will almost definitely lead to a second lie, as well as a third, fourth, and so on. This particular sequence is typical because once you make one lie it’s that much easier to rationalize another.
Recent history will show us that the consequences of a “white lie” weren’t always as simple as fleeting guilt. In “A Brief History of Lying” the BBC reported, “In English medieval courts truth was tested by ordeals of fire and water, on the basis a truthful person would be protected by God. Someone suspected of lying would have to carry a red-hot iron bar for nine paces. Alternatively he could opt to walk across nine red-hot ploughshares. Either way, if the suspect was burned then this was proof that he was lying and so could be promptly hung.” If such consequences were so severe today, I am almost 100% sure that the world would be a much better place.
Quite often we find that we make minute lies and expect the consequences to be nominal, if any, but one thing we usually forget is the lie itself. When building a relationship entrenched with lies, or even one sparsely covered in white lies, it becomes almost impossible to have a sustainable relationship without one lie or another surfacing. I have too many times told a white lie here or there and in a later conversation I have stumbled upon my very words. However, along those lines, one may more easily justify lying and extensive cover-ups for the sake of “the greater good.”
Many of us are often caught in situations where more immediate incentive is directed toward lying rather than telling the truth particularly when the lie may benefit a large group of people. Classmate January DeMello once shared, “Some people want to win at any cost and they will do whatever it takes to win…” Although, in the moment, the victory may be touching, the true feeling of success is therein unattainable. Hard work is something that can only be done, not imagined. The pressure of winning for a group is quite tempting, but is the burden of knowing that we didn’t win on our own merit truly worth the sacrifice?
For some people it may even be intuitive to lie rather than to tell the truth. I’ve met many people who lie about mindless things that wouldn’t really matter one way or another. These people have it worst, because they often are caught in webs of lies and deceit. Although these friends often have the best intentions in mind, we all know a friend or two who could tone down the exaggerations, and made up midnight escapades. We, as friends, will appreciate these people for that reason, but imagine living that life – to look inward and not know fiction from reality. This is probably the worst that could happen.
Now, I stand before you today and would like to remind you of the challenges before us. Life is long – life is hard. Our character is built upon our actions. Every step in life is a choice. As we venture out into the world, we will begin to realize that honesty is truly the best policy. We may be tempted to take the easy way out once in a while, but as college graduates we know that after hard work and sacrifice comes reaping the rewards. Relationships are built from the ground up with trust. Although those we lie to may not always know of or find out our fibs, we bare the burden of constant worry and hesitation. By being honest in all arenas of our life, we can expect long-lasting friendships, trustworthy relationships, and trust that would is just a little better place because we did out part.
Works Cited
"A Brief History of Lying." BBC News. 06 January 2002. 28 Mar 2010. [http://www2.hawaii.edu/~jamess/lying4a.htm].
DeMello, January. "Discussion 1." Online Posting. 03 Mar 2010. Laulima Discussion. 29 Mar 2010. [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.33517.201030/page/c2a89a6c-a93e-47dd-b419-873ef93bb50f].
Schulman, Miram. "Truth and Consequences." Santa Clara University. Sping 1999. 28 March 2010. [http://www.webcitation.org/5iXHGiD2a].
Log of Completed Activities:
L-Mar. 9t- Intro to Paper #3. Read the Guidelines for Paper #3. (Confirmation reply required.)
X-Mar. 15M- Complete readings for paper #3. (Confirmation reply required.)
X-Mar. 18T- Laulima Discussion #1
X-Mar. 19F- Laulima Discussion #2
Mar 22-26: Spring Recess
X-Mar. 29M- RD3 due [50 pts] (Confirmation reply required.)
X-Apr. 1T- RD3 reviews due [50 pts] Review the checklist for evaluating RDs. (No confirmation required.)
Apr 2F- Holiday: Good Friday
X-Apr. 5-12- FD3 due [125 pts] (Confirmation reply required.)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
RD3 - The Simple Truth
Reece Frazier
1 April 2010
RD3
The Simple Truth
Today we embark upon a journey. A journey which will bring us up, throw us down, and involve many sharp turns. Most of us have already begun to think about tomorrow with hope, wonder, joy, and maybe a little hesitation. Life is an adventure and it begins here. We will be challenged in ways we never imagined. Our parents won’t always be there, and we’re frankly reminded that we must now truly begin to depend on “me.” Life will be a voyage, whose fate will be determined by our individual actions. When the going gets tough, we will be tempted to take the easy route and forget whom we really are. I challenge you, Kapiolani Community College Class of 2010 to this – no matter what happens, or how hard things get, don’t forget to be honest. Honest to each other and ourselves. [THESIS] The key to leading a truly happy, successful and carefree life is being honest. [THESIS]
Life is filled with relationships. We have already begun to foster many that will take us through out lives, and there are those, which are fleeting. One of the fundamental building blocks to any relationship is trust. Generally we like to begin our relationships with trust, but maintaining that default can be somewhat cumbersome. I once found myself between two best friends. They were very close and had been friends for years.
At one point in time, one of the friends lied to other about something rather mindless – I believe it has something to do with where he went for lunch. Several months, a dented car, and a bloody fist later, I discovered that one was doing drugs and sleeping with a mutual friend behind the other’s back. Now I don’t anticipate that every lie will transcend into something as drastic as this, I would like to emphasize that lying is the first bathroom break while you’re drinking. Once you start, it’s just that much easier to keep going.
On the other hand, if these two friends hadn’t lied and kept the trust going between them, they may have experienced a few moments of anger and frustration, but they would still have each other and friendship that just may have lasted a lifetime.
Based on personal experience (and research), it seems that many of us choose to lie when its convenient, or if possible negative consequences are undetected. Professor Miriam Schulman at Santa Clara University explains the rationale behind this decision making process, “Most of us, I suspect, are utilitarians on the subject of truthfulness, deciding whether to lie based on the possible consequences: Trivial fibs that hurt no one are acceptable; whoppers that injure others are not.”
I believe this is where most of us begin. We think, “Hey, if I tell my instructor my computer was broken, I’ll be able to go out tonight and make up my homework later.” Now, I’m sure all of you know that that single lie, will almost definitely lead to a second lie, as well as a third, fourth, and so on. This particular sequence is typical because once you make one lie, its that much easier to rationalize another one.
Recent history will show us that the consequences of a “white lie” weren’t always as simple as fleeting guilt. In “A Brief History of Lying” the BBC reported, “In English medieval courts truth was tested by ordeals of fire and water, on the basis a truthful person would be protected by God. Someone suspected of lying would have to carry a red-hot iron bar for nine paces. Alternatively he could opt to walk across nine red-hot ploughshares. Either way, if the suspect was burned then this was proof that he was lying and so could be promptly hung.” If such consequences were so severe today, I would highly expect for the world to be a filled with fewer lies.
Quite often we find that we make minute lies and expect the consequences to be nominal, if any, but one thing we usually forget is the lie itself. When building a relationship upon lies, it becomes almost impossible to have a sustainable relationship without one lie, or another surfacing. I have too many times told a white lie here and there and within a later conversation I have stumbled upon my very words.
Many of us are often caught in situations where it becomes quite easy to lie rather than tell the truth. Particularly when the lie may benefit a large group of people. Classmate January DeMello once shared, “Some people want to win at any cost and they will do whatever it takes to win…” Although, in the moment, the victory may be touching, the true feeling of success is therein unattainable. Hard work is something that can only be done, not imagined. The pressure of winning for a group is quite tempting, but is the burden of knowing that we didn’t win on our own merit truly worth the sacrifice?
For some people it may even be intuitive to lie rather than to tell the truth. I’ve met many people who lie about mindless things that wouldn’t really matter one way or another. These people have it worst, because they often are caught in webs of lies and deceit.
As we venture out into the world, we will begin to realize that honesty is truly the best policy. We may be tempted to take the easy way out once in a while, but as college graduates we know that after hard work and sacrifice we will reap the rewards. Relationships are built from the ground up with trust. Although those we lie to may not always know of or find out our fibs, we bare the burden of constant worry and walking on eggshells. By being honest in all arenas of our life, we can expect long-lasting friendships, trustworthy relationships, and a guilt-free time.
Works Cited
"A Brief History of Lying." BBC News. 06 January 2002. 28 Mar 2010. [http://www2.hawaii.edu/~jamess/lying4a.htm].
DeMello, January. "Discussion 1." Online Posting. 03 Mar 2010. Laulima Discussion. 29 Mar 2010. [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.33517.201030/page/c2a89a6c-a93e-47dd-b419-873ef93bb50f].
Schulman, Miram. "Truth and Consequences." Santa Clara University. Sping 1999. 28 March 2010. [http://www.webcitation.org/5iXHGiD2a].
1 April 2010
RD3
The Simple Truth
Today we embark upon a journey. A journey which will bring us up, throw us down, and involve many sharp turns. Most of us have already begun to think about tomorrow with hope, wonder, joy, and maybe a little hesitation. Life is an adventure and it begins here. We will be challenged in ways we never imagined. Our parents won’t always be there, and we’re frankly reminded that we must now truly begin to depend on “me.” Life will be a voyage, whose fate will be determined by our individual actions. When the going gets tough, we will be tempted to take the easy route and forget whom we really are. I challenge you, Kapiolani Community College Class of 2010 to this – no matter what happens, or how hard things get, don’t forget to be honest. Honest to each other and ourselves. [THESIS] The key to leading a truly happy, successful and carefree life is being honest. [THESIS]
Life is filled with relationships. We have already begun to foster many that will take us through out lives, and there are those, which are fleeting. One of the fundamental building blocks to any relationship is trust. Generally we like to begin our relationships with trust, but maintaining that default can be somewhat cumbersome. I once found myself between two best friends. They were very close and had been friends for years.
At one point in time, one of the friends lied to other about something rather mindless – I believe it has something to do with where he went for lunch. Several months, a dented car, and a bloody fist later, I discovered that one was doing drugs and sleeping with a mutual friend behind the other’s back. Now I don’t anticipate that every lie will transcend into something as drastic as this, I would like to emphasize that lying is the first bathroom break while you’re drinking. Once you start, it’s just that much easier to keep going.
On the other hand, if these two friends hadn’t lied and kept the trust going between them, they may have experienced a few moments of anger and frustration, but they would still have each other and friendship that just may have lasted a lifetime.
Based on personal experience (and research), it seems that many of us choose to lie when its convenient, or if possible negative consequences are undetected. Professor Miriam Schulman at Santa Clara University explains the rationale behind this decision making process, “Most of us, I suspect, are utilitarians on the subject of truthfulness, deciding whether to lie based on the possible consequences: Trivial fibs that hurt no one are acceptable; whoppers that injure others are not.”
I believe this is where most of us begin. We think, “Hey, if I tell my instructor my computer was broken, I’ll be able to go out tonight and make up my homework later.” Now, I’m sure all of you know that that single lie, will almost definitely lead to a second lie, as well as a third, fourth, and so on. This particular sequence is typical because once you make one lie, its that much easier to rationalize another one.
Recent history will show us that the consequences of a “white lie” weren’t always as simple as fleeting guilt. In “A Brief History of Lying” the BBC reported, “In English medieval courts truth was tested by ordeals of fire and water, on the basis a truthful person would be protected by God. Someone suspected of lying would have to carry a red-hot iron bar for nine paces. Alternatively he could opt to walk across nine red-hot ploughshares. Either way, if the suspect was burned then this was proof that he was lying and so could be promptly hung.” If such consequences were so severe today, I would highly expect for the world to be a filled with fewer lies.
Quite often we find that we make minute lies and expect the consequences to be nominal, if any, but one thing we usually forget is the lie itself. When building a relationship upon lies, it becomes almost impossible to have a sustainable relationship without one lie, or another surfacing. I have too many times told a white lie here and there and within a later conversation I have stumbled upon my very words.
Many of us are often caught in situations where it becomes quite easy to lie rather than tell the truth. Particularly when the lie may benefit a large group of people. Classmate January DeMello once shared, “Some people want to win at any cost and they will do whatever it takes to win…” Although, in the moment, the victory may be touching, the true feeling of success is therein unattainable. Hard work is something that can only be done, not imagined. The pressure of winning for a group is quite tempting, but is the burden of knowing that we didn’t win on our own merit truly worth the sacrifice?
For some people it may even be intuitive to lie rather than to tell the truth. I’ve met many people who lie about mindless things that wouldn’t really matter one way or another. These people have it worst, because they often are caught in webs of lies and deceit.
As we venture out into the world, we will begin to realize that honesty is truly the best policy. We may be tempted to take the easy way out once in a while, but as college graduates we know that after hard work and sacrifice we will reap the rewards. Relationships are built from the ground up with trust. Although those we lie to may not always know of or find out our fibs, we bare the burden of constant worry and walking on eggshells. By being honest in all arenas of our life, we can expect long-lasting friendships, trustworthy relationships, and a guilt-free time.
Works Cited
"A Brief History of Lying." BBC News. 06 January 2002. 28 Mar 2010. [http://www2.hawaii.edu/~jamess/lying4a.htm].
DeMello, January. "Discussion 1." Online Posting. 03 Mar 2010. Laulima Discussion. 29 Mar 2010. [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.33517.201030/page/c2a89a6c-a93e-47dd-b419-873ef93bb50f].
Schulman, Miram. "Truth and Consequences." Santa Clara University. Sping 1999. 28 March 2010. [http://www.webcitation.org/5iXHGiD2a].
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