Double standards can be hilarious, be aren’t so great when they’re applied to you. Comedian Bob Nelson says, “Humor is tragedy removed by distance.” In other words, someone stepping in poop is funny as long as it isn’t you. It’s true. The only easy way to pick up on hypocrisy is to be on the receiving end. We all make mistakes, and somehow–like Body Odor–ours just don’t offend us.
So thank you, Gene Simmons, for noticing a double standard being applied to someone who doesn’t seem to share your world view–Tim Tebow. Special honors for speaking up!
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/09/13/legendary-rock-star-eviscerates-media-in-blistering-defense-of-tim-tebow-theyre-aholes/
Sometimes double standards are obvious, but we just miss them. How about the idea that two merged cells with DNA is “Life!” and a headline if it is from Mars, but within a human womb it is more questionable? Why wouldn’t they be comparable, either “life” or “questionable”? Or how about excusing the behavior of our own kids (or pets), but thinking of others’ as bratty if we don’t know them?
Screaming for high standards in schools/workplaces is easy until you are in the position to enforce them. Then it seems unkind. But is it actually kind to carry someone forward when they don’t meet the standard? Or is it an easy out for you that will later inflict pain on them? What if they aren’t capable of meeting the standard? Such questions seem simpler from far away.
Taking time to look for your own hypocrisy doesn’t always make it easy to find. So we should promote a culture that encourages gentle confrontation and an expectation that we may need to be the one(s) to change. Each of us needs someone who cares enough to let us know when we’re messing up.
Imagine being on a road trip in the mountains. It’s late, the road is dark and guardrails have been damaged. When you stop for gas, the attendant learns you’re heading for a town in the other direction. He pulls out a map–no internet or cell phone, either. (It’s my analogy!) He sets you straight. You probably aren’t going accuse him of being unsupportive.
It takes courage to confront someone about a mistake and courage to admit one. Knowing that most people would rather have a tax audit than any confrontation, we must recognize the value implicit in such efforts. Recognizing that three of the hardest words to pronounce are “I was wrong,” might mean it is a sign of courage and integrity to say them. We should listen carefully to constructive criticism. Then we can respond thoughtfully, possibly after careful research or soul searching. Far from dividing us, such exchanges enrich our perspective and deepen mutual esteem.
Gene Simmons’ and I don’t agree on everything; his vocabulary isn’t mine. But his points–that everyone should be measured by the same standard and that positive behavior shouldn’t be stigmatized–are fabulous!