White Lie

This is not a review about the movie that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. :) What is a white lie and how different is this from a regular lie? First off, let's see what Wikipedia has to say about this. 


According to Wikipedia: White lies are minor lies which could be considered to be harmless, or even beneficial, in the long term. White lies are also considered to be used for greater good. A common version of a white lie is to tell only part of the truth, therefore not be suspected of lying, yet also conceal something else, in order to avoid awkward questions.


It maybe harmless at this point but can also be considered as a deception. For example, a friend comes up to you and asks your opinion on the dress she's wearing. You find the dress a little out of fashion and yet, because you are gracious enough not to hurt her feelings, you tell her that it looks great. YOur friend goes to a party in that dress and comes out to be the laughing stock of everyone. How would you feel? Sometimes we need to watch what we're actually saying and how it would affect the person. 


However, in some cases it may be necessary to tell a white lie. A classic example would be during christmas season where gift giving is a traditon. What would you say to a colleague, a friend, a relative who gave you a gift that does not really fit your personality? Normal reaction would be, to thank them and tell them how we love the gift. Not knowingly that we have just told a white lie. 


How different is this from a Lie? 


Wikipedia says: A lie (also called prevarication, falsehood) is a type of deception in the form of an untruthful statement, especially with the intention to deceive others.


It is intentionally lying to cover up something that we have done wrong, or somthing that we want to keep to ourselves afraid that others might judge us. This is often rampant in children who has done something wrong, afraid that the parents would get mad at them. 


Whether a white lie or a regular lie, it's still the same banana. 




Points to ponder on: 


1. Are we hypocrite enough not to admit that we have told a white lie? 
2. What are your thoughts about White Lies? Is it morally good?  


Topic Courtesy of Janice Dimaculangan.