Duplicity

The interplay between thoughts and words often leaves us feeling we must be duplicitous to function socially and ethically. The current social practice of politically correct speech, even when it is inane, is an example of duplicity. Pretending, for example, that I do not notice the difference in skin color between myself and a brown person may avert discomfort in superficial circumstances, but it may also obstruct candor and mutual learning over time. Skin color dynamics are hard-wired into most human societies, whether we choose to acknowledge this or not. Denial does not lead to any substantial resolution of a human problem.

 

The recent debacle of the Tea Party crying foul over IRS applications for non-profit status is an example of a more sinister form of duplicity. The abuse of non-profit status is omnipresent in the U.S.. Many savvy folks make themselves a charity to provide themselves with a posh lifestyle as CEO while getting volunteers to do the hard work of actually doing some socially responsible activity. The Lance Armstrong example is quite stunning. By becoming a brand, Mr. Armstrong became a media celebrity with an international aristocratic lifestyle. While hiding behind his yellow-band charity, he cheated at his sport to stay in the spotlight. This kind of duplicity is harmful to the cause of human development for individuals and for society. It breeds cynicism and hypocrisy.

 

Internal recognition and open acknowledgment of feelings of duplicity are courageous behaviors in a society which pushes to repress and deny in the name of some holy conformity of manners. Refusing to participate in a life of duplicity, rationalized by some grand ideal, is the stuff of coming out, of liberation, of true personal salvation.