Keeping the Future Honest (FD3)

Alexander Lau

3 Aug. 2011

FD3

Keeping the Future Honest

We live in a world where lying is common place. At times, we feel lying is easier to tell than the truth because of the negative consequences that could follow. Those lies we tell could be for selfish or unselfish reasons. But, a single lie is enough to tarnish who we are even if the lie was for good intentions. Lying shows others who we really are, disrespectful, dishonest, and irresponsible. Being honest can be hard, especially if the truth hurts others. [Thesis] As future parents and leaders, we must show others that honesty is important, especially when the truth impacts people around us. [Thesis]

As we go through life, many of us will eventually become parents. As parents, you need to be honest, especially with children at a young age. Children are very receptive to what parents do even when they have no understanding of the action. They like to copy what their parents do, so being honest with the people around you will help your child develop a sense of honesty.

According to Dr. Timothy Quek, fear is one of the reasons why children lie. Timothy states, “Consider the child who lies because she fears that her mother would ‘blow up’ at her, or that dad would take privileges away, or that the teacher would send her (or her friend) to the principal’s office.” As a parent, you need to show your child what honesty is and the importance of the attribute. The fear children have is justified. No one likes being punished for being truthful. Parents will need to work hard to help their child understand that there are times when withholding the truth could make the situation far worse.

 Timothy mentions an old proverb, “What parents do in moderation, children do in excess.” He also states, “One potent source of modeling, however, is from within the home.” At a young age, children are in contact with their parents constantly. The way you act will rub off on the child, so setting a good example early is important. As they grow and meet more people, you will not have the ability to know who they meet or learn from. However, the home is an environment you can control. This is where you need to create a good environment and set good examples for your child.

Lying, cheating, and stealing are all traits of a dishonest person. No one likes to be around a dishonest person because no one will know if they can be trusted. Honesty is important, not just to others, but also to each of us. No one likes to be lied to. John Kaminaka wrote, “To lie would only make life harder.” Lying to others just makes us feel guilty, which makes life harder. Telling the truth is not always easy, but life becomes much easier when the truth is out. Being honest not just makes life easier, but also sets a good example to others.

Tiger Woods is an example of how telling the truth would have made life easier. Tiger Woods is a professional golfer and a high profile person in the news. He is in trouble because he was dishonest about his love life. Tiger cheated on his wife and lied to her. The media found out about Tiger and his affair. In a televised speech he told his fans and other watching a lie. People found out about the truth and the situation got worse. His lies have gotten him into big trouble. He has not been playing well mostly because of the distraction of the situation he is in. He is also in money trouble because of his troubles. Sponsors no longer think Tiger is profitable and will no longer back him. Tiger Woods also have two children. He and his wife share joint custody of their children. Those children will certainly have questions as to why their dad is no longer around. In this situation, honesty with the children is important. They need to know what is going on, so they do not manifest ill feeling for what their father did. The children are also young, so they will be influenced greatly by the events unfolding around them. Only if Tiger was honest with his wife and his situation all the trouble he has now would well be different. However, he decided to hide the truth and now things are bigger and far worse than he wanted to have.

Being a leader is no different. You will be responsible for those under you. What you do and say will reflect what others think of you. Your actions will influence those you command. Being a leader is a big responsibility. If anything happens to those under you, you will be held responsible regardless if you were not involved. Showing those under you the importance of honesty is very important. They can be more trusting of you and be more readily to tell you the truth.

One famous leader on television is Barack Obama. He is the president of the United States of America. When he is on television all eyes are on him. Anything he does is scrutinized, whether that is giving a speech or taking a relaxing walk. Since he is the highest authority in the United States political hierarchy, being truthful is very important. Every speech he gives will be looked at and debated over to see what is being said. Anything his staff does will be reflected on him. As president, he cannot afford others to think of him a liar.

You may not have images of being president, but if you plan to be a manager of a company or leading a children’s field trip, eyes will be watching you. People will noticed when they are being lied to. When you are labeled dishonest you become untrustworthy. People will not want to be associated with you. Sarah Hepola wrote, “For some, Blair will be another example of journalism’s ethical erosion, or another high-hopes youngster whose ambition got the better of him. He will be a villain and a liar and a fraud.” She was writing about a colleague who was using fake quotes and was caught. People feel cheated and lied to. That is why honesty is very important. You need people that you know you can be trusted. You also need to let others know that you can be trusted.

Honesty is an important concept everyone knows about, but are not always are. As future parents, teaching your child honesty is important. He will grow up to be trusted by others and become important. As a leader, honesty is just as important. Eyes will be on you scrutinizing what you do. You are responsible for the people you lead. Your action influences others on how to act, which if anything bad should come will be reflected on you. At times, honesty is hard because of the consequences, but you want to set a good example to others for your sake and theirs.

Works-cited:

Hepola, Sarah. "To Tell You the Truth." The Morning News. 16 May 2003. 29 July 2011 [http://www.themorningnews.org/article/to-tell-you-the-truth].

Kaminaka, John. “Discussion #2.” Online posting. 28 July 2011. Laulima Discussion. 29 July 2011 [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.35103.201140/page/eb4947ce-d356-43a3-b5fc-927bacb6d070].

Quek, Timothy. "The Truth about a Child's Compulsive Lying."  Dr. Timothy K. Quek's Webpage. 8 Apr. 2003. 29 July 2011 [http://webhome.idirect.com/~readon/lies.html].

Log of Completed Activities
__X__ July 25- Intro to Paper #3. Read the Guidelines for Paper #3.
__X__ July 26- Complete readings for paper #3 for paper #3.
__X__ July 27- Laulima Discussion #1
__X__ July 28- Laulima Discussion #2
__X__ July 29- Submit RD3 [50 pts] Review the guidelines.
__X__ Aug. 1- Submit three RD3 evaluations [50 pts] Review the guidelines.
__X__ Aug. 2- Submit FD3 [125 pts] Review the guidelines