Tell The Truth: Americans Conflicted About Lying

People perceive lying to be harmful but it is sometimes acceptable. Lying can be classified in one of three ways. There are lies to protect others, lie in interest of the liar, or lies to cause harm. As long as the lie doesn’t cause harm, it is acceptable. This would include lying to protect others and, in some cases, a lie in interest of the liar. One reason why lying is sometimes acceptable is because it can protect others. Article 1, “It’s the Truth: Americans Conflicted About Lying,” explains how your fictional spouse asks if they look fat and you say they look fabulous because anything else would be cruel. This is considered as a white lie which is told to protect someone’s feelings. Article 3 gives an example of a more severe lie told to protect someone’s life. An excerpt from, “Brad Blanton: Honestly, Tell The Truth,” states, “We shouldn’t manipulate the truth except for rare times-if you’re hiding Anne Frank in your attic because her life is in danger.” In this case, lying was the only way to protect someone’s life. Either way, the lie protected someone more than doing any harm, therefore making it Ok.

Harold Smith from, “It’s the Truth: Americas Conflicted About Lying,” admits, “It was worth the risk when he lied to his adult daughter about his health when undergoing treatment for a kidney tumor.” Lying slowed down the anxiety for Smith and prevented any trauma for his daughter. To add on, some situations may come with a better outcome when lying. “Sometimes, it’s the only thing between you and a guaranteed beat down from your parents,” said Tim from, “Teens Do their Share of Lying.” This quote explains how lying helped Tim get out of a difficult