In reality, of course, people make up their own stories. Sometimes they’re based on reality, and sometimes they’re out and out lies. The stories, I mean -- but I guess that’s true for the people, too, in some cases.
What’s the difference between a story and a lie? Good question.
A story may or may not have a purpose. A lie usually does have a purpose. Unless it’s the pathological variety. (Not so side note: So interesting! Imagine lying about things for no apparent reason!) Lies usually hide the truth, or paint it a more flattering color. We even have a cute name for those nicer variety of untruths -- white lies. Apparently all the other lies are rainbow colored. Watch out for those blue lies -- they’ll get you!
Lies are intended to deceive. To make you think something’s true when it actually isn’t. To trick you. To take advantage of your gullibility or weakness or lack of power. Am I going on too much here? Is there something on my mind? Indeed. Lying is dishonest. Obviously. But lying carries an intent that can be so much heavier we can hardly imagine the weight it inflicts. Gross.
Stories may sound like lies. They may even be patently untrue. In most cases, though, stories are told without the intent to deceive, and certainly not maliciously. Not every story is a fairy tale, sure, but we generally know what’s what, even without ‘once upon a time’ and ‘happily ever after’ markers. They might put us to sleep, lull us into a heady sense of a hopeful future, or simply entertain us by stretching our imaginations in new and more flexible ways.
Even if they’re both untrue, stories are better than lies. These are the facts.
No comments:
Post a Comment