As of late I have been exposed to others' blogs that have been written on issues to which I find myself opposing their stance. Many of these are by friends of mine. So, I've decided to take the liberty, probably improperly, to blog, on these certain topics.
First off...I will be referring to a good friend of mine: Eric Blackwood's blog on "Being Nice." It can be viewed here:
http://www.ericblackwood.blogspot.com/2012/09/wait-that-means-they-arent-necessarily.html
The main point I'm trying to make, and the biggest issue I take with this entry is that people, who are nice, are not necessarily good. I don't find that to be the point. I agree, good acts don't necessarily parlay to being good people, but who is inherently "good", and to take that further what is "good"? It is an idea that is filtered into our minds, and varies from person to person, because it is influenced by our lives, and our surroundings as children and into our adulthood. Being good is as flippant as the idea of "perfection" or "love".
To example this, I have to reference myself as a senior in high school, and reading The Lord of the Flies, it was when my English teacher, in discussion, referenced an interview William Golding who was quoted as saying something to the extent of: People are inherently bad, that is why it is so hard to be good.
At first I was taken aback by such a statement, and almost appalled at the idea that people are bad, but it occurred to be that bad-ness, much like good-ness is an effect of surrounding and upbringing.
For me, I could relate that being bad was always the easier choice, but it is when I am given the choice to be bad, that I recognize that "good" even exists.
Eric believes that people who do good things are not necessarily good people. I disagree. I believe all people want to be good, therefore they do good things, and doing good things is not a rouse to have ourselves be seen as good people.
He references that man or woman who helps as an act charity (whatever act, is for you to choose) and then that person, that same man or woman is living their life as an adulterer. Infidelity is a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. These people are not bad people. If we are to pin the idea that infidelity is an act which makes someone a "bad" person, we'll have to include the act of murder, binge drinkers, porn watchers, etc. etc. Then who's left?
No one.
Are these acts immoral? Yes. Are some of them addictions? Yes. But the people who commit them have chosen to be bad. Why? Because it is inherent within them to choose what was bad for them, for whatever reason, and who are you and who am I to judge them for that?
Again, they are not bad people. They are people who have chosen bad things. It does not mean that because they went to church on Sunday to help with a food drive, or took time to help someone jump their battery that their bad choices are disregarded.
As a society we are so quick to judge a person by their acts--and I can agree with Eric on that--when we should be judging them by their character. Someone can have a good heart and make bad choices. Someone can have a bad heart and make good choices. These are not what we should be looking for, but rather, the character and qualities of one's heart, soul, and mind. How do you see that?
You begin by understanding someone's story, their background, who they are and where they come from, and why they believe what they believe. From there you will see someone's true character. People just want to be heard. They don't want your charity, your money, your possessions, your hand-me-downs. People just want other people to give them the time of day.
They don't want to be good or do good things. Although those things ease the pain of one's past and possible future, and perhaps even aids in salvaging whatever sort peace we still have in the world. Being good is minuscule to what truly matters and that is being kind.
This is just my two-cents about the world, and a different point of view on an issue someone else has written about. Take this as you will. Comment. Cry. Shout. Yell. Scream. Stomp. Like. Don't like. Whatever it may be I'd be very interested in what you have to say. Just don't come banging on my door at 2 in the morning. That would be inconvenient and rude.
Much Love...
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