There are 4 choices, 6 votes for Forty-Two's debate

Hypocrisy in Modern Time

The phrase "Do what I say, not what I do" is all too common in our American society. This statement is a mask for hypocrisy, an attempt to justify. Is this okay? Or is this even worse than the actual hypocritical act?


  • Although

    I think too many people focus on tearing out the fact that it's hypocritical instead of analyzing the advice to see if it could actually benefit you. Just because a hypocrite gives you advice doesn't mean it's automatically wrong. In fact, they may just be on the side of the fence that has a clearer view of the situation.

    50%  Voted for by looking4realtruth, Weydon, nikadvise.
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  • Perhaps it is even hypocrisy itself.

    "Don't smoke," says the doctor, as he takes a long drag of his cigarrete, "It's bad for you." Hypocrit.

    "Dammit!" exclaims a mother. She has burned her finger on the stove. Her toddler-aged child says "Oooh, mommy said a bad word!" What is the typical response? "Do what I say, not what I do."

    That, in and of itself, is a hypocrisy. And to attempt to justify oneself is rather shameful. How can it be okay to be a hypocrit? Why is nothing done about it? Why do we accept this?

    And, to those of you who say "Do what I say, not what I do," why can't you take your own advice? Do what you yourself say. If other people should, you probably should too. Stop the bullshit.

    Voted for by Forty-Two.
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  • Well

    Not many people actually say this in that context as it willingly shows how stupid they are being. Instead the idea is usually "Do as I say for your own good, nevermind the idiotic things I once did or still do and are killing me! PLEASE! For you!!!" or something less dramatic.

    Instances of smoking, this makes perfect sense.

    Instances of cursing, it's stupid. You do it, you know it's not really bad, so stop imposing the belief on others.

    Voted for by Weydon.
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  • A trying time

    At least the person who advises you to follow what they say, not what they do is aware of their own deficiencies. The ones who worry me more are the ones who deprecate the actions of others while being guilty of the same faults themselves. I remember a top judge in England trying many prostitutes in court, often speaking of their depravity, and then being caught with a prostitute in a dinghy area of town. I guess he tried too many lol. camus

    Voted for by camus.
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