The World is Spinning

Let's begin my stating the obvious. Listening to the media whether on TV or the internet, one encounters a great degree of "spin", that is, P.R. Of course the job of marketing and advertising is to persuade. Politicians have been highly trained in the art of "spin" over many years. Business want to inform the public in the best possible light. Then there are the political and cultural pundits, driven by ideology, "spinning" their ideas on news shows and blogs. There is nothing wrong with having a underlying ideology, indeed everyone has one. But a person's ideology must be confronted with all the facts not just the convenient facts. Individuals can also "spin" their personal information to put themselves in the best light.

What is spin? It isn't direct lie but rather a half-truth. It's also the creative use of language of create an impression that isn't totally accurate. I am reminded of the Yiddish proverb that "a half-truth is a whole lie." The communicators in the areas mentioned above are people just like you and me. Put the ordinary person in a political or business job and it is their responsibility to put their organization in a good light. This puts them in a conflicted position. Certainly they feel the pressure since they know lying is wrong yet they know their responsibility. There is no one size fits all answer. Everyone must judge the right path for themselves.

How then shall we live in a spinning world? Here are some suggestions, maybe you have more.

1. Turn-off the TV. No need to watch commercials and political pundits. Borrow a DVD from the library if you like.

2. When we hear spin, judge softly. It's an issue within organization systems and there is no use complaining. Treat the people within those organizations with respect because they have been put into that position.

3. On a individual level, be scrupulous for the truth even if it exposes a weakness. There is no need for us to hide all our faults. Use discretion and err on the side of truth. You will travel much lighter. I am reminded of Jesus upon seeing Nathanael for the first time saying "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." Let's live so this can be said of us as well.