People of the Lie - it's a book by M. Scott Peck - but aptly stated it is a disposition of the human experience. We all live in a state of suspended disbelief. Suspended disbelief is a state in which we refuse to acknowledge the implausibility of a story in order to allow it to stir us. Think of a magic show for instance. We allow ourselves to be amazed by magic even though we know that the magician is not actually doing magic. Although denying that the magician is actually doing magic is more of an over-the-top example of a much more subtle way that we approach the things we encounter day to day, it is one example of a way we "con" or lie to ourselves to live in the world in which we live.
Why do we lie to ourselves? We lie because the alternative is unbearable. We lie because we want to believe we are better than we are. We lie because telling the truth means that we would need to live our lives in a very different way - and most of us don't want that inconvenience.
I have heard that as much as 90% of the chocolate sold in America is produced by slave labor. Have you ever been to one of those places where they make fudge right in front of you? They turn it into a performance where the fudgemakers actually entertain the crowd and everyone buys fudge or at least taste the samples. Imagine if the scene was slightly different. Imagine if instead of the smiling dramatic performances by skilled fudgemaking entertainers, there were three twelve year old boys who were being beaten as they attempted to make that same fudge. Imagine if, as you were watching, one of the boys tear-filled eyes caught yours in a silent cry for help. Would you still buy that fudge? Would you walk away? Would you try to help? Either way, it makes the idea of the fudge much less appealing.
But, these are truths that we can't know. I don't want to have to decide between my iPad mini (made in factories with mass suicides and massive labor concerns over the years) or making an ethical choice.
We don't want to think about the fact that some of our clothing, our electronics, and our food, passes through the hands of those who are tortured and enslaved. It's easier to live in a state of suspended disbelief.
There is a story in the bible in which Jesus says:
"When I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, you invited me into your home...."
To me, the modern equivalent to this is how we as a people respond to what we know about the world around us. What are we teaching our children and the world around us about how we live and the choices we make? Are we willing to reshape our lives around choices that are ethical and honoring to other people?
I was trapped in slavery and you rescued me. I was forced to perform as a slave laborer and you chose to buy fair trade.
Knowledge is power and accountability. You know and now you must act.
Here are the alternatives to being people of the lie:
1. Do nothing
2. Begin making changes in how you purchase (fair trade)
3. Share the message
4. Become an activist
#LiveaLegacy
Here is an article on slave chocolate.
Here is an article about conditions where Apple products are made. (This is not just an Apple problem).
Here is an article about modern slavery.
