The Ways We Lie By Stephanie Ericsson

Everybody lies at least once in their life. It could be a stranger walking past you to a person that you are close to or fond of. And it could be a big, complex lie or a small, short lie. People can lie anywhere and everywhere. From a private secluded area to a public spacious environment. I admit that I lie many times in my life on multiple occasions. In the article “The Ways We Lie ” by Stephanie Ericsson, the author points out that lies are harmful. First, the author lists various types of lies that people use every day. Second, the author gives examples of each type of lie. Lastly, the author conveys the negative effects about lying to people. I strongly disagree with the author's statement; lying is not always detrimental to others because

According to Ericsson in the reading, “ The real issue is forgotten and the sins from the original victim become the focus” (Ericsson, 124) . In this quote the author counters and defines decepting as a way to distract a person into doing some other action. As a result this is a tool and can help a person guide another person in their thoughts in another direction. Decepting can be done in many ways and forms such as changing the subject in a conversation. For example, a group of friends were chatting and brought up a topic of something scary such as slasher movies. However, if one person feels very uncomfortable about this topic then, that person would change the subject and start talking about something more positive and cheerful in the group. As a result, this scenario shows that one person is avoiding the conversation by diverting and guiding the rest of the group from talking about something else such as shoes or going to the mall.This make the person driving the conversation in control in what they want to talk about. Another example of deception being beneficial in society is surprise events such as a party. For instance in television, movies, books and in real life their are a groups of friends that keeps one of their friends out of the loop when they are planning a surprise birthday party. These group of friends are distracting that one particular

For instance, there is a type of lie that people often tell which the author called a “white lie”. The author counters white lies saying that they are a key element to not go through chaotic and repulsive arguments with the people that you are close relationships and you work with professionally. For example, In my observations, I have seen people use this lie their bosses in business and work situations in order to to get benefits like promotions and raises. This can also happen to friendships as well. For instance, In society as a whole we are very judgmental towards each other and when it comes to watching various relationships bloom in beginning before me, I notice that is people are very cautious and aware of one another. People in the beginning do not want to be too blatantly with one another or else that causes huge argument riffs in the relationship. And that could end the relationship. White lies are not a hindrance but a help to society. It makes any kind of relationship last longer. Another example for using a whites lie for a good beneficial purpose is in a memorial service. For instance in a scenario, a man has this co- worker that he works everyday. The co-worker of this man was a great worker but not a great person. The co- worker was annoying and alway in a rotten and complaining attitude towards the man. Suddenly, the co-