M.Y.O.B.
What is it that makes some people think they can stick their noses into other people’s business?
One reason why they get away with it is that ours is a culture of busybodies. Journalists, teachers, parents and cops at every level all feel entitled to our secrets--for our own goods, of course.
Also, too many of us want others to know our private business. Besides the catharsis of the confessional, there are the beliefs that openness is a virtue, and that honesty is defined by it.
Be it Mondale admitting he needs drugs to get it up or Clinton answering inappropriate questions about his underwear, the standards of good taste, respect and propriety have fallen.
The mind recoils from the lurid fascination many people have for other people’s private lives, but it is their repressive response to the scenes they imagine that are dangerous to liberty.
They may continue to ask, but you don’t have to tell.
One reason why they get away with it is that ours is a culture of busybodies. Journalists, teachers, parents and cops at every level all feel entitled to our secrets--for our own goods, of course.
Also, too many of us want others to know our private business. Besides the catharsis of the confessional, there are the beliefs that openness is a virtue, and that honesty is defined by it.
Be it Mondale admitting he needs drugs to get it up or Clinton answering inappropriate questions about his underwear, the standards of good taste, respect and propriety have fallen.
The mind recoils from the lurid fascination many people have for other people’s private lives, but it is their repressive response to the scenes they imagine that are dangerous to liberty.
They may continue to ask, but you don’t have to tell.
posted by John Marsh at 9:06 PM
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