The end of 2020 and the start of 2021 has been a wild few weeks. In that short amount of time, we’ve seen mutated strands of COVID, and a group of domestic terrorists broke into the capital. I’m not sure which is more frightening. Still, to make things more digestible, we’ll stick to something simple – double standards. 

     What is a double standard you ask? A quick Google search gives you this definition; a rule or principle which is unfairly applied in different ways to different people or groups. 

     In simpler terms, it’s when this past summers BLM protests were met with tear gas and rubber bullets, and this past week’s political coup took selfies with the officers who were supposed to be defending the capitol. Or when people are quick to say that private businesses can refuse service when it comes to gay wedding cakes, but then throw a fit when Twitter (a private business) stops the president from tweeting. Just to give a few examples.

      If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you’ll have seen this kind of thing all over the place. In a constantly turbulent political climate, it’s hard to find someone who actually says what they mean. It doesn’t help that this has been building up for four years… and the pandemic happened… which makes everyone more stressed anyway… it’s really just been a spiral since 2016 hasn’t it?

      But the point is; say what you mean! Sometimes, it’s easier to lie about what you really think – to fit in, to avoid conflict, to stop an argument before it starts. A little white lie never hurt anybody right? In this case, it might not be hurting anyone else, but it’ll hurt you in the long run. Soon enough, you’ll be trapped in your lies, unable to express what you really believe. 

     And speaking your truth has more benefits than just honesty as well. Disagreements aren’t always a bad thing – they can spark interesting conversation if you’re being respectful, and you can get a new perspective on the topic from the person you’re talking to. Saying what you mean and standing up for what you believe in can root out people you don’t want in your life as well – if it’s an issue that’s important to you, and someone you’re close to strongly disagrees with what you’re saying, it might be time to look elsewhere for support. 

     If we can’t trust our public figures to stand up for our issues without going back on their word, we’re going to have to do it ourselves. Honesty is the best policy (but honesty with some tact, remember, you’ve got your own self interest to worry about too) so going into the new year, try to catch yourself on what double standards you might be upholding.