Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Thoughtful Tuesday

I'm deep in thought today. And you can help.
Answer this burning question:
Is it mean to call people stupid?


What if it's not a judgement call? What if they really are stupid? Kind of like saying, "Gee you have brown eyes." It's a fact. "Gee you're stupid."

What if 9 out of 10 people think the person is stupid? Is it then valid...like 9 out of 10 dentists and Crest? And how many stupid things does the person have to do to qualify for the label? 3 in one day? 3 in one year? Or is it the degree of stupidness that procures the label? Like "Stupid is as stupid does." Oops...that's "Pretty is...."

What if someone else says it first?
What if the person who grants the title is someone you respect?

For example, one time someone I know went to their bishop to confess a minor but stupid sin. They knew better and committed this error for "fun."
After listening compassionately to the person's heartfelt confession, the bishop pronounced, "You, my son, are a dumb ass." Funny thing - the bishop confirmed something the rest of us already knew. And even the "dumb ass" agreed with the bishop. In fact, this was actually a testimony builder. When I heard that the bishop had said that, I thought to myself, "Wow...and he's known you such a short time. Now, I KNOW bishops are inspired."
So does that make it okay?
Just wondering!

2 comments:

valerie said...

Well he might have been a "dumb ass" but perhaps the Bishop might have agreed in a better way. I would have laughed, but you know how some people get offended at the slightest things. :)

Stacy said...

Love the bishop's comment. Sounds like something our bishop would say or do. And yes, I think you should be able to tell someone they're stupid. There are many, many, MANY times in a day when I wish I could do that.