Entry 76: White Lie

Colonel Sartoris’s white lie to Miss Emily about her taxes is an attempt to spare her pride. Judge Stevens also takes steps to protect her, basically by allowing her to live a lie. What do you think about “white lies”? Is it morally acceptable to spare someone’s feelings by lying to him or her? If so, where do you draw the line? How do you feel about being lied to? Considering the disastrous outcome of the lies that were told to Miss Emily, what do you think might be the result of lying to help someone “save face” or simply just to avoid an uncomfortable situation?

• Many people tell lies to avoid uncomfortable situations, no matter if the lies are good or bad. Some lies are told to deceive, while other lies are told just to avoid awkward and uncomfortable situations. These are called white lies. White lies are usually harmless lies said to help and to protect other people. However, despite it appearing beneficial and advantageous, white lies are actually very similar to lies said to deceive. The only difference is the intention when the lie was told, and it is often very, very hard to tell the difference.
• White lies are usually not acceptable in society, because it is still a form of a lie. However, people often tell these lies because they believe that white lies are appropriate to save face during awkward and uncomfortable situations and help improve social relationships.
• I believe that white lies are essential because white lies are necessary for maintaining healthy social relationships. If we don't tell white lies, it will be very awkward. For example, imagine if a fat person asked you if he or she is fat or not. You wouldn't outright tell him or her that he or she is fat. So you tell a white lie so he or she won't feel awkward. The person wouldn't be hurt too because he or she knows that he or she is actually fat.