Tell me no lies: is it acceptable and sensible to say “no comment” or provide only part of the truth, if telling the whole truth would be damaging to the company or to individuals?
Lance Armstrong, an American sports idol admired by many around the world for his amazing cycling achievements. A seven time Tour de France champion ruling the world of competitive cycling for many years.
Now after years of speculation have passed it has now come to light that the allegations and accusations against Lance are true.
We get taught from a young age that cheating is not acceptable, whether it is in a spelling test, a game in the playground or in sports, we all know to abide by the rules.
I have been raised by a family who have always taken lying very seriously, lying isn’t right I know that. However, can I say to you that I have never lied, course I can’t… Every year when I open that Christmas present from my great grandmother, of another horrendous scarf, do I tell her I hate it, of course I don’t. We all lie in one way or another, we lie to protect peoples feeling and to stop any disappointment.
Therefore I ask you, is it still lying even when you are protecting someone’s feeling or someone’s faith in you?
Lance Armstrong knew he was a hero to so many people and after beating cancer in February 1997 and founding the Lance Armstrong Foundation the same year and by 1998 and some serious cycling training he then went on to win the Tour De France record seven times between 1998 and 2005. Lance was now not only a hero but the hope for many people who were affected by cancer.
Throughout the years of fame and fortune Lance did the best he could to help. Creating the Livestrong foundation he helped to raise money and hope for the people with cancer.
We can rip the titles Armstrong has achieved fairly or unfairly away from him, and we can terminate the contracts he has as Nike did, but we can’t undo the good that he has created throughout his career.
I believe that it was wrong for Lance Armstrong to keep quiet about the doping for all these years, but then I ask whilst doing so was he doing something that could be considered perhaps more important, he was putting the faith and hope into cancer patients and their families, he was someone to look up to and think yes I can do it to.
So if at all when is lying acceptable?
Should Lance be forgiven for lying all these years?
We want to know what you think about lying all comments welcome
Let’s start the debate!
Gabriella
Everything Ethics 