What price integrity?

Published on December 6, 2004 By BlueDev In Misc

This is sort of a hodge-podge, dealing with philosophical questions, yet still dealing with entertainment, maybe something else, so I am going Misc rather than either of those other two.

Money can buy you anything in this world. Yes, according to the old adage, money can't buy you happiness, but I'm not convinced

It sure can buy your integrity.

I admit it, I occasionally watch "reality" television. "The Amazing Race" has some interesting challenges and the locations as beautiful. "The Apprentice" is also one my wife and I enjoy. "Survivor" really has the been there, done that feeling to it, but is still doing successfully. There are scores of others now it seems, and in all of them the contestants are gunning for the big prize. Yet they all have something else in common.

They all demand the participants sacrifice their integrity.

By varying degrees, to be sure, but all of them demand that the participants lie, cheat and deceive in order to win. Is everyone okay with that? The more I watch, the more I think about it, the more it bothers me. I have scaled back and cut out some of them because I realized how much it bothered me. Is it true? Could we all possibly have the price at which what ought to be core to us, our integrity, is up for sale?

It would appear so. Perhaps it is clever editing, perhaps it is simply the people they get for the shows, or perhaps we all do, in fact, have a price. Maybe it is a million dollars. Maybe half that. The promise of a great career? Even just a chance in the spotlight. If questioned I am sure the involved would remind all that it was "part of the game". What does that mean? Does that mean we can all take a break from our lives, lie, cheat, back-stab all we want as long as we are playing for something?

And "reality" TV is only the most visible example. It happens around us every day. It may even happen to us every day. I would like to think I am stronger than that. But having never been faced with the prospects of fame and fortune I honestly don't know. So I ask you all:

What price integrity?

Comments

Hamster 311

on Dec 06, 2004

Personally, I have had no offers for my intergrity as of yet, so I can't imagine what my price would be - if I have one. And I like to think I don't.

As for reality TV, and I know it's probably not good for me to watch, but I like it and I think it may be a pretty fair representation of human nature.

Perhaps it is clever editing, perhaps it is simply the people they get for the shows, or perhaps we all do, in fact, have a price.

I'm sure there is a case to be made for the editing or the particular type of person who would submit themselves to a reality TV show, but something tells me that even with fancy editing, they're only trying to show us what's already there anyway. Does everybody have a price? I don't know. I guess reality show contestants sure do. Is it indicative of something bigger, that I should like reality TV (at least the ones mentioned here), in light of the fact that I think it exploits a particularly ugly aspect of human nature? I don't know. I seem to be OK.

BlueDev

on Dec 06, 2004

Thanks for the thoughtful post Hamster 311. I echo your sentiments. I think those that go on reality tv are, at least to some degree, fair representatives of society at large. And our fascination with (as demonstrated by the continued success) reality TV must mean it fascinates us.

As I mentioned, since I have had any offers either I would like to say I could hold strong and not crumble. I don't know what my price would be, but I hope I never reach it.

Thanks again, you get an insightful for the day!

Hamster 311

on Dec 06, 2004

Thank you, too, but I don't mind kicking it around a bit more...

I am sure the involved would remind all that it was "part of the game". What does that mean? Does that mean we can all take a break from our lives, lie, cheat, back-stab all we want as long as we are playing for something?

- I think when it is understood that this is the nature of the game, yes. That is to say that reality shows encourage- or bring out -the lying, cheating and back-stabbing nature in some people.

Which is all well and good, for TV. But it's a different story in real life. I like to think that there are others for whom there is no price as well...there must be...right?...

mada_ecks

on Dec 07, 2004

There are alot of people out there that wouldn't mind compromising their soul (or lack there of) for something that is not guaranteed. I've seen some of the reality shows, and I hate how the use the lying, cheating, and back-stabbing for the ratings. The producers incourage that, and there are few that try not to go that route. When they refuse to let themselves be compromised or walk of the show, they are viewed as "idiots for giving up that opportunity" Eventhough this has nothing to do with the TV shows and more to do with reality, I've seen some people go to strange lengths to get what they want. Plus, we usually say things like "I'll sell my soul for this", or "I'll do anything for that", and to see "everyday" people act it out on TV, is all kind of gut-wrenching.

iamheather

on Dec 07, 2004

But it's a different story in real life. I like to think that there are others for whom there is no price as well...there must be...right?...

I tend to agree with this statement. I'll admit that I too have a love hate relationship with reality tv. I have even questioned whether I am a hypocrite for watching these shows and still proclaiming to be a moral person.

Interesting article, BlueDev, and I completely understand.

BlueDev

on Dec 07, 2004

there must be...right?...

I am sure there are. Hopefully we can be some of them.

I've seen some people go to strange lengths to get what they want.

As have I. At times I wonder, am I simply not as driven as they? Or are my priorities aligned differently. I like to think the latter, and not the former. Thanks for your comments.

Interesting article, BlueDev, and I completely understand.

Thanks Heather. I have actually read both of those articles and found them quite interesting. If I didn't leave a comment it was because I am a slacker. Thanks for reminding me of them though, and I will go back and think about them some more and make sure I leave a comment this time.

oleteach

on Dec 07, 2004

Some say that they have not had any offers for their integrity but I think we have daily chances to sacrifice it for something we want more. A person of integrity draws a line in the sand and stands firm never giving in to offers that would entice him to blur that line.

It calls for a firm adherence to a code or standard of values. It means walking in an excellent way in every endeavor. Those with integrity will go the extra mile. They keep their word. There is no place for compromise in their lives. They can be counted on to finish what they have started. They are the same in public as they are in their own homes. What you see is what you get.

Some people will stretch the truth to get in with people they want to impress. They have great skill at playing games to get influence, yet they know all the easy routes out of responsibility. They are one thing today and if it suits their purpose they are completely different tomorrow. It is easy for them to raise their hand to start something, but they lack the discipline to finish the task. When the going gets tough, they forget their commitment.

A person of integrity will press through the difficult times. They won’t give up. They are stable, not riding on high emotions, giving up when the goose bumps are gone. They don’t leave tasks to the next guy to do. Integrity in the everyday little things is what builds character

BlueDev

on Dec 07, 2004

oleteach--I am always humbled when you stop by my little blog. Your thoughts are always such an inspiration to me. I really do appreciate them.

You are right, we really do have little opportunities each day to test our integrity. And we either pass them out of habit and so don't notice, or fail to the same end. Hopefully those daily victories will build the base for our strength, that when the storm does come we are on a solid foundation. Thank you again.

iamheather

on Dec 07, 2004

oleteach,

Your comment was very insightful and wise. It actually got me thinking about the business world. I just recently left the work force to stay home with my children. But as I am sure others have noticed, The Apprentice reality show, aside from the extravagant rewards after each task, is very much reflective of the backstabbing, lying, and dishonesty found in the corporate world as people use others as their rungs on the ladder to success.

oleteach

on Dec 07, 2004

BlueDev,
Thank you. I really enjoy browsing around looking for thoughts that lift me up and/or make me smile. Yours often do both.

dynamaso

on Dec 08, 2004

Okay, to answer your question: my integrity is not for sale. Besides, it has had a lot of wear and tear, particularly in the last few years with the advent of questionable 'reality' television shows (the only ones I watch with any regularity are Survivor and The Great Race, pretty much for the same reasons as you, BlueDev. I have also watched the Australian Big Brother series over the last few years - the 'bird in a cage' scenario has an almost perverse appeal to me).

I have cringed at the underhanded tactics employed by some of these show's contestants, one minute forming alliances with one person or group, the next blowing them off for the opposition. Sure, it is a game but if it is a game, then surely sportmanship must count for something?

By the way, has anyone else noticed how those contestants who do seem to show integrity and honesty are usually voted off early in the series? Or is it just me?

Cheers,

Maso

Ravenblack

on Dec 08, 2004

Dynamaso>> By the way, has anyone else noticed how those contestants who do seem to show integrity and honesty are usually voted off early in the series? Or is it just me?

They usually don't win....

The ones that are ruthless usually justify themselves by saying that they are just playing the 'game'.

BlueDev
>>And "reality" TV is only the most visible example. It happens around us every day. It may even happen to us every day. I would like to think I am stronger than that. But having never been faced with the prospects of fame and fortune I honestly don't know. So I ask you all:

>>What price integrity?

I seriously don't know personally. I can sit here and tell you that my integrity is intact in every way, and I've demostrated what I consider to be intergrity at work and in real life. But I have not been faced with that test to know whether or not I would give it up.

On a side note, I ask myself sometimes whether I would have been more successful in life had I been more ruthless, thiefing and cold, but I'm not like that. I'm not a saint, but I don't have that pattern. I do think that you have to be able to be that way to be it. But I don't know, somehow doesn't rule out the possibility what wanting something badly can do to someone.

BlueDev

on Dec 08, 2004

By the way, has anyone else noticed how those contestants who do seem to show integrity and honesty are usually voted off early in the series? Or is it just me?

Maso, you certainly aren't the only one. I think it is because, at the very heart of the game, sacrificing your integrity is the key. I recall thinking Colby (was that his name?) quite some time ago on Survivor seemed like a really good guy who stayed on as long as he did simply because he was too strong to lose early. Yet still in the end he lost the million because he was true to his word.

On a side note, I ask myself sometimes whether I would have been more successful in life had I been more ruthless, thiefing and cold

Raven, I suppose it all boils down to how you define success. If it is simply in terms of material possessions and accolades, then, yes, I am sure you would have been. But perhaps maintaining our integrity is really the greater success. I like to think it is.

dynamaso

on Dec 08, 2004

I'm reminded of the old cliche: its not whether you win or lose but how you play the game. These days it seems to be more along the lines of the Homer Simpson school of thinking: its not whether you win or lose, just so long as you win. And it seems to be at all costs. I am just not competitive enough to want to trade off my personal values for the chance at winning anything, be it a trophy, a car or a million dollars.

I agree with the idea that success is measured by the integrity of the individual. In my mind, success is not measured in material worth anyway. I consider myself extremely successful at living life: I have a wonderful, loving marriage, my wife is my best friend; I have the love and support of my family and some very good friends. I live in a stable country, with a good roof over my head; I have plenty of fresh food and water and a job that gives me a sense of purpose. Everything else on top of this is a bonus.

Cheers,

Maso

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