“Perfection is in the eye of the beholder”
C.G. Thomas
I recently read a headline about our newest Olympic hopeful (no need to mention a name) having failed a drug test. This was followed with a public apology and accountability by the Olympian and also carried a heavy penalty that would eliminate the possibility of competing in the area of specialty. Of course this act garnered a plethora of comments and opinions, some were positive and supporting while others were negative and condemning. I generally try not to put pen to paper on controversial public topics however, I wanted to share my opinion, not specifically on her but for similar situations around responsibility.
Do we have a social responsibility to live a spotless life when we are in the public eye? What about living blameless in the eyes of your family such as younger siblings and close cousins? My answer is, no you do not have a responsibility to live a blameless life in the eyes of others. What you do have is a responsibility to be the best human being you can be based on what you believe. Everyone has a different standard of what they believe to be good and living by their standard is impossible. I personally have a high moral compass and I’m going to do the right thing even when people are not looking. Just because that is what we do and how we raised our children we don’t expect others to live up to those standards.
I polled my circle of beautiful people to see what their thoughts were on the matter. I was surprised and pleased all at the same time. Check out their commentary…
Question: Do you have a social responsibility to live a spotless/blameless life when you are in the public eye? What about living blameless in front of your family?
Willie: “I think we have a responsibility to live spotless and blameless in our OWN eyes. One thing is true, the mirror does not lie. People are going to have their own perception about you anyway.”
I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment because you have to be able to live with the decision you make. If you are unable to face yourself the opinions of others will never matter.
Sweets: “Nobody is spotless/blameless… You have a responsibility to be who you are. Sometimes you can’t control if you’re in the public eye. I do think that you should try to attain your greatest potential however, cut yourself some slack because again, no one is perfect.”
YESSSSS- as previously stated “Perfection is in the eye of the beholder”
Cam: “I feel as if it is an unrealistic expectation from the masses but not necessarily a responsibility because nobody is truly spotless in this life. Your exposure and the likelihood of your being someone’s role model, when in the public eye, places you in a category of people that are held to a higher standard which in turn makes common faults appear twice as detrimental.”
Is it important to consider how you live when you have the ability to strongly impact someone’s life? YES!!!
Fran: “Honestly too many expectations are placed on “public figures”. They are still human beings with the same flaws, issues, life problems, and imperfections as the average Joe. The difference is they have to go through them with more financial stability and publicity.”
There is nothing new under the sun- everyone regardless of stature and or availability to the public will experience the same emotional, mental, and at times physical challenges. Having an endless supply to money does not limit a person’s ability to continue to feel and experience hardships.
Nika: No we don’t… We are human and have to live our lives not for the public, but we do need to respect ourselves with grace and dignity.”
I have a really great friend who reminds me of the following anytime I complain about the opinions of others “Heavy is the head that wears the crown”. No we don’t have to live for others however great power wields great responsibility, you should always consider the cost of your decisions when you have eyes watching you.
I have a few more comments from my circle, check out my Instagram page @iam_sugarclark to see more. I hope you have enjoyed your view inside the mind of Sugar Clark!
Be Blessed!
