As we steer through the complexities of this modern life, it is becoming increasingly evident and worrisome, that these two treacherous traits: sycophancy and hypocrisy are eating deep into the very fabric of our society. These twins evil have brazenly infiltrated every aspect of our lives, from the highest echelons of power to the most intimate family dynamics.
“Sycophancy and hypocrisy are the enemies of truth and integrity” – Martin Luther King Jr.
In this article, I will try to explore, how sycophancy and hypocrisy are undermining the bedrock of our society; especially, our communities, and the family, as well proffering ways out.
The Treacherous Nature of Sycophancy and Hypocrisy
Sycophancy, as we know, is the act of flattering, or praise singing someone, often at the expense of one’s own integrity; in order to gain favor. It is a very pervasive problem in our society. That is why Charles Colton called it, “The most common and the most destroying of all social vices”. What could be more destructive, if one knows the truth, but consciously choose to promote lies, for personal gain? What could be more destructive, when the victimized is hailing, and praising his oppressors? Aro si o di omiko “.
“Both sycophancy and hypocrisy are forms of moral cowardice” – George Orwell
In our political system, it has shamefully become a “norm” that an electorate, will consciously, sing the praises of a politician, whom he knows, has a dead conscience, and as well, morally bankrupt. A man he knows that do not have the interest of the masses at heart, just because of the crumbs he wants to pick up. At the community, and family levels, they do not only support a visibly bad leader, for self-interest, they go ahead to recruit fellow gullible “patriots”, as foot soldiers, who will raise their choruses to their own detriment.
A situation, where a fellow adult will be bold enough to tell the one advocating for accountability in their Association, to ignore the wrong practices of her elected senior colleague, though she acknowledges that the senior colleague was in the wrong. The one pushing for accountability is expected to go blind eyes, and follow sheepishly, so that she will be elected to a higher office in the coming election. This shows the height of culture of dishonesty and manipulation, sycophancy breeds in our society; by making people prioritize self-advancement, over truth and integrity. No wonder Aesop said, “Sycophants are the worst kind of enemies, for they pretend to be friends”.
Hypocrisy, in the words of Sam Harris “is the gap between the public persona and the private reality “. I call it safe deceit, and self-bondage because, one who advocates for peace, but finds joy in propaganda, sewing seeds of discord , and discrimination, will always be reminded by their conscience, in their tranquil state, that they are living a dangerous, double standard life; no matter how lifeless that conscience maybe .
That is why Henry Ward said,“ No man is more cheated than the hypocrite “. This infers that, a man who chooses to lie to himself is in denial of himself. Put in another way, he is a stranger to himself.
Unfortunately, we have myriads of these classes of beings, who in their Alter ego lifestyle, have remained a bane in the society, even to the grass root levels of: the community, and family. These people are found in the categories:
A father, who puts so much effort in teaching his children moral principles, but swims in immorality; Husband and wife, who professes love to each other, but on the contrary, are keeping “side chicks, and side hens” out there. That person who preaches honesty, but is a pathological liar; That man and woman, who has the message of peace, love and unity on their lips always, yet, instigating, and fueling hate, division, and violence in their community , and society at large. What about that leader, who advocates for equality, yet practices favoritism and nepotism. That Security Agent, who advocates for safety of lives and property, but is a security threat to his Community, and the larger society. We can go, on and on.
From the analysis above, what hypocrisy finally does is, creating a culture of distrust and cynicism, where people feel that no one is genuinely committed to their values or principles.
The Consequences On The Community and Family
The truth which the players of these destructive games have refused to grasp is that, sycophancy and hypocrisy have far-reaching and devastating, consequences, particularly when it comes to community and family. When individuals prioritize self-advancement over truth and integrity, it creates a very toxic environment, where people feel they must compromise their values to succeed. This can lead to a breakdown in trust and communication, causing families and communities to become fragmented and divided.
Naturally , the heart is a potential fertile soil, waiting to receive seeds. When parents and wards play these destructive, but to them, “ smart” games; in the presence of their children, they are only sowing seeds, that will take just few drops of rain to sprout. For the ones sown in the secret,Karma has a way of bringing them to the fore.
In families, sycophancy and hypocrisy can have very damaging consequences. When parents or wards make their children learn that honesty and integrity are not essential values. When children begin to see virtues as the things for the smart less folks. This can lead to lack of empathy, self-awareness, moral decadence and character deprivation in future generations.
In communities, the effects of sycophancy and hypocrisy can be just as corrosive. When leaders and institutions prioritize self-interest over the greater good, it creates a culture of distrust and disillusionment. This can lead to social unrest, polarization, and a breakdown in social cohesion.
Ending The Vicious Cycle
Having said these, how can we bring to an end, the vicious cycle of sycophancy and hypocrisy that is undermining our society? It is said that, there is an end to everything. I think the answer lies in cultivating a culture of authenticity, empathy, and integrity. Cultivation has to do with digging. This infers that, we have to be intentional about it.
Here are few, intentional , strategies we can explore:
1. Leaders, parents, and wards must model the behaviors they want to see in their children, and others. This means being truthful, transparent, and accountable.
2. Encourage critical thinking by teaching the children, and adults alike, to think critically and constructively question authority. This helps to promote a culture of intellectual honesty and curiosity.
3. Foster empathy and compassion, by creating a culture where people prioritize the greater good, over self-interest.
4. Promote accountability, by holding individuals and institutions accountable for their actions. This means, creating systems of transparency and accountability that prevent abuse of power.
By working together to create a culture of authenticity, empathy, and integrity, we can break the cycle of sycophancy and hypocrisy that is undermining our society. It is time for us to reclaim our values and rebuild our communities on a foundation of trust, honesty, truth, and compassion. It is the spirit of “Nwa Aro Icho, Mkpoola, Icho”.
Merry Christmas!!!!
