Hypocrisy

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After all, it is necessary to get behind someone before you can stab them in the back.
—Sir Humphrey Appleby, Yes, Minister

Hypocrisy is a deceitful tactic used most often by those in power, who say "you must do this" or "you cannot do that" or " this is wrong," while purporting that they themselves do not do said thing when, in fact, they do.

A hypocrite (from the Greek, "actor"[1]) is someone who espouses a view, perspective, or philosophy without adhering in any meaningful way to it themselves, especially if they claim that their philosophy applies to all people. The ultimate snarkology of the hypocrite is "do as I say, not as I do." Generally, "hypocrite" is a pejorative term; there are practically no cases where hypocrisy is considered a good thing.

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[edit] What is not hypocrisy

This is in contrast to the willful recommendation of acting against a personal practice. Someone can believe that it is better to live in a suburb and may want to himself/herself, but due to obligations or lack of resources is unable to. This, though not hypocrisy, can be dangerous because making such a recommendation without personal experience may lead someone to do something they regret.

On the other hand, a (former) drug addict who suffers for their drug usage may be very well qualified in admonishing others to not get started in harmful, expensive, illegal and addictive substances[2]. Hypocrisy does not mean "exceptionalism" or "double standard," though these usages have been slowly creeping up primarily in American English.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] Footnotes

  1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypocrite#Etymology
  2. Of course, if one is still using the same drug as they recommend against without making efforts to try and quit, it may project a different perception about themselves.
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