www.shorouknews.com ‘All that glitters is not gold’ is an old proverb that means simply because something is attractive or beautiful doesn’t mean that thing is valuable. I think most of us with any life experience know the saying and understand it. But however well we know the concept, we are often duped! I can think of four causes of falling for shiny objects that cannot pass the test of value.
The first three are closely related. You could add overly trustful or hopeful, lies of others, youth, exuberance, lack of research, gullibility, etc. But in my mind, most would fall into one of the four categories above. As we educate ourselves, experience more of life and develop a sixth sense, we learn to resist those things that may appear irresistible -- but that takes time, the one thing young people haven't had as yet.
Here are some examples of glitter than indeed failed the luster of real gold (value).
Outside of the dishonesty of those who deceive and bring us glittering objects that have little value, it is our fault when we are pulled in without vetting, without some investigative work, without asking for the advice of those who we trust and know more than us. Remember these wise sayings. "Let the buyer beware! Too good to be true! Avoid rabbit holes!"
Helping Our Children
It’s unfortunate that children are the most susceptible to glittering objects. They are naïve, inexperienced, and their comparative ignorance is only natural because they have lived and learned less than their elders. We, as parents, are complicit when our children are deceived. We can be the actual deceivers when we ignore bad behavior, allow back-talk, do not insure homework is done, or allow six to ten hours of screen time a day. It is also a fault of parents that don’t prepare their children for what they may come up against, such as peer pressure, or the temptation of things that are too good to be true. Kids need guidance! They need to be given responsibilities, life lessons, and consequences when bad behavior or decisions have been made. Teach your children to ask questions about every glittery object or idea. Offer your help. Be there to help them find those answers. And most importantly, teach the attitude that the most glittery, backed up by the most valued of all things, tangible or not, are the earned successes they achieve in life!
- Low intellect or unawareness
- Inexperience
- Naivety
- Dishonesty
The first three are closely related. You could add overly trustful or hopeful, lies of others, youth, exuberance, lack of research, gullibility, etc. But in my mind, most would fall into one of the four categories above. As we educate ourselves, experience more of life and develop a sixth sense, we learn to resist those things that may appear irresistible -- but that takes time, the one thing young people haven't had as yet.
Here are some examples of glitter than indeed failed the luster of real gold (value).
- Love interests: In the real “Little Mermaid” story, this young maiden of the sea is willing to give up everything she knows for the two-legged man she loves, only to lose him to someone else. Her trust, naivety, and hope ends up devastating her. She gave up too much to chase a dream that was extremely unlikely.
- Smoking was once the glitter that duped millions into the habit, killing many! The Marlboro Man (who died of lung cancer), James Bond who dangled a smoke from his lips in a tux, Audrey Hepburn with her fashionable cigarette holder, and James Dean, the smoking bad boy in “Rebel Without a Cause”, were all shiny objects to adoring fans. Phlegm coughing, out of breath, everyday people, nor cancer and emphysema patients were in advertisements and rarely portrayed in older movies.
- Even Cheech and Chong were the glitter that showcased hilarity, good times, and no worries because of their marijuana habit. Young people were sucked in. “That looks like fun”, “I wanna be cool (and fit in)” and, “I think pot is a representation of my rebellion”, I heard friends say and believe, because being cool was essential. Nothing in Cheech or Chong’s movies hinted at the medical advantages it may have. That was not the glitter! If there was gold, it was the fool's gold of escape.
- Many were tricked into the promises of Communism, and as a result, 20-30 million people died – you can look it up. “From each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs” sounds fair and reasonable until put into practice. Some people naturally work harder than others while being rewarded the same, and when they find that out, they lose incentive and slow down. When that happens everyone starves, except those enforcing the rules.
- Playing the lottery may be fun, but it is a sham as the answer to solving all your problems! It suggests extreme wealth is possible with no emphasis on the minuscule chance of winning. No mention of the troubles it causes for many of the one in 100 million who do win, nor is it an accomplishment for which to be proud. I know many who play the lottery for fun. If that’s the case, I’m all for it. But don’t ever think of it as a way out of anything. The only glitter involved is a dream that will very, very, (add a million more ‘very’s) unlikely to ever come true via that shiny carrot.
- Smartphones are a current glittering object. One of the most glittering objects of all time! They are so helpful and useful that we cannot deny what they do for us. But we have to step back and ask ourselves when and where we place a limit on our use of them? Texting has taken our voices and intimacy. The incredible camera has made us vain and intrusive. The easy access to social media has made us prisoners of a competition for attention, unreal comparisons to others, virtual addiction to opinions, undue praise and condemnation placed upon us and, lastly, interest in the lives of pop celebrities and ne’er-do-wells who waste valuable moments when we could be learning, relaxing, or visiting and loving those close to us. Not only can glittery objects let us down -- they can hurt us!
Outside of the dishonesty of those who deceive and bring us glittering objects that have little value, it is our fault when we are pulled in without vetting, without some investigative work, without asking for the advice of those who we trust and know more than us. Remember these wise sayings. "Let the buyer beware! Too good to be true! Avoid rabbit holes!"
Helping Our Children
It’s unfortunate that children are the most susceptible to glittering objects. They are naïve, inexperienced, and their comparative ignorance is only natural because they have lived and learned less than their elders. We, as parents, are complicit when our children are deceived. We can be the actual deceivers when we ignore bad behavior, allow back-talk, do not insure homework is done, or allow six to ten hours of screen time a day. It is also a fault of parents that don’t prepare their children for what they may come up against, such as peer pressure, or the temptation of things that are too good to be true. Kids need guidance! They need to be given responsibilities, life lessons, and consequences when bad behavior or decisions have been made. Teach your children to ask questions about every glittery object or idea. Offer your help. Be there to help them find those answers. And most importantly, teach the attitude that the most glittery, backed up by the most valued of all things, tangible or not, are the earned successes they achieve in life!
