On being called a hypocrite
March 2, 2008
Posted by brandy in Bill Schneider wears a lot of funny hats, because US health care makes me sad, cnn makes my heart beat fast, confession of the day, find the dorkiest sentence in this, friends, i'm the sum of my failures and my achivements, it happened this week, it's ironic because I'm Canadian, oh dear, secrets, self improvement, the Blitz, this tag is for you Arm!, when i say it anyway, you're skimming this one, your vote matters here.
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There are words that I’ve heard used to describe me that have been less than flattering. I’m bossy. I’m loud. I’m over emotional and can be dismissive. Obsessive and oblivious. I can be ridiculous.
This weekend I was labeled a hypocrite.
By one of my very *best friends.
And she was right.
Anyone who knows me at all knows that I do love American politics. My sweetest dreams are the stuff of primaries and caucuses. CNN has replaced Gofugyourself, as my first read of the morning. Wolf Blitzer reading off exit polls is as soothing as a cup of peppermint tea laced with tequila. John King and his quick fingers on the electoral map gets my heart all a flutter (thankfully the flying pie chart is gone. Because seriously? That thing was more distracting than an erection in a Speedo). For reasons I can never fully explain, a love for everything US presidential is embedded in my genes.
Canadian national politics? Not so much.
Canadian provincial politics? I’m officially comatose.
Tomorrow is election day in my province. There have been televised debates (but I missed them because I was watching Barack and Hillary duel in Texas), radio commercials, newspaper ads and an onslaught of pamphlets . My lovely friend asked me who I was voting for and I replied honestly (and shamefully)- no one. Because I didn’t know anything about any of the candidates.
This lovely friend said that she thought that was hypocritical- considering the fact that if I knew an American who wasn’t voting I would fly across the border to shove their ballot in their hands. I believe that strongly in people voting in the upcoming US election. And she was right. But it doesn’t change how I feel. Why don’t I feel that way about an election in my own country?
We continued this talk the next night (after playing a dangerous game called “Moose”), where I said it was a multitude of factors that caused me to care about US politics more than Canadian. There’s a stronger media influence, the issues are bigger, the leaders are more inspiring (My premier is so dull, I would wager all my shoes that his favourite color is ‘beige’)- I just find the US political system fascinating.
This got me thinking about all my hypocritical tendencies. I rant about global warming but let my car run for 20 minutes each winter morning before going to work. I shake my head when I see videos of celebrities swarmed by photographers yet I buy US weekly with only a trace of shame. I think Paula Abdul is a nutter but am glued to the television when she speaks.
So my friend is right. I can be a hypocrite. Though the words stung at the time, it’s nice to be forced to face them. And it’s confirmation that it’s only the people who know your best traits can so accurately call you on your worst.
Anyone else a hypocrite?
* Why does saying the term “best friend” make me feel like a 4 year old?
I feel the same way about the term “best friend.”
I’m probably hypocritical about gossip – I will go on and on about the “cattiness” in my office, but perk up immediately when other people are talking about someone else. It’s terrible!
There is no way I am a hypocrite. Oh wait, I just looked that up and yes, I am a hypocrite after all.
My former BFF called me a ‘flake’ this wknd. And to note- we’re not exactly friends anymore. Tons of reasons… but she tried to throw in my face that I “flake out 90% of the time”…. “Just ask ANY of your friends AP,” she said to me. I’d love to write my story, but she reads my site.
I could handle being called hypocrit.
Could you handle being called a “flake who cancels NINTY PERCENT of the time?”
***I dont flake out on people btw, which is why I was so angry. grrr…
But kudos to you for being politically involved/interested!
Gosh, I’m definitely all of those things you posted at the top of your blog and yes, I think its only human to be hypocrties…it happens to everyone, we cant always be perfect, we cant always “Stick to our guns” and not accidentally slip up, I think we ALL definitely have out TIMES.
I KNOW I’m a hypocrite. Not on purpose, mind you. But I have ideas and beliefs that my actions don’t always perfectly follow through with. Is that just an everyone thing? I hope so.
I think of all adjectives, being called that would rile me up the most. I do my best to live up to my beliefs, but sometimes my capacity to give falls very short of my ideals. I guess that makes me one, too.
I’m the same way with local politics. I don’t care for it because I’ve lost all faith in it. It’s not boring. It’s a freaking circus, and I don’t respect it anymore.
Everyone is a hypocrite at times. The one’s that worry me are the one’s who either don’t recognize it or live in a state of denial about it.
But US Weekly? Stop ‘buyin it, would ya? I’ve nearly been hit by the damn paparazzi in traffic before!
Canada is like the Switzerland of North America. You mind your own business and aren’t very threatening.
The US rains on everyone’s parade. No condoms or abortions with federal funding in Africa (which is really moronic). We want your oil in the Middle East come hell or high water. The prospect of a US President who might not run over the mutual priorities of the rest of the world– pretty damn exciting.
The only thing i am not hypocritical about is the fact that i am a hypocrite…
gah. the best friend label always makes me feel like i’m in grade school too.. blah.
I think we’re all hypocrites from time to time. And I so feel you on the US weekly addiction, I swear I keep the magazine industry in business. As for CNN, is it bad when you start tivoing the situation room & 360? If so I think I need an intervention.
I think American politics might be more interesting at this point because our county is more fucked than yours (sorry for the strong language) and therefore the outcome appears to matter more. Canada generally plays things safe. Some might say boring. Others might say smart. For whatever reason, it’s not as polarizing as here. Or at least that’s my impression from south of your border.
Canadian politics are LAAAAME. But I think American politics are lame, too. I’m no help. But I know what you mean on being a hypocrite. You should start an “on being” series too… its interesting to face the labels we are given or that we give ourselves.
(But come on, even IIIII vote. You have to get out there)
I agree that our provincial politics are lam-o but it was beaten (not literally) into as a child to vote, vote, vote. So I’m at home right now- waiting till 9am, so I can go vote, even though I’m fairly certain it won’t make a difference. But I’ll do it anyway.
And I agree on the BFF thing – I now use the term “dear friend” – but that makes me sound more like a 80 year old.
I agree that our provincial politics are lam-o but it was beaten (not literally) into as a child to vote, vote, vote. So I’m at home right now- waiting till 9am, so I can go vote, even though I’m fairly certain it won’t make a difference. But I’ll do it anyway.
And I agree on the BFF thing – I now use the term “dear friend” – but that makes me sound more like a 80 year old.
Oh my gosh– sometimes I feel like my natural traits just go against themself. The thing is, I’m a snob, but I’m a really nice person, but yeah. So, that in itself often makes me a hypocrite.
Don’t feel so bad…you’re just joining in the worldwide celebration of knowing that “the helper monkey” is finally taking his leave.
Happy Monday.
I’m sure I’m a hypocrite about a handful of things. Same as you with the car, and the US Weekly, and all that hoo-ha. At least we know we do it, right? I don’t know if that is any justification, but at least we are not denying it.
Everyone is a hypocrite on some level. Sometimes someone’s hypocrisy doesn’t mean anything or doesn’t affect anyone. Then there are people who are outright hypocritical on the superhuman level. Like if you punched people in the face for littering and then let your car run in the morning, that would be superhuman hypocrisy.
) But I think your level isn’t in any danger zone. I can understand the political thing. US politics for you is just like other people being into sports or celebrity gossip. It excites you, so you manifest your excitement, but since you don’t express the same excitement for your local politics, you feel like a hypocrite, but I could write out a convincing essay on why you’re not a hypocrite. lol
ah you’re out west! and yeah, srsly i wish our politics were more exciting! but you know, i think we’re all guilty of being hypocrites. alll of us. even those who claim not to be hypocrites are.
Everyone is a hypocrite; no one is perfect.
And as for the trashy gossip mags–I refuse to buy them and think they represent much of what is wrong with American culture, but darn if I’m not glad to read them when I’m on the elliptical at the gym. Or the golden rule….do you know how many of us claim to believe in it, but we don’t come anywhere near treating others as we truly would like to treated?
I like zakstar’s comment. Except that Canada has much more power over the US than Switzerland does given the ressources that the neighbor needs.
Concercing US politics, it’s only interesting to discover who will be in charge and IF anything bad is supposed to happen in a close future.
Who isn’t a hypocrite? I would say like you I am mostly so when it comes to the environment and gossip rags…but also with my friends sometimes, which is the hardest to admit and apologize for.
I am always surprised when I hear people outside the states who are fascinated with our election, even though I can’t get enough of it too. But then I have to remind myself that we have an a-hole for a prez and we’re not the only ones that hate him.
POTU- Yep, ‘best friend’ always makes me feel silly. I wonder why though?? I mean, it’s not that I’m saying I’m going to play hopscotch with her.
MC- Are you ever not funny?
AP- Hmmm. I’ve gotten ‘flaky’ before. But honestly, I think it was because I laugh a lot. And so many people equate people who are happy with people who are less intelligent. I’m sorry that happened. If you feel like writing about it though, why not password protect a post? It’s nice to vent sometimes.
Chelsea- This comment definitely made me feel better.
Larissa- Exactly! Sometimes what I want to do, what I know I SHOULD do and what I actually DO just don’t align.
The Lisa Show- I’m glad that I’m not the only one who thinks local politics are a drag. As for the worst thing to be called- I was once called ‘a joke’. I’m not sure why, but that GOT ME.
geekhiker- But the pages are so glossy!
Canada-Yep, I agree with so much of what you said…
Bungi- Ha! I’m going to remember that.
Deutlich- We need a term that we like, if ‘best friend’ makes us all feel weird. I’m open to suggestions!!
Semicharmed- You TIVO the situation room? Can we be best friends?
Nilsa- I don’t know if I would say Canada plays things safe. I think we just have less people, so when our nation is talking about gay marriages- there’s just less people to get riled up over the topic (for those who feel the urge to rile up over that one). I think the difference is that we aren’t a two party system. In the States you are either a Democrat or a Republican (or an Independent I guess), here- there’s a zillion different parties, it sort of muddies the political waters. Though I don’t think the presidential system is the best way to get things done as a country, I do like that it makes things more clear in terms of candidates views on a topic. But can I just say- I do love hearing what people think about Canada? I sometimes forget that people don’t live here.
The one area that the US faces (that I was so passionate about discussing with my friend THAT I CRIED- SERIOUSLY, who cries over such things?? Anyway, that’s another tangent), is the health care situation. My friend asked me, if the US health care system is more important to me than my local politics, and I actually said at this moment- regardless of if it’s right or wrong- yes. Because I refuse to accept the idea that people cannot see a doctor when they are sick. Such ideas boggle my mind.
lfar- Okay seriously? If you- the girl who hates politics, can vote- I really have no choice do I??
Teri- I do love your enthusiasm about voting. I’m hoping some of it rubs off on me next time!
Clearlykels- I completely understand what you are saying.
Nic- Isn’t it sad though that the ‘helper monkey’ got voted to be president twice??
brookem- You used the word ‘hoo-ha’. I love that.
Um…Yum!- Hi. I love this comment. Definitely makes sense to me. My love for John King and the Blitz is exactly the same sort of feeling my brother gets watching the Habs I imagine.
libby- Yep! I am, come and visit?
Ally- Ahh, the golden rule! I’m bringing it back into classroom talk and it’s shocking how many kids don’t know about it. I will force that rule down their throats if I have to. I kid. But seriously, I can’t think of anything more important than learning about that.
Gany- Agreed. We do have things like, oil. And wood. As for when it’s interesting- I’m a nerd. I have to say I loved it long before I became obamafied. When Bill Clinton won, I think I shed some tears.
Megkathleen- Yep, agreed. As for Bush, it’s not so much that I hate him, I just feel like he didn’t quite reach his presidential potential, you know?
Are you from the US? I guess I just assumed you were and moved to Canada later on…
Everyone is a little bit of a hypocrite it’s impossible not to be!