|
Relaying is especially vile when it involves personal features over which a person has no control. If one reports that Tom called Susan a wonderful girl, if only she were less homely, the consequences are disastrous and permanent. A person can take dancing lessons, but it is rather difficult to change over a face. Therefore, if you tell someone that I do not like her face, she is likely to keep her face permanently out of my way. One certainly should not unnecessarily com- merit on anyone's natural shortcomings, but the sin of sins is relaying such comments. Some unfavorable comments are virtually demanded in the line of duty or society. They are a sort of informal credit report. If someone is proposed for membership in a club, various members must cite not only the pros but also the cons. If the latter are relayed, they do infinite harm, while if they are not relayed, they are merely the shadows in a portrait mostly flattering. What is done rather formally in club admissions is done informally all the time. I say, "I am looking for a plumber. I heard of someone called McKenzie." Jones answers, "McKenzie is very reasonable in price, but his work is often careless." Louise says, "I would like to ask Frank to the prom." Mildred replies, "He is a decent fellow, but a clumsy dancer." Tom asks, "How about asking Hilda over for bridge?" George says, "Oh, don't ask her for bridge. She is a fine dancer, but she can't play bridge worth an orchid in Okinawa." |
|||
|
