Sean Major Campbell | Lying becoming a new normal

“ The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” Words of wisdom from the book of Proverbs 12:22.

Maybe most Jamaican children have grown up hearing “Lying lips are an abomination unto the Lord.” From the beginning of Jamaica’s recorded history, lies have played a role in the way information is interpreted, presented, and digested. One of the earliest lies was that the already discovered island of Jamaica was discovered by Christopher Columbus who was lost in the Caribbean. The Spanish, the English, and the later arrivals continued to practise lies of all sorts to the present day.

Lying, a well-established coping strategy since slavery, has taken on new dimensions. There was a time when a politician or other leader was caught lying, they would be so ashamed and responsible to the point of resignation. Now, we are seeing a different kind of shameless lying productions. There are local and foreign placed producers. The sole aim is to lie so that voter support is amassed at any cost.

Jamaican politicians for the most part have had ongoing relationships with the church community. Many are familiar with such teachings as seen in Proverbs 19:9, “ A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.” Be warned that, when the punishment comes through a burdened conscience, lost seats, and the verdict of national elections, your father, the devil, will not be able to help.

Is this word in John 8:44 for you? “ You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Is lying the native language of your member of parliament? Is lying the native language of those paid social media agents who lie with impunity? And what about those who consume the products? Are you okay with this as long as the lie defames or ridicules the other side?

zero-tolerance approach

In recent and current geopolitical shenanigans and Machiavellianism, we have seen how dangerous lying can be. We have seen how some people are genuinely misled. Sadly, it is always easier to be conned than to accept that one has been conned. It is embarrassing, and this can be a painful one to bear. We have moved to another level of lying and storytelling. Even in the face of facts, and live coverage of truth, there are agents of lies manufacturing stories to the contrary.

If Jamaica is going to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to lying in the public square, we are going to have to come to a national consensus for truth. No solitary politician should have to be begging for truth and demanding apologies and removal of social media material. Everyone should be united in the quest for truth and the shamming of lies! Political parties are also going to have to take some initiative in nurturing a culture of truth-telling only. Let us unite in calling out lies and liars.

In an age of various technological capabilities, when lies can be artfully packaged, even the best readers and listeners among us can be fooled. And, let us be clear, the problem is neither artificial intelligence nor the Internet. The problem is informed by character and ethics and, sadly, the love or need for money. As tactless presenters work for political parties, there will be more embarrassing situations betraying the cheap strategy that employs lies and selfish ulterior motives.

Every parliamentarian, councillor, minister, and those who serve our political officials may also consider Prophet Jeremiah, who was concerned about deceit and lying in society. In 9:5, Jeremiah notes, “ Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning.” We often apply the Bible to the personal, but it has much to say about broader civil engagement. Prophet Zechariah, in 8:16, says, “ These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other and render true and sound judgment in your courts.”

different sides

Jamaican jurisprudence has rich history of excellent work for justice. We are a country of laws. May we continue to be so guided. But, what about the many who wear their Christianity on their sleeve while protecting and repeating lies? James’ word in 1:26 is prescriptive as it is instructive. “ Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” This is a timely word for us sisters and brothers.

It is pitiful and disappointing to see understandably angry people who have not taken the time to hear the different sides to various stories in the quest for truth. Some of these well-meaning folks passionately direct anger towards the wrong office, individual, group, or agency while expressing deep disgust with a painful situation. And often they are trying to advocate for those who may be suffering in said situation. There is a place for disgust and anger. There is also a place for truth, reason, law, and justice.

We must do all in our power to stop the lying across the political landscape. It is dangerous. It destroys necessary public trust while entrenching tribal divisions and hatred. The risk of losing our democracy increases when people are turned off from engaging the political process. May we learn from the wisdom of the song by K’naan, Nas, and Damian Marley, Tribes at War:

“ Tribal war, we nah want no more a dat

Every man deserve to earn

And every child deserve to learn, now

Tribal war, a nuh dat we a defend

Every man deserve a turn like a flame deserve to burn

Tribal war, a nuh dat we a defend

Each and every man deserve to earn

And every child deserve to learn

Tribal war, a nuh dat we a defend

‘Cause every man deserve a turn, like Babylon deserve to burn.”