Is it ever right to pretend to be someone you're not?

For instance I'm an atheist. My grandma's health is failing rapidly, and she believes I'm a christian, which brings her happiness. I lie that I am, and pray at the table with my family, so that I don't disturb her before she dies. Is this wrong, and is it always wrong to lie about who you are to other people, even if you're trying to protect them?

It's a fundamental part of our culture. Without we would have virtually no entertainment apart from reality TV shows.....

Can you imagine the horror.......

It's one of those iffy things, you know, it's like sometimes it's good to do that but it feels wrong you know.

It's one of those iffy things, you know, it's like sometimes it's good to do that but it feels wrong you know.

TheHighWind

I don't see it as wrong because it's out of respect.

When I want to know if something is right or wrong I ask myself what are the pros's and con's.

A lie like that won't harm anyone and could actually prevent someone from being upset, so there is nothing wrong with it.

There's no harm to anyone else by lying about it so it's not the wrong thing to do even if it may not be the right thing to do.

For instance I'm an atheist. My grandma's health is failing rapidly, and she believes I'm a christian, which brings her happiness. I lie that I am, and pray at the table with my family, so that I don't disturb her before she dies. Is this wrong, and is it always wrong to lie about who you are to other people, even if you're trying to protect them?

p00zer

It's not wrong to lie, people lie ALL the time, its the only way we get along, giving your grandmother piece of mind before she dies is a lot more important then a minor internal conflict.

Besides as spock would say 'it was an omission, not a lie'.

[QUOTE="p00zer"]

For instance I'm an atheist. My grandma's health is failing rapidly, and she believes I'm a christian, which brings her happiness. I lie that I am, and pray at the table with my family, so that I don't disturb her before she dies. Is this wrong, and is it always wrong to lie about who you are to other people, even if you're trying to protect them?

tenaka2

It's not wrong to lie, people lie ALL the time, its the only way we get along, giving your grandmother piece of mind before she dies is a lot more important then a minor internal conflict.

Besides as spock would say 'it was an omission, not a lie'.

there are variables and grades in ethics, hence the question of ethics being under constant scrutiny and debate

for instance, on the question of concealing the truth in order to protect: it is alright to tell your 4 year old adopted son that he isn't adopted if asked, because he is too young to appreciate the truth, making the situation if revealed, highly volatile and the potential negative outcome of the situation predictable whereas the plausible possible positive outcome remains concealed; comparatively speaking

on the question of it being alright to guise as someone/something that you are not: it can be alright, if you prevent the unfolding of uniformally negative consequences by acting out a guise, in your specific case the scenario would be something along the lines of she possibly being distraught at the revelation of your true nature, a presumably educated response made by you hence the presented problematic, and with her being distraught, you become distraught, hence everyone loses and you have your uniform negative

Its good to pretend sometimes. People play pretend games here everyday :P

The quest for getting inside the pants is always a justification to pretend to be somebody else.

Whether you like it or not, you kind of have to sometimes, so I guess in a way, it can be right.

wel there are a few different words to describe either types,like lies and white lies,which means it's warried to certain circumstances..actually the worst consequence of living under dictatorships is that you have to lie all day to survive,from your religious belief to your sexual orientation and political views.we do that all the time knowing that the others are probably doing the same.the sad thing is that after a while lieing becomes a part of your morality for it feels right! that must be a red line to avoid crossing.

Besides as spock would say 'it was an omission, not a lie'.

tenaka2

[QUOTE="tenaka2"]

Besides as spock would say 'it was an omission, not a lie'.

Flitters

[QUOTE="tenaka2"]

Besides as spock would say 'it was an omission, not a lie'.

Flitters

[QUOTE="Flitters"][QUOTE="tenaka2"]

Besides as spock would say 'it was an omission, not a lie'.

VaguelyTagged

A lie like that won't harm anyone and could actually prevent someone from being upset, so there is nothing wrong with it.

toast_burner

if youre already identity thieving them then why not? in for a penny in for a pound.

I think it's quite silly personally... Regardless of how it would make someone feel, I just can't see myself doing the same sort of thing.

We are who we are...

We are who we are...

Celldrax

Just think how many people on this site pretend to be a female or male and that should answer your question.Dracula68

To me a lie can only be a white lie (a good one) if it's for the benefit of someone else rather than yourself.

Lyingto make yourself seem better is pointless, difficult to maintain, and ultimately cruel imo.

Its good to pretend sometimes. People play pretend games here everyday :P

Sandulf29

Cake rubbing was never pretend. This is the real deal. :o

*rubs cake on you* :|

I'm guessing that your grandma has done nice things for you over the time you have been alive. So think of this as doing a final good thing for her, a final going away gift.

i sometimes create a fake personality when im at a party with people who dont know me. you wouldnt believe how many free drinks you get by just throwing on an english accent and walking down town on a friday night (its a college town)

I like to pretend that I'm the sexiest person alive. 8)

If you're a jew in nazi Germany...Mochyc

+1. Never would of thought of that.

For instance I'm an atheist. My grandma's health is failing rapidly, and she believes I'm a christian, which brings her happiness. I lie that I am, and pray at the table with my family, so that I don't disturb her before she dies. Is this wrong, and is it always wrong to lie about who you are to other people, even if you're trying to protect them?

p00zer

I am usually against lying - the key word being usually. In this case I see nothing wrong with what you're not telling your Grandma. You have good intentions in bringing happiness to her. There is nothing wrong with that in my opinion.

Whether you like it or not, you kind of have to sometimes, so I guess in a way, it can be right.

marcogamer07

I agree, however there are certain things I would never do for example, say that I belong to this religion when I actually don't. Say that I like this girl when I am in love with another girl. I would try to avoid getting into that situation in the first place.

It depends on the situation. If you're naturally a rude and boisterous person, you should probably pretend to have a calm demeanor in public/at the workplace, etc.

I think you're doing the right thing. It's a small price to pay to make your grandmother happy.

Just think how many people on this site pretend to be a female or male and that should answer your question.Dracula68

Hey babydoll, how's it going;)

[QUOTE="Sandulf29"]

Its good to pretend sometimes. People play pretend games here everyday :P

Vancelvany

Cake rubbing was never pretend. This is the real deal. :o

*rubs cake on you* :|

If I were in your shoes, I would not fake being a Christian, but I will at least respect her beliefs.