​Truth or Lies?

In talking with an Iraqi refugee that is now a US citizen, we got on to the topic of honesty. I was startled to hear him say, “Americans want to hear lies, even when they know it’s a lie.  Americans would rather hear something ‘nice’ than to hear the truth.” So, when he moved to the US, he saw how people talked, and realized he would have to do the same thing to get what he wanted.
 
That statement, as I’ve reflected on it, has becoming increasingly disturbing. Is that why we only want to hear news that reflects our firmly held views? Is that why our politicians can no longer talk about compromise or even discuss issues with those of a different opinion? Do whites not want to hear about racial discrimination because they don’t believe it could be true, and don’t want to be confronted with an uncomfortable truth? Is that how we can ‘dehumanize’ others so we can abuse them without feeling guilty? And we do it all in the name of being ‘nice’.
 
It is dangerous to surround ourselves with those who are just like us. In that setting, we can continue to repeat what we think is the truth, even if it is a lie. Those who want to be acceptable to us just need to learn what lies to tell us. We get affirmation; they get on the inside. But what is the result?
 
We repress the truth, what is left? Lies, deceit, hate, discord. Is it worth it? Or should we love the truth, however it may hurt our feelings or challenge our assumptions and prejudices.