We know if we don't do what they ask, the movie will likely not be picked up and our career will be put on hold. We also know if we add a few more scenes of gratuitous sex and violence, we will be contributing to the general decay of society from causing children to become even more desensitized to personally destructive choices and behavior.
We mention our concerns to the producers who threaten to hire another director to finish the film. There are at least three options available to us. What should we do?
Analysis
“Option A” (add the scenes) is the response of a Pirate. What we do well as a species is rationalize, enabling us to justify any thought or behavior.
Note: Every species has remarkable traits and abilities. For example, an eagle can spot a mouse in a field from 1000 feet. Seals can hold their breath underwater for over an hour, and bloodhounds have been known to track a scent for more than 100 miles. Our ability to justify is so keen we can fabricate reasons why it is good NOT" to win the lottery. To illustrate, we won't know who our friends are… all that money will make us lazy… having so much money will affect relations with family and friends… over 1/3 of lottery winners eventually go bankrupt… and so on.)
We must not use our expanded mental capacity (enabling our ability to justify) to believe what is not true. There is no justification for hurting children, period. If we add the scenes of sex and violence, we would be performing as a Pirate.
“Option B” (walk away) would be irresponsible and, therefore, is not the response of a Patriot. We have an obligation to our family as well as to ourselves to be successful. Becoming banished from the movie business would prevent us from making socially empowering films. We do not need to be a martyr to be a Patriot. On the contrary, we need to be in the fray and viable if we are to make a positive contribution to society.
“Option C” is our best response. We should do what is necessary to make a better film.
Note: There is an old saying, “You can't make a great film without a great script.” A Patriot would insist on perfecting the script before shooting begins.
The cost of bringing in a team of strong writers to rescue an otherwise doomed project is far less than making a bad movie or shooting additional scenes to add excitement to a dull story. Instead, we would settle on a strong script and then make a great movie. This is the surest way to achieve success and increase our stock as a director.
Situation #2
We oppose the war in Iraq. We feel strongly about expressing our opinions. After all, we are smart and we might even have some military experience. We are approached by others to join them in public protest. We make a sign calling for the abrupt halt to hostilities in Iraq and the immediate removal of our troops.
We hear a debate on TV about the issue of protest. Is it patriotic to protest the war publicly and show displeasure toward our President? We know the enemy will see the protest as evidence America is divided. We know our troops will likely encounter more resistance because of our actions, possibly causing some of them to become wounded or worse. Yet our right to assemble peaceably and speak out in opposition is protected by the First Amendment. What should we do?
Available Options
We pick up the sign and join our friends. We are being patriotic because we are fighting for our country the best way you know how. Even though we are not in harm's way like our soldiers in uniform, we believe we are doing our part. We are performing as Patriots.
We decide not to join the protest and instead watch a reality show on television.
Neither answer is that of a Patriot.
Analysis
“Option A” is the response of a Pirate. Our large brain gives us the ability to do more than just find solutions to problems. It also enables us to justify any action we take. Yes, public protest is a right protected by the First Amendment. However, sometimes not exercising a right is best for America.
In a republic, representatives are elected to make decisions on our behalf. After all, they have the time, knowledge and resources to discover the best options when faced with important and complex decisions. As such, we ought to work through our elected representatives and use the power of the vote to express dissatisfaction.
Why embolden our enemies and endanger our troops when we can work within the system that made our nation great? Picking up a sign and protesting may make us feel good, but it is the way to protest in a democracy – the form of government in which decisions are made by the prevailing citizen majority.
As we know from the “Learn” link (in the “About” section located on the horizontal menu), America is a republic, not a democracy. In a republic, picking up a sign denouncing a decision made by our elected representatives is unpatriotic in a republic, and the action of a Pirate.
Note: Imagine employees of Microsoft Corporation picketing outside the company headquarters, demanding the company make some change in strategy. Would such a tactic be good for the company?
“Option B” – is not the response of a Patriot. Deciding not to protest and watch television instead is not the response of a Patriot. If we feel strongly about something (such as opposing a particular foreign policy decision), we should participate but in accordance with good citizenship in a republic.
Situation #3
We have been married for several years. We have two children, ages nine and four. We have not been fulfilled in our relationship for some time, though we have tried to make it work. We have gone through counseling, bought the books and listened to the tapes, hoping for a miracle that would rekindle the good feelings we once had.
We have lost confidence in our future together. With no remedy in sight, we are contemplating getting a divorce. We are concerned about the children, but we hear it is better to be happy for their sake — that it would be worse for them if we remain married and live together unhappily. What do we do?
Available Options
We file the paperwork for divorce. Our happiness is important too. After all, if we are not happy, how can we be good for our children? After the divorce, we will redouble our efforts to be good for them. We will each find good partners who will love our children as we do, and give them the support they need.
We find a way to make things work until our youngest child becomes 18. We believe we are obligated to finish the job of raising our children.
Analysis
There are ways to make our relationship work. It may not be personally fulfilling, but it can be cordial and productive. When we marry, we make a promise to America that if we have children we will raise them in a safe and stable household until they become adults.
Note: It is the obligation of parents to raise their children to become moral, healthy, well adjusted, service providing, taxpaying members of society. Every child who becomes a liability to society takes 6 to 8 taxpayers just to offset the extra costs to it. Studies show that children of divorced couples have a higher incidence of difficulty in life. As such, “Option A” is the response of a Pirate.
Marriage is not about love, nor is it a commitment between two people.
Note: The commitment between the partners in the relationship is made at the moment of engagement.
In contrast, Marriage is a commitment between the couple and America. In this commitment, the couple promises to raise America's future citizens to become service providing, taxpaying members of society. They promise to form and maintain a safe and stable household until their youngest child becomes an adult — giving their children the best chance to flourish.
We realize marriage is a selfless act of love for our children and America. As such, we are committed to find a way to fulfill the promise we made. This means, as Patriots, we will choose “Option B” and find a way to work together until our youngest child becomes an adult.
Note: In the workplace, we often work with people we do not especially like, yet we are civil and productive.
Situation #4
We are a successful actor and vocalist. Because of our fame, we are sought by manufacturers to represent their products to consumers, and we are happy to do so. The manufacturers are willing to pay a lot of money for us to represent their products because they know consumers tend to model what we like. It's a happy relationship, and all is well.
We have worked hard to become successful, and we want to enjoy our success and live life our way. Again, all is well. It seems the more trouble we get into, the more famous we become. We are living the high-life — one of decadence and gratification. Our fans love our rebel image and reputation for living on the edge because it excuses their individual indulgences.
Unfortunately, some do-gooders in society are asking that we modify our lifestyle. They claim the youth in America are imitating our poor decision making and bad behavior just as they do our hairstyle and the clothing brands we represent.
Our initial response is to reject the notion that we are a role model. Yet, deep down, we see the merit of their argument. We do have great influence over others. What do we do?
Available Options
We tell the critics to take a hike. We are not a role model and never asked to be one. Moreover, we do not feel comfortable giving advice to anyone, especially if that advice would obligate us to follow it.
We reflect and accept our newfound role as “role model for America.” Although it makes us uncomfortable and we will be inconvenienced because of it, we realize we have a responsibility to endorse good behavior. Moreover, setting a good example will have a positive effect on America's youth — our nation's future adults.
Analysis
Like it or not, it is human nature for people to revere those who are famous (those who are dominant). Then again, if not for that characteristic, celebrities would not be rich and adored by millions of fans — nor would companies pay them to represent their products and services.
As a famous actor and singer, what we say does influence others, especially those who admire us because of our success. Yes, we are not required to modify our behavior and empower our nation's youth. However, if we choose “Option A” and refuse to accept a leadership role, we would be performing as a Pirate.
If we choose “Option B,” we can be congratulated for performing as a Patriot. This is how we can best serve our country. Setting a good example can make at least a small (and possibly a big) difference to the future of America. Yes, we are not required to modify our lifestyle, but doing so will empower the youth of America. That is what makes us patriotic. We are not choosing behavior unless it is also good for America.
Note: Naturally, we cannot force celebrities (those in a dominant position) to make empowering choices, setting an example that will strengthen America. However, those who do the right thing should be lauded as “Patriots.” In contrast, celebrities (those in a dominant position) that are self-serving at the expense of America should be labeled “Pirates,” and be reminded they are undermining our civilization.
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