When we make decisions or choices by succumbing to unrealistic ideals or spurious promises, it can only lead to frustration, disillusionment, anger—and sometimes, financial duress. Are we living in reality or buying that illusory “pie in the sky?”
Too often, feeding into our wishes, hopes, and dreams, those seeking to manipulate our actions ask us to don rose colored glasses and to suspend critical thinking. They give us what they know we want to hear, regardless of whether or not their solutions are realistic or achievable. Forms of pie in the sky:
One of the most egregious examples is the proclivity of politicians to offer unrealistic solutions to current national and international challenges, and to knowingly making promises that have little to zero chance of being fulfilled. They play to our fears, anxieties, and anger and offer themselves as the nation’s savior: “Elect me, I am the only one who can change our country for the better!” We want to believe that they will do all that has been promised so we give them our vote, then act naively appalled when they don’t follow through or let us down. An example: Americans, remember when George W. H. Bush uttered this campaign promise, “Read my lips: no new taxes”? And how did that play out?
Another example: do we foolishly become susceptible to misleading advertising and exaggerated product claims? Do we then become angry when we don’t get the product or results we anticipated? How often do we ask, “Where’s the beef?” like Clara Peller did in that famous Wendy’s commercial? Are we buying the “Photoshopped” version of reality? Do any of these claims sound familiar?
The Federal Trade Commission seeks to protect consumers by enforcing truth in advertising laws. From their website: “When consumers see or hear an advertisement, whether it’s on the Internet, radio or television, or anywhere else, federal law says that ad must be truthful, not misleading, and, when appropriate, backed by scientific evidence . . .The FTC looks especially closely at advertising claims that can affect consumers’ health or their pocketbooks.”
But we must do our part too; we must become savvy consumers, actively and wisely choosing reality over rhetoric. Especially in the U.S. in this presidential election year we must use our heads, not just our hearts, when we cast our vote. We mustn’t allow ourselves be dazzled by showmanship or impracticality, or moved by false claims and outright lies about opponents. The world community is counting on us to make a rational choice—we can’t let them, or ourselves, down.
The Bible admonishes, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (I John 4:1) Humble, open-minded prayer is a powerful tool when making any decision. Be assured, fresh inspiration and revelation is continously available to each one of us.
Too often, feeding into our wishes, hopes, and dreams, those seeking to manipulate our actions ask us to don rose colored glasses and to suspend critical thinking. They give us what they know we want to hear, regardless of whether or not their solutions are realistic or achievable. Forms of pie in the sky:
- empty promises
- fanciful notions
- exaggerated claims
- misleading advertising
- unlikely outcomes
- preposterously optimistic goals
One of the most egregious examples is the proclivity of politicians to offer unrealistic solutions to current national and international challenges, and to knowingly making promises that have little to zero chance of being fulfilled. They play to our fears, anxieties, and anger and offer themselves as the nation’s savior: “Elect me, I am the only one who can change our country for the better!” We want to believe that they will do all that has been promised so we give them our vote, then act naively appalled when they don’t follow through or let us down. An example: Americans, remember when George W. H. Bush uttered this campaign promise, “Read my lips: no new taxes”? And how did that play out?
Another example: do we foolishly become susceptible to misleading advertising and exaggerated product claims? Do we then become angry when we don’t get the product or results we anticipated? How often do we ask, “Where’s the beef?” like Clara Peller did in that famous Wendy’s commercial? Are we buying the “Photoshopped” version of reality? Do any of these claims sound familiar?
- Look 10 years younger!
- Lose weight rapidly and keep it off!
- 9 out of 10 doctors recommend this product!
- Get the best night’s sleep ever!
- House prices will continue to rise, use your available equity now!
The Federal Trade Commission seeks to protect consumers by enforcing truth in advertising laws. From their website: “When consumers see or hear an advertisement, whether it’s on the Internet, radio or television, or anywhere else, federal law says that ad must be truthful, not misleading, and, when appropriate, backed by scientific evidence . . .The FTC looks especially closely at advertising claims that can affect consumers’ health or their pocketbooks.”
But we must do our part too; we must become savvy consumers, actively and wisely choosing reality over rhetoric. Especially in the U.S. in this presidential election year we must use our heads, not just our hearts, when we cast our vote. We mustn’t allow ourselves be dazzled by showmanship or impracticality, or moved by false claims and outright lies about opponents. The world community is counting on us to make a rational choice—we can’t let them, or ourselves, down.
The Bible admonishes, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (I John 4:1) Humble, open-minded prayer is a powerful tool when making any decision. Be assured, fresh inspiration and revelation is continously available to each one of us.
