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By Shirah Bell, Director of Everyday Holiness Program What Mussar Teaches Us About The Politics of Speech We are inundated by a tsunami of articles, Internet communications, talk shows, radio interviews and general chitchat about the candidates whom are running in the U.S. Presidential election. Much of what is said is gossip, some true and some false. It is difficult to see evidence of constraints on what people say and/or pass on to others. But is that right? Can we find help in navigating the treacherous waters of political speech from Mussar teachings? Speech is a central concern in Jewish thought and Mussar practice. The Chofetz Chaim, a 20th century sage who compiled the laws of speech, lists 31 commandments that may be violated when a person speaks or listens to potentially damaging speech, called lashon ha’ra. The rabbis weigh lashon ha’ra very heavily. They tell us it is like killing three people: it destroys the reputation of the victim, damages the perceptions of the listener, and diminishes the standing of the speaker. The Chofetz Chaim gives us many principles for guarding our tongue (shmirat halashon) which help us make sense of the ways that speaking could bring damage in our world. For example, even if we say something about someone that is true, and we say it without any malice, that does not automatically make it acceptable.
How does this apply in the world of politics, in which torrents of speech pour out about 17 year-old-pregnant daughters and middle names like Hussein from commentators and the public alike? Rabbi David Bassous, a contemporary Sephardic rabbi in New Jersey, examines whether we even have the right to discuss the private lives of public figures such as politicians and celebrities. "To report on a politician's private dealings, if it sheds significant light on his [her] character, may be acceptable," he writes. "This is because knowledge of the politician's character helps voters make an informed decision at election time. However a celebrity's private life is of no relevance to the public and should not be reported on without the celebrity's permission. These rules strike a balance between the needs of the public, who need to be informed about matters of public concern and the individual's right to privacy." http://etzahaim.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=42&Itemid=29 We are permitted to discuss a candidate’s private life, if it sheds significant light on his or her character. In fact, not speaking lashon ha’ra in a situation where there is an obligation to warn others of potential harm is also a transgression. Does that mean we have license to say everything about the candidate? What’s our responsibility when we find ourselves in a conversation in which negative things are being said about a candidate? A rabbi on the Chofetz Chaim hotline advises, “Refrain from speaking about the negative qualities. Instead, focus on the good qualities of the other candidate.” On the other hand, if we are listening to lashon ha’ra, we need to be cautious about believing it, yet not ignoring it if relevant. For example, many Obama and women’s rights supporters are actively listening to and spreading gossip about the Republican vice presidential candidate. Is it all necessary to shed light on her character? Furthermore, might it be self-defeating, keeping her in the limelight and creating unnecessary antagonism? May the care with which you speak and listen bring peace and understanding to us all. If you would like to discuss this approach or have questions, contact me at shirah@mussarinstitute.org. |
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