Double Standard: 2. a set of principles that applies differently and usu. more rigorously to one group of people or circumstances than to another.-Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 11th Edition.
‘You shall have the same law for the stranger and for one from your own country; for I am the LORD your God.’
–Leviticus 24:22 (NKJV)
Diverse weights and diverse measures, they are both alike, an abomination to the LORD.
-Proverbs 20:10 (NKJV)
You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
-Romans 2:22 (NKJV)
“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.”
-Luke 6:42 (NKJV)
One of the most common issues faced by society (at large) is the double standard. While it may be interesting to pursue a study of how and why it has come to be, I’d prefer to focus on the fact it currently is; then, spend our time on developing the ability to identify it and it’s negative consequences on our society. In order for something to be corrected, it must be realized and identified.
In order to have a functioning society there are certain things we must mutually agree are objectively bad. It’s impossible to have a functioning society in which there are no objective standards. If there are only subjective standards, eventually there will be conflict. One person/ group will view [insert item here] one way; another group will view [insert item here] another way. The degree of conflict will be directly proportional to the degree of consequence faced by the non-prevailing party in this subjective dispute.
Most issues are trivial. Most things are matters of preference. There are some things that must be non-negotiable. These things are objectively good or bad regardless of cultural differences or other subjective practices which have become codified through use by a majority of the [insert demographic here].
Let’s consider an example. Let’s say you have two children. One child you discourage from running with scissors and playing with fire because of safety issues. If that child runs with scissors or plays with fire you punish him/ her. Let’s say, on the other hand, you encourage your other child to run with scissors and play with fire. You believe allowing this child to do this will teach them to be responsible and deeply ingrain the idea of unintended consequences. When this child runs with scissors and plays with fire, there is no punishment because in his/ her case these actions are virtuous. Under these circumstances, what would happen to your family?
Let’s consider another example. Let’s say two people are at their wedding. One party does the customary vows: to have and hold, to be faithful, to honor, for better, for worse, etc. Let’s say the other party takes the vows of: may or may not be faithful, may or may not stick around for better or worse, may or may not honor, will do whatever he/ she wishes to from day to day with no consideration for his/ her spouse. What kind of relationship would that be? Would it last? Would it be healthy? Would any religious organization be stupid enough to allow this type of vow at a wedding ceremony?
Disclaimer:
Considering the trajectory of religious organizations today, this may in fact become a “thing”, sooner than later.
Let’s examine a real world, real time example of the double standard and why it’s important…