Well if you have not heard, Marion Jones announced her retirement from the sport of Track and Field, but not before pleading guilty to lying about her usage of steroids. So today I was reading more about this story on sites like ESPN.com and CNN.com and watching their videos. Then after I had my share of that information, I read some peoples comments on ESPN.com. Boy, did these people lay it into Marion Jones. I never expected that so many people would say such hurtful comments about her. There was a great feeling of betrayal and disgust amongst the group. There were a few "rebels" who reminded us that no one is perfect and another comment on how this just makes Barry Bonds look even more pathetic. For the most part, people just threw their verbal punches at Jones. I do not know Jones, nor am I going to defend what she has done. I am just curious to why people are shocked? That one "rebel" is correct, no one is perfect. I know that is very cliche, but people still seem to forget that. While I have not taken steroids, I have not always been honorable and good. Even if you, the reader, and I have never met, I know the same is for you too. We are not perfect. People will let you down. You will let people down. I will let you down. Not one part of what I just said should be breaking news.
So what's next? When or why you forgive, if ever at all, is really up to you. Being forced to forgive someone, really defeats the purpose of forgiveness. What we can do is stop the bashing on the people that fall. I am not trying to deny anyone from expressing their feelings, but there is a reason why people do not come clean. Some of you have been in Marion Jones' shoes. It may not of been over steroids, but you have admitted your mistakes and some people laid it into you. You were called names, given threats, and shown much disrespect. For those of us who cannot understand how people like Marion Jones feel, then maybe its because we never open ourselves up. Are you afraid of what other people might say? Why do you think I have not given you, the reader, one example of my own mistake? Trust is hard to build, but easy to destroy. That is another thing you all probably know and experienced. You do not have to forgive people, be their best friend, or want to do things with them. As long as the bashing continues, so will the lies from the people with their mask on. In the case of Marion Jones, like so many others, there are no winners, only losers that got beaten up pretty badly today.
I always hear people say that their imperfections is just another part of what it means to be human. Now I am starting to wonder if not being able to forgive is just another one of those unwritten qualities of being human.
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2 comments:
There is no reason for name-calling or character assassination. However, MJ was supposed to be competing on a level playing field. She was not during those Olympic games.
People should be gracious towards MJ, as they should towards BB or Floyd Landis. But if the drugs were in their blood and the rules were clear, they should voluntarily give up the rewards they received.
Thanks Brady for the comments. I agree about voluntarily giving up what they did not fairly earned. That might help with the forgiveness, especially if its voluntarily.
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