There's something to be said for authenticity

(Fair Use)

There’s a popular coping mechanism called “fake it ‘til you make it.”  Yet not everyone can pull that off.  Some are just too darn honest.  And yet they get slammed for being impolite.

Such was the plight of a recent Jeopardy contestant.  When Ryan Bilger went down during the semi-finals, the camera grabbed a shot of his disappointment.  He managed a weak version of applause for the winner while keeping his head somewhat bowed.  For this he was said to lack graciousness by those who are steeped in so-called righteous indignation.

Not many of us would be genuinely pleased to have our crushing moments magnified on national TV.  Yet that’s what often occurs, be it during sports events or game shows.  When star athletes are injured, instant replays abound.  As Phil Ochs once sang in his opus Crucifixion: “And do you have a picture of the pain?”

After time allowed Bilger to gather his emotions, he was able to offer this congratulatory response to the winner:  Veronica played a brilliant game and is an amazing human to boot!  Graciousness need not be an immediate response.  It can be cultivated over time.  Patience with this process is also a sign of graciousness.

Resources

https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-05-28-jeopardy-contestant-called-sore-loser-for-behavior-on-show/?mid=636150&rid=98364581&sc=email&pname=newsletter&cid=NATIONAL&keyid=National%20iHeart%20Daily%20NewsTalk&campid=headline6_readmore

Copyright May 29, 2021 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved