My family and I arrived at Disney World to find a crowd
awaiting entry. I casually mentioned that it was a shame that one
of the signature rides was down for maintenance. In fact, it was
functioning, but those around me overheard my remark and began to
repeat it. When the park opened, my son and I made a beeline for
the ride and were able to enjoy it twice without a wait. Was my
comment unethical? -- Philip Junker, Little Rock, Ark.
All's fair in love and Disney World? That is a tempting
notion, but one to be rejected. If you had genuinely believed
that the ride was out of order, your rumor-mongering would have
been inept but not unethical. But to deliberately deceive
everyone within earshot for your own advantage is, as I suspect
you know, discreditable. In ethics, intent counts.
Had you engaged in this puny fraud after going on that ride, I
would assume you were suffering from some sort of moral
dizziness, but given the order of events, you're merely a liar.
And a cheat. A cheatin' liar. A lyin' cheater. Which sounds more
euphonious to you? Either way, a fine title for a country-western
song.
(Readers can direct their questions and comments by e-mail to
ethicist@nytimes.com. This column originates in
The New York Times Magazine.)
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