Yeoh Siew Hoon is subjected to a moment of truth.
One of the toughest questions to be asked by a child is, "Is it right to lie?"
We all know it isn’t right to lie, yet everyone has the right to lie when the time is right.
Let me put it another way. When I was asked this question out of the blue by a 13-year-old girl, I thought hard before I answered, "It’s wrong to lie but it’s okay not to tell the whole truth if doing that does not add value to the other person."
Of course, that completely confused her, and me.
"Give me an example," she said.
"Well, for example, if you think someone is really ugly – but remember, there is no such thing as an ugly person because everyone is beautiful inside – it wouldn’t do the person any good if you told her that to her face, would it?"
"Yes, but what if this ugly person goes around thinking she is beautiful and acts like she is beautiful until we can’t stand her anymore? Wouldn’t it do her good to bring her down to earth?"
Where do they make teenagers these days? I swear when I was 13 I never thought like that.
Anyway, I won't tell you the rest of the conversation because I don't recall how it ended and I wouldn't want to lie to you.
What I do want to share with you is this television programme I recently caught an episode of – I absolutely detest it for what it represents but I am absolutely riveted to it for what it brings out in human nature.
Okay, I lie. I watch it because it's got everything you want – drama, suspense, tears, shock, horror, "Oh My God" moments, emotional devastation ...
It’s a game show called "The Moment of Truth" in which the contestant is strapped to a chair that’s fitted to a polygraph machine and he or she has to answer questions truthfully.
For each honest reply, they earn money, and they can make up to US$250,000. Lie and they end up with nothing.
The contestant is accompanied by family and friends who literally decompose before your very eyes as truth after truth is told and their friend, son, daughter, boyfriend, husband, wife, whatever, turn out not to be the person they thought they were.
Most of the tough questions relate to sex, of course. "Have you ever had sex with someone else other than your husband?" This, while hubby is watching. "Have you ever had sex in your family’s furniture store?" This, while Mama is watching. "Have you had sex with more than 100 women?" This, while current girlfriend is watching.
Watching the show is like waiting for a train wreck to happen. You're riveted because you wonder how far people will go for money. You know it’s all going to end up in tears. And you wonder how they will look their friends and family in the eye after all their secrets have been exposed.
Personally, I think a little mystery is good in any relationship. In other words, don't lie to me but don't tell the whole truth either.
Honest.
