What is Our Obsession with Gossip?

Art+credits+to+Vivian+Yi%21

Art credits to Vivian Yi!

Hannah Usadi ‘19

When threatened by a predator, the Texas horned lizard sprays blood on its attacker through its eyeballs. It is able to project five feet of blood by applying pressure to its sinus cavities.

Besides the Texas horned lizard’s wild method, all living things have unique ways to protect themselves. Humans use several defense mechanisms to ensure physical and mental well-being. Perhaps one of the most unrecognized forms of protection is one we use almost every day: gossip.

After examining gossip closely, one may realize that this entertaining act we all participate in shares many similarities with the Texas horned lizard’s blood-shooting. “Predators” tend to exist within ourselves. Surrounded by classmates, we are often victims to worries and self-doubt as we struggle to find inner-confidence and stability. By criticizing others, we find comfort in subconsciously validating our own lives.

Not only does gossip provide comfort to those participating in it, but it is one of the oldest forms of entertainment. In the absence of advanced technology, verbal chatter kept communities interconnected. The prevailing attitude in biblical times, however, considered gossip “sinful”. According to the Old Testament, a gossiper’s main goal is to exalt themselves while putting others down. Unlike other biblical sins, such as murder and adultery, most people naturally gossip about all types of people and situations. Nearly 60% of all our conversations are about other people, and 93% of the time, gossipers do not intend to hurt the subject of the gossip. Since so many engage in it, is gossiping is a healthy way to transfer information and assure self-confidence?

Albert Wen ‘19 does not believe that gossip is a matter of right versus wrong. He contemplates, “I think that it’s human nature. People want to know more about other people’s lives because they feel insecure about their own.”

Cathryn Lu ‘17 offers an ethical spin, arguing that it is a moral duty to actively prevent ourselves from gossiping. The negative impacts that gossiping has far outweigh the temporary satisfaction that it provides. Instead of talking about peers, Lu offers that “we can instead focus on the depressing issue of the 2016 election, or the general trials and tribulations of schoolwork.”

Although students disagree on whether gossip is acceptable, both agree without a doubt that gossip fills the halls.

When a Texas horned lizard uses its defense mechanism, it loses nearly one third of its blood and consequently endangers its health. Perhaps when we gossip, we similarly lose a little bit of our blood. If our blood represents our ethical values and character, we certainly sacrifice to gossip. Despite our self-determination, our instincts seep into the crevices of decision-making. Next time you find yourself whispering gossip into the ear of a friend, remind yourself of what you are truly desiring: self-exaltation.