Poisonous Tongues | Lies, Rumors, Gossip, Sh*t Talking

Have you ever wondered why we constantly talk behind each others' backs? Or why are some people mean spirited?

I've often noticed and wondered why that the people who are brutally honest often tend to be more brutal than honest. Then I stumbled upon this quote ---> “All cruel people describe themselves as paragons of frankness.”
―Tennessee Williams

Let's discuss some of the reasons why so many people spread rumors, lies, gossip, and shit talk.

Questions to ponder:

• Why do people talk behind others' backs?
• Do you trust anyone with your own vulnerability sharing? (Why or Why not?)
• Should we be more sensitive to other people's feelings?
• What is the appeal of gossiping?
• What is the psychology behind gossiping?
• How does gossiping and spreading rumors affect professional and social environments?
• What constitutes as shit talking?
• Should you still be friends with people who gossip and spread rumors?
• Is it ok to gossip when you know the rumors are true?
• Are people venting when they talk shit about others?
• Do people spread rumors as a form of entertainment?
• What is the role of ego & pride in spreading rumors?
• Do only insecure people gossip?
• What role does social media play in spreading rumors and lies?
• If someone spreads rumor or gossip about another person to you, are they likely to gossip about you as well?
• Should libel speech be banned?
• Are there cultural influences on gossiping? (Examples?)
• Do you gossip? Why or why not?
• Is gossiping a necessary human societal function?
• Should politicians have higher standards on spreading rumors and lies than regular people?
• What are the consequences of spreading rumors?
• Why do people lie?
• What are the ethics of lying?
• Is lying always wrong?
• What is a white lie?
• Are there exceptions to the notion that honesty is always the best policy?
• Is omission of truth still lying?
• How is sharing information different than spreading rumors?
• How do you deal with someone who has spread rumors about you?
• Why don't people saying certain things to another person's face?
• Is it our duty to stop gossiping and false rumor spreading?

Guidelines:

• If your name on Zoom does not match your Zoom name, you will be removed or not admitted.
• Hand raises are required. There are no limits on how many times you can raise your hand.
• There will be a 2-3 minute timer for every person depending the size of attendees. However, in this group, I do allow a brief back and fourth interjection from others if it's something that's related to the person who was just speaking. This is a way to prevent the group from feeling too "robotic" in style and get your pressing question asked to the speaker and get the answer right away without waiting all the way back to your turn again.
• Be authentic & civil!
• Please refrain from using Ad Hominem (personal) attacks. This includes in voice, in meeting chat, and in the comments section below. Instead, please attack the points from others. Severe Ad Hominem such as racist behavior will result in being removed from the meeting.
• Zoom link is posted well before the day of the meeting but you will not be able to join until 10 minutes before the meeting start time.