Happiness, Struggle, and Options

A great feature of Game of Thrones is that it teaches us about reality while
it entertains. One example is illustrating how so few people are purely good
or evil. Even those we consider purely good or evil are actually, under a
keen eye, mixtures of many things.

Two people who embody this are Theon Greyjoy and George Bush.

I
wrote back in the beginning of 2007
that Bush isn’t evil in the way that many people think he is. I argued that
he was basically a mediocre person born into a life of privilege who lacked
respect from his peers and betters.

He especially lacked the respect of his father, so when he was told that
going into Baghdad was hopelessly stupid, he took that to be a challenge
that could earn him the respect he’s always wanted.

Basically he wished he was Ronald Reagan. He wished people loved him. He
wished people respected him. And due to stupidity he abused his powers to
pursue that goal.

Theon Greyjoy did the same. He was basically a good person. He loved his
brothers–even know they were also his captors. He wanted to become
something. And most of all he wanted the respect of his father. As a result,
when given power, he became something he wished he hadn’t. He became
something much worse than he was.

When I see both of these men I don’t see evil. I see circumstance inflicted
on humans. I see a cocktail of weakness, ignorance, ambition, and hurt. I
know it doesn’t excuse the behavior, but for me an explanation of the cause
weakens the blows.

But I see where it comes from, and that matters.

Look for the Bush’s and Greyjoy’s in your life. Beware of their flailing
arms, as they can hurt you, but do not mistake them for demons. And when
they stop swinging have a go at helping them.

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