Tears of a Clown: Reflections on Honesty, Deception, and Resilience
Honesty and Gullibility
Honest people are often more easily deceived—a paradox that can be difficult to grasp without being "programmed" for honesty. Without this innate sense of truthfulness, it’s challenging to recognize the vulnerabilities that come with it. I know this firsthand because I am one of the most susceptible. Despite countless trials, I remain steadfast in my default to honesty. Surprisingly, this has brought me peace but has also led to many moments of humiliation and disappointment.
Years of observation have shown me that honest people are often enticed by illusions, promising things they could have achieved more easily without deception. The lure of the "shiny object" or the allure of the "rabbit hole" often brings good people unnecessary grief.
The Lure of Deception
I have observed that people are especially vulnerable to deception during difficult times. Among life’s hardships, none may be more profound than enslavement—a condition that, despite its horrors, imparts deep wisdom.
My parents, for instance, held differing perspectives on slavery. Though deeply pained by it, my mother tried to find silver linings. She often spoke of her grandmother, a world-renowned seamstress enslaved yet celebrated for her craft. Her master took her across the country to design clothing, which, while a bright spot, was overshadowed by the heartbreak of her grandmother's sister being sold to a cruel master. These stories would move my mother—and our entire family—to tears.
My father, of Creek Native American heritage, told a different tale. He spoke of the "Trail of Tears" and the brutal realities of slavery, such as the "cat-o'-nine-tails." One story of my grandfather’s resistance to pain was so harrowing that it profoundly altered my life, teaching me to extract wisdom from hardship. Both parents' stories have helped me process the legacy of slavery, finding balance in its pain and pride in the resilience of my ancestry.
The Mask and the "Tears of a Clown"
I’ve often reflected on the idea of the "masquerade" and now turn to "The Tears of a Clown." Smokey Robinson’s words resonate deeply. They remind me of the sadness that comes with observing some Black people wearing metaphorical masks—symbols of the oppression endured for centuries.
I won't name names; they are irrelevant. Many don the mask out of necessity, while others, perhaps unknowingly, perpetuate their suffering. Some endure humiliation out of a sense of righteousness, while others are victims of Stockholm Syndrome or simply fear standing alone. Many follow the crowd, believing that "might make right" and that numbers validate truth.
Jesus spoke to this dynamic when he compared a rich man entering heaven to a camel passing through the eye of a needle (Matthew 19:23–26). This ancient wisdom, echoed in many traditions, warns against pursuing riches at the expense of one’s soul. Yet, many are still enticed by "shiny objects" and fall into "rabbit holes."
The Grief of Compromise
I have also witnessed people adoring the rich and powerful, even at the cost of their dignity. Some will humiliate themselves to curry favor with the corrupt, endorsing lies that conflict with religious teachings meant to guide us toward God.
The ancient Kemetic principle of Maat teaches that failing to please God invites grief, though it does not specify its form. Smokey Robinson’s words capture this truth: "Now there's some sad things known to man, but ain't too much sadder than the tears of a clown when there's no one around."
When the masquerade ends, and they are left alone with their thoughts, those who have compromised their values will confront a personal grief that is difficult to reconcile. Mental anguish is deeply personal, but freedom lies in releasing oneself from self-imposed grief and embracing a community that values mental freedom and positive transformation.
Final Thoughts
This journey reminds us of the importance of choosing honesty, resilience, and spiritual clarity over the illusions of wealth and power. Doing so can transform negative energy into positive success, freeing ourselves from unnecessary internal grief.
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