The limits of admiration
Admiration for someone isn't wrong, but it needs limits – limits of rationality. When we blindly defend someone, we inadvertently blur the lines of the law, turning justice into something that can be negotiated with "kindness."
In recent days, social media has been abuzz with news that several prominent figures have been prosecuted and investigated for suspected violations of the law. A businesswoman known for her extravagant charity work supporting disaster victims is now being prosecuted for serious accounting violations and tax evasion amounting to trillions of dong; a popular online influencer, known for sharing her glamorous lifestyle interspersed with philanthropic activities, is also facing accusations of producing and selling counterfeit food products, including weight-loss products containing banned substances harmful to health. Immediately after the news broke, social media erupted in outrage: some expressed sympathy, others defended them, some gloated, and others condemned them.
The crowd's reaction reveals a reality: We live in an age where emotions can override reason, and admiration sometimes becomes the fine line between love and blind infatuation.
On social media, a touching video, a kind word, or an act of charity can turn someone into an "idol." They are honored, praised, and trusted. This is a familiar psychology of the crowd, the halo effect, where beautiful acts of charity overshadow any flaws.
We are easily captivated by the glamorous image: fundraising live streams, relief trucks, or heartwarming stories about life. At that point, admiration ceases to be mere respect and becomes a protective shield, causing us to overlook objective evidence. Then, when those individuals enter the legal arena, that trust shatters, leaving two extremes: either absolute defense or absolute rejection.
Crowds have short memories but powerful emotions. When we love someone, we easily idealize them, assigning them a perfect image; and when we are disappointed, we easily become extreme, denying all their former value. This kind of reaction not only exhausts us but also harms the core values of society: justice, reason, and sound beliefs.
Admiration for someone isn't wrong, but it needs limits – limits of rationality. When we blindly defend someone, we inadvertently blur the lines of the law, turning justice into something negotiable through "kindness." These cases remind us that genuine charity is commendable, but it cannot be a shield for wrongdoing. Trust needs to be placed in the right place: in enduring values, in the legal system, not in individuals with many potential variables. Justice is the foundation for maintaining trust in society, ensuring that genuine contributions are honored and mistakes are corrected.
Admiration is natural; it reflects the need to be trusted, loved, and to find positive role models in life. However, admiration does not mean blindness. We can admire someone who has done good deeds, but we cannot deny their wrongdoings if they have occurred. Similarly, we can sympathize with their mistakes, but we cannot use compassion to replace the judgment of the law. Loving someone does not mean opposing justice. Because if justice is not respected, even honest people will lose their belief in what is right.
Consider this: what would society be like if we continued to blindly admire others? Consumers would trust and buy products because of "kind salespeople," only to receive substandard goods; genuine charitable activities would be viewed with suspicion because they were tainted by personal gain. This represents a shared loss of community trust. We shouldn't turn our backs on kindness, but let's admire it wisely. Trust placed in the right place will help us build a more equitable society, where justice isn't swayed by emotions.
It's crucial to understand that the law takes no sides except the truth. Maintaining boundaries in admiration is essential for maintaining community clarity. When an idol falls from grace, instead of judging or covering up their downfall, we should view it as a reminder that no one is perfect, and the important thing isn't to blame, but for each individual to reflect on themselves. A loving society is good, but a society that loves within the framework of justice is a sustainable one.