Define: Character

Here we go, finding a common ground of a word. A definition if you will.

Dictionary.com defines character as "the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing." This was the first definition and the one we're going to be focusing on as well as the fourth "qualities of honesty, courage, or the like; integrity."

Too often these days I hear the slander and rumors spread about people. I've heard them about myself, I've heard them about my best friend, I've probably even heard them about you. In no way am I trying to limit your "freedom of speech," but let's get one thing straight: what is the point? What does that say about you if you're the perpetrator of said bashing? Ask anyone and they'll probably call you two-faced, a liar, a cheat, any number of things. So again, what's the point?

I can understand where some these things come from. You know? A story gets misinterpreted, misunderstood, embellished, and then there's also the wonderful double-standard. But it seems, more often than not, a story is made up and names are called. It comes back to the old adage of "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." And there's a lot of truth to that. What is there to gain from tearing down someone's reputation? Think about it.

Even if you don't like a person, there's no good reason to say, "she's such a slut," or, "I heard blahblahblah." It's a matter of integrity. Gossip just doesn't sound good. It falls under the same category as cheating, but that's a post for another time. All I'm saying is take the high road. Avoid the gossip, it'll do you good. Promise.

Now that we've got that rant out of the way, let's get down to what you and I can do. We have a few options; we can a) avoid it, b) confront the slanderous person, c) tell the person(s) being attacked, or d) do nothing. I wouldn't recommend "d" it doesn't end well. If you take "c" you've got the chance of being found out as an "informant" and the receiver of the info of being hurt... in a really big way. "A" gives you the whole blissful ignorance thing and keeps you out of the "corruption." But "b" is the most noble. Stop the slander in it's tracks. Take up for the person no matter who they are.

What you choose is up to you, but keep in mind: would you want rumors said about you or how do you think the gossip makes them feel? What if they found out it was you, and you said you were their friend?