2022-05 Two Sides To Every Story
I came across a short story involving one of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin when he was a young printer at a newspaper.
Two Sides to a Story, By Wayne Whipple
While Franklin was struggling along, burdened with debts, a respected neighbor came in with an article which he said would make a stir, give the newspaper life, and pay well.
“I am glad to have something to give the paper life and make it entertaining,” Replied Franklin; “ I will read this as soon as I can.” “ I will call tomorrow,” said the man of influence. “I know you will like it - it is a needed rebuke.”
When young Franklin came to read the article, he found it full of bitterness and ridicule-written in a spirit of revenge. He felt sure that, if printed, it would be read by those interested in such personal attacks. It would make people laugh, but he decided not to publish it because it would do a wrong to a certain person.
He needed money badly. He went to the baker's and bought a two-penny roll, ate it in his office, and slept the sleep of the just.
Next day the wealthy citizen called and asked:
“Have you read it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What do you think of it?”
“That I cannot use it, sir.”
“I am not sure but that it would be a wrong to the person you have attacked. There are always two sides to a story. I should not like such things printed about me.”
“But you will lose the money, young man, have you thought of that?”
Young Franklin drew himself up, in the strength of his young manhood, an answered slowly and firmly:
“I am sorry to say, Sir, that I think the article is scurrilous and defamatory. But I have been at a loss, on account of my poverty, whether to reject it or not. I, therefore, put it to this issue. At night when my work was done I bought a two-penny loaf, On which I supped heartily. Then wrapping myself in my great coat, I slept soundly on the floor until morning, when another loaf and a mug of water afforded a pleasant breakfast.”
“Now, sir, since I can live very comfortably in this manner, why should I prostitute my press to personal hatred or party passion for a more luxurious living?”
The next time New Jersey wanted paper money printed, it was Franklin who was sent for.
These days, it is very common to read many one-sided stories. Almost everyone in this world has the tools of social media to do so. We don’t need a large printing press like Benjamin Franklin. Our printing press fits right in the palm of our hand. Sometimes we are the ones who post these personal attacks or rebukes in anger. Sometimes we are the victims of such messages. My own children have had experience with negative one/sided comments against them, and I’m very confident that many of you have also experienced this. Take a look at the comment sections of most news websites and you will see some of the anger and rage in opinions… Actually… don’t look it up. Just take my word for it. Everyone knows that we are in a very polarized time of the world. One thing that may be a good idea is to pause for a second before sending a heated post, email, or text message to someone that has done us wrong and ask ourselves, “will this make matters better or worse?” “Is this reflective of how I should act as a Scout?” One thing I was told when I was a kid was to count to ten if I was angry… and afterwards if I was still angry… keep on counting until you have calmed down.
Let's always remember the points of the Scout Law, Friendly & Kind. And to always be friendly and kind to everyone, even those who have done us wrong.