Opinions@kaleo.org | Boaz Rosen Editor | Justin Francisco Associate
Page 7 | Ka Leo | Friday, Mar. 2 2012
Opinions
Do nice guys finish last? JUSTIN F R ANCISCO Associate Opinions Editor
Consider the analogy of an infamous race: the tortoise and the hare. Hare: A person, typically male, who acts in accordance with his personal desires, regardless of the repercussions that are predictably inflicted upon others – the “asshole.” Tortoise: A person with a greater concern for others than himself – the “nice guy.” Hares’ lust for immediate gratification is fueled by excitement and vigor, making them appealing. Quick to make a move, they are detached and hardly affected by rejection – and are willing to try again with someone else on a moment’s notice. But how can you blame them? Hares will be hares not only because they see results, but also because they are
fun, compared to their reluctant and bland competitors. These “results” are supplemented by their extreme confidence in what they do. On the contrary, tortoises are thoughtful, careful and slow to action. Their overt passivity allows people to take advantage of them. They permit people to pass them by, unnoticed, and are then forgiving of it. Often, their own motives are suppressed by a fear of the unknown, and they resolve the situation by finding security in their shells. Neither tortoise nor hare characteristics are necessarily bad. In defense of hares, there is nothing wrong with being confident, assertive and fun-loving. However, assholes are also characterized by hubris and aggression, obvious problems. The solution is to fi nd moderation in tortoise and hare qualities.
And a person shouldn’t be compartmentalized as either a tortoise or a hare; someone can demonstrate hare qualities in a majority of his endeavors, but become the tortoise for a special race. Every race is different; some are more important than others. One race might be a marathon that lasts, while others are 100-meter sprints over in seconds. It all depends what, or who, you’re running for. In the short term, hares are capable of expending a lot of energy that yields immediate results. But as the story goes, when played out, the hare ends up sleeping – alone. Tortoises out there may witness hares fl ashing by you now, but if you retain your ways, remain steadfast and keep fi ghting, you’ll eventually come out on top – even if this race does last for years.
NICHOLAS SMITH / KA LEO O HAWAI‘I