Likable

Kris Dmytrenko

January 25, 2007
Isn’t direct confrontation mesmerizing? If there is any significance to the Donald Trump vs. Rosie O’Donnell feud, it is our fascination with the forthright. We’re just so accustomed to sharing grievances with confidantes, not the actual source of our frustrations. What if they don’t like me if I say something?
So I nearly fell out of my seat when I was challenged over the phone by one of the subjects of this Tuesday night’s Catholic Focus on Campus Free Speech. The accusation was media bias in my interview, because, it seems, my questions weren’t sympathetic enough. I guess I could take notes from the recent interview of Hillary Clinton, where she was asked, incredibly, “Why are you so inspirational?”
Still, the accuser's directness demonstrated integrity and was somewhat convicting for me. His principles were more important than appearing likable, something I cannot truly boast myself. Moreover, I’ve got to learn that when justice demands we speak out on behalf of the victim, the price will be that idol of fondness from the aggressor. This is something to think about on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, one who abandoned his high social standing for the call of Christ.