Lying - a cultural issue?

[tonyaminton]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "serenadust" <jmmears at c...> 
wrote:
> --- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "Ali" <Ali at z...> wrote:
> > I watching a programme this week called "Child of our Time" which 
> > showed 3 year olds learning how to lie. The commentator, a famous 
> > Doctor presentator, said that this was a really important 
> > developmental issue as the average adult lies 3 times every day.
> 
> <snip>
> 
> 
> > I recall several threads concerning Harry's lies, with some 
> listees 
> > implying that lying is almost always wrong, whereas I tend to 
> think 
> > that "white" lies ie euphemisms, or lies designed to prevent hurt 
> > have their place and can be beneficial.
> > 

HUGE SNIP  Sorry great post!!
Now Tonya:

I have to add my two cents to Harry and lying.  I feel that Harry is 
extremely honest and tries very hard to tell the truth.  Look at the 
situation at the Dursleys with the Pudding cake and Dobby.  IF it was 
me and I knew the trouble that pudding and magic was going to cause I 
would have lied and told Dobby I wouldn't go back to school. I have 
tons of respect for Harry for not taking the easy way out.  He got 
that official warning and look how that came back in OOP.  I am sure 
Harry didn't know all the hassel that pudding was going to cause and 
all he had to do was say he wouldn't go back.  Anyway, I have a lot 
to learn!!  I was and have been thinking from this thread and Harry's 
lack of lying that British folks must be better at telling the truth 
then Americans.  BTW, I am an American.

Tonya, Please throw tomatoes, no eggs.  Eggs really hurt when they 
hit!!  :) ducking under the desk!!