Is it wrong to identify as something you aren’t?

Yes there is a lesson here but will anybody hear it?

Of course it is wrong.
It is a lie.

What about identifying as a cat ?

🙀 harmless if stupid.

I suppose it was a bit of fantasy that went too far.He had quite a prestigious past didn’t he and maybe in retirement he needed to continue to be admired? Am certain he really regrets it, not a big fine really but it’s the shame of it that will haunt him.

I don’t think I could get away with identifying as a cat, our cat ‘Bags’ - original name Bagpuss but he wasn’t having that - would never allow it, indeed he isn’t totally okay with us identifying as humans.
😂

BlueBelle

What about identifying as a cat ?

Too many people are under the impression if they say they are XYZ then the rest of us have to go along with their delusions…

BlueBelle

What about identifying as a cat ?

That is an insult to cats, and in fact I've heard they are instructing solicitors to act against anyone who attempts to impersonate them !

Oreo

I suppose it was a bit of fantasy that went too far.He had quite a prestigious past didn’t he and maybe in retirement he needed to continue to be admired? Am certain he really regrets it, not a big fine really but it’s the shame of it that will haunt him.

I agree with this. It was said he was filled with remorse. Obviously was wrong on several levels but I do think he now sincerely regrets it.

I think people who pretend to be Rear Admirals are fairly harmless in comparison with people who pretend to be medical doctors* or qualified nurses.

I believe some people pretend to have PhDs or DPhils but that again seems relatively harmless.

Of course, it is morally wrong to pretend to have qualifications you don't have or to be something you are not.

*eg Gillian McKeith

No, he didn't pretend to be a medical professional but he is still guilty.

However, there must be something wrong with someone to want to pretend to be someone important who has earned so many medals, standing alongside veterans who had earned their medals. He carried a huge sword, apparently, and his medals included a DSO, all bought online.

He may get a fine of £500.

I believe some people pretend to have PhDs or DPhils but that again seems relatively harmless.
Depends on the job.
I worked with someone who did that very many years ago.

Magenta8

I think people who pretend to be Rear Admirals are fairly harmless in comparison with people who pretend to be medical doctors* or qualified nurses.

I believe some people pretend to have PhDs or DPhils but that again seems relatively harmless.

Of course, it is morally wrong to pretend to have qualifications you don't have or to be something you are not.

*eg Gillian McKeith

I'm not bothered if someone says they are a medical doctor unless they start treating/examining people. I'm not sure what harm he would cause saying he's a rear admiral, I don't suppose he was commanding a fleet of ships.

Allira

No, he didn't pretend to be a medical professional but he is still guilty.

However, there must be something wrong with someone to want to pretend to be someone important who has earned so many medals, standing alongside veterans who had earned their medals. He carried a huge sword, apparently, and his medals included a DSO, all bought online.

He may get a fine of £500.

Hmm, yes, the big sword.

Is he remorseful for the impersonation -

or being caught out?

I guess only those close to him really will know. Yes, it's interesting psychologically to choose to do this.

Of course it's right to fine him. It's not an entirely benign thing to do.

theworriedwell

Magenta8

I think people who pretend to be Rear Admirals are fairly harmless in comparison with people who pretend to be medical doctors* or qualified nurses.

I believe some people pretend to have PhDs or DPhils but that again seems relatively harmless.

Of course, it is morally wrong to pretend to have qualifications you don't have or to be something you are not.

*eg Gillian McKeith

I'm not bothered if someone says they are a medical doctor unless they start treating/examining people. I'm not sure what harm he would cause saying he's a rear admiral, I don't suppose he was commanding a fleet of ships.

It's against the law.

He was carrying a sword too.

This clown did not even get misrepresenting as a Rear Admiral right. Lots of people, especially ex-naval people had suspected him for some time. The medals were wrong, he was claiming one of our highest gallantry awards, the one just below the VC.

My Great Uncle won this award in WW1 for an act or heroism. This man disrespects all those who like my uncle who risked their lives for their country. The most this man had ever done was be in a Combnec Cadets Corps at school.

The awards these fraudulent claims seem always to be for educational qualifications, or awards for heroism that require exceptional effort by the persom who genuinely has the award., that they are too lazy/too stupid to get

Like an Economist at the Bank of England, or a chess champion?

Yes, it's wrong.

I doubt many care, but that doesn't make it right.

Pretending to be something you’re not is always wrong, especially if you’re doing it to gain adulation, or to potentially cause harm e.g. as a doctor, or as in this instance simply causing upset to the genuine holders of the qualification.

It's almost a bit sad. He obviously wanted to be admired. And I doubt think he's particularly remorseful about his actions, he's just horrified to have been found out. Total humiliation and the opposite of the impact he wanted to have.

REKA

It's almost a bit sad. He obviously wanted to be admired. And I doubt think he's particularly remorseful about his actions, he's just horrified to have been found out. Total humiliation and the opposite of the impact he wanted to have.

I’d guess that is true of everybody who pretends to be somebody they are not. They are pathetic figures underneath the persona they present, and I do feel sorry for them, whilst in no way endorsing what they do.

RosiesMawagain

Like an Economist at the Bank of England, or a chess champion?

😁Ah yes, the Reeves curriculum vitae.

The sword was a ceremonial one.

Of course it’s wrong, but sometimes it’s also funny.