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

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.

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.

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 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

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.

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 !

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…

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.
😂

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.

🙀 harmless if stupid.

What about identifying as a cat ?

Of course it is wrong.
It is a lie.

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