Shadows and Evil

Series: Shadows and Evil - Part 2

Who Knows What Evil Lurks in the Heart of Men?

The title of this article is from the old 1930's radio show, The Shadow. Perhaps, the Shadow knows, but the rest of us do not. As I said last time, if we are not looking for evil, are not aware that evil exists, then we will not see it. There are two ways in which evil individuals can harm you, 1) They can physically, psychologically, emotionally or financially injure you, or 2) They can bring you into the family of evil one tiny step at a time. The latter is to be feared more than the former. As Hannah Arendt said, "The sad truth is that most evil is done by people who never make up their minds to be good or evil."

Recognizing Evil

Evil always wears an attractive mask. Anyone silly enough to let everyone see his or her true evil spirit is not clever enough to do great harm. Therefore, if you are watchful and diligent you should be more apprehensive about the handsome, charming, witty, complimentary, sociable, intelligent, and talented person than of the evil looking wretch on the black Harley. Remember, evil is purposely harmful and, in fact, enjoys the challenge. If you catch one of these folks in a mellow, talkative and unguarded moment you may actually hear some truths, and one truth might be he enjoys watching the turmoil that results from his actions. That is one of the interesting things about malevolent people, every once in a while they must let the mask slip. Though he will deny it later, and you may wonder if you truly saw into the dark depths of his soul - yes, you did. He will also say that he was kidding and laugh merrily--no, he was not jesting. Another indicator is when you think you are going crazy. When you spend time with this person you consistently go away wondering if you are losing your ever loving mind. I have good news - you are not psychotic. I believe, and this is my personal perception, that he enjoys watching your confusion.

Case Study

Be aware that evil is vindictive, vengeful, and devoid of all decency. They will harm anyone to achieve their goals, even people they profess to love. You might ask yourself, are they capable of love, as we understand it. No, they are not. Never forget that, because they can avow their love with an earnestness and devotion that would bring the great love poets Lord Bryon and Robert Browning to tears.

Perhaps you remember Ted Bundy and more recently, Scott Peterson. Both were attractive, likable and charming men. Bundy married former co-worker Carole Boone during his second trial. If there were problems in the Peterson marriage they were not obvious to family and friends. Evidently these men were able to convince at least one woman (and probably many more) that they had the ability to love. We want to believe the Ted Bundys and the Scott Petersons because they present a very lovable, enticing package. Normally, we do not realize that the package is nothing but smoke, lies and mirrors.

Seeing Beyond the Smile

In a small town in New England an attractive, intense man saunters into a bank. He is shown into the bank VPs office. Sarah Woodly studies him as he stands there soaking wet, water dripping from his London Fog. His snug jeans and a crisp white dress shirt are splashed with water. Sarah thinks, "This guy is really together and very cool." She is prepared to believe that his exterior charm and "coolness" are matched by his inner charm and "goodness." John Forthright, for that is his name, wears a lopsided smile as if to say, "Silly me, standing here dripping wet." His longish blonde hair, reminiscent of the 60's, and big blue eyes are indeed appealing and sexy.

Sarah: Mr. Forthright, thank you for coming in today... especially in this miserable downpour. How may I help you?

John: Please call me John, Ms. Woodly. Thank you so much for taking the time to see me today. I can see that you are a warm and caring woman. The bank is very lucky to have someone of your caliber - so is Mr. Woodly.

Sarah: Thank you, John. Please call me Sarah. You are very kind. There is no Mr. Woodly. How may I help you?

John: Sarah, I am a writer and artist, water colors primarily and I plan to open a studio, gallery here in Smalltown. After meeting you, I am absolutely sure I picked the right town. What a lovely painting behind your desk, I can see we have the same taste in art.

OK, during this brief conversation John has managed to do the following:

• Present a cute, cool and innocuous mask
• Remove business formality and go straight to a first name basis
• Learn Sarah's her marital status
• Create a sense of "us" by saying they have the same taste in art
• Act as if he understands her after 2 minutes (she is warm and caring)
• Present a romantic, artistic bio (a writer and painter)

Remember, we have only John's word about his profession. Think about this and let's see if you can sense the forced teaming in his words. He is a stranger to Sarah; she would do well to remember that.

Until next time - be aware and alert. They are out there.

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