According to the Cambridge Dictionary Favoritism can be defined as an unfair support shown to a person or a group, especially by someone in authority.
This definition gives a clear picture of the meaning of the word favoritism, and reasons to show its worthiness of being called a deadly sin. Favoritism as a sin has done more bad than good; it has made many lose their birthrights, brought families against themselves, turned close friends into enemies and on a greater scale, caused chaos among citizens of a country.
In life, we have in one way or the other been in position of authority — be it as parents or leaders of either a small or big group/organisation, which makes me think that we all have literally indulged ourselves in favoritism: we may not have come straight but our decisions as those in authority might have unfairly supported someone least qualified. And the funny thing is people don't think this act of favoritism is worth being considered a deadly sin amidst its several negative effects.
However, personally I think that favoritism can rightly be considered as the root of most (if not all) of the seven deadly sins — envy, greed, pride, gluttony, wrath, sloth, and lust. When this act of favoritism is done, the person that was favoured will have this sense of pride, as he feels he has what others do not have, also, the feeling that he has someone to favour him will naturally instigate the mentality of always coming back for more favours — greed, and when most of the favours are granted, he feels he's entitled to those favours and consequently becomes more lazy — Sloth, as he believes there's always a way.
On the other hand, the unlucky one will be envious of the other person, and this will eventually lead to hatred — Wrath, towards the person that gave the favour. With this I believe favoritism as the root of the most of the seven deadly sins have well been illustrated. Which implies that Favoritism is worthy of been considered as a deadly sin — maybe The Eight Deadliest Sin
What's funny is that most of us indulge in this act of favoritism without knowing that we have. Which makes me wonder if it is inherently in our nature as humans. So let me ask you all:
Is favoritism in our nature as humans? Do you think it's worthy of being called the Eight Deadliest Sin?
Kindly air your views on the above topic. Thanks for coming around.
