That’s a Weird Thing to Lie About | This American Life | Episode 855
From This American Life
The main topic explores the perplexity that autistic individuals, like Casey, experience regarding the frequent and often transparent lies used in social interactions by neurotypical people. It highlights a shared confusion within the autistic community about why such dishonesties, often categorized as social niceties or "white lies," are perpetually accepted in discourse despite their lack of truthfulness.
Key Takeaways
- Autistic insights reveal that neurotypicals' 'white lies' often puzzle those who value radical honesty.
- Lying isn't just deception; it's a social lubricant for many, but autistic folks feel its weight more acutely.
- Funny how 'It's great to see you' is a common greeting, yet many don't actually mean it at all.
- Casey's approach to honesty challenges workplaces: can we skip the pleasantries and still get things done?
- Honesty can pave the way to intimacy, yet many still choose the comfort of polite fictions—even at the cost of vulnerability.
Mentioned in This Episode
- This American Life (media)
- Masha Gessen (person)
- Tom McMaster (person)
- Les Get Real (media)
- Surge Desk (media)