By: Becca Hall [Staff Writer]

Most people would agree that it is great for everyone to have their own opinions and to stand up for what they believe is right. But there is a point where people can take it too far, a point that is almost certain to make others around them want to scream, and that point is when somebody becomes a hypocrite.

Everybody has been in a situation where they hear somebody say something hypocritical. Sometimes, it’s only a small thing, something that can easily be ignored. The worst times are when no matter how much effort is used, this persons double standards just can’t be ignored.

For those of you who aren’t 100 percent sure on the correct definition of a hypocrite, it is a person that talks badly about an action, and then goes and does that very same action. Lets say, for instance, somebody talks about how they just cannot stand when somebody taps their pencil on the table. This pencil tapping hater goes on a huge rampage describing every thing they dislike about pencil tapping. After they finish this, they go back to writing their paper. After a couple of minutes, you hear it. A pencil violently tapping against the table, creating a not so rhythmic song that makes you want to claw your ears out, and never the less, it is coming from none other but the pencil tapping hater themselves.

As you can see, this can become very bothersome. It can even surpass the category of bothersome and become straight up annoying. A hypocrite usually acts as if they are without flaw, casting judgments onto others that they themselves are also guilty of. The act of judging someone on an action that you also do is just ridiculous.

Hypocrites may not be aware of their actions, but sometimes they are. Often times when somebody realized they are being two-faced or hypocritical, they try to rationalize by pointing out minor differences in there actions and the judgments they made. They also may make excuses like, “I don’t do that often,” or “I couldn’t help it.” These are just ways to convince themselves and others that they aren’t being fake and judgmental to everyone, including themselves.

These double standards need to stop. People need to take a step back and look at there actions. Maybe observing day to day activities and judgments will keep people from making hypocritical statements, therefore lowering the anger and annoyance of innocent people all over. And remember, hypocrites are everywhere and can be very dangerous, protect yourself.