1694 – The Emperor’s New Clothes
Once upon a time, a swindler posing as a tailor tricked a royal court
into commissioning him to make a fine robe for the Emperor. After many
months, the tailor sashayed through the palace gates. He strode between
nine silver stallions on his left and nine gold stallions on his right,
all mounted by imperial soldiers. Beyond them, on a throne set high on
nine tiers of opal and jade, sat the Emperor. The “tailor” walked to the
lowest tier, fell on his hands and knees and announced that he was the
tailor who had been commissioned to make the Emperor’s new clothes. The
Emperor nodded solemnly and motioned him to ascend. Once there, the
swindler confidently and dramatically unfolded what appeared to be a
magnificent robe. He laid it at the Emperor’s feet, made a sweeping
gesture with his arm across the length of it, and described the details
of the fine material, embroidery and artwork for all to hear. He added
that only those fit for their positions could appreciate the robe’s
brilliance. The courtiers, mystified and not trusting their own
perception, cooed in awe of the robe’s splendor. The “tailor” then
helped the Emperor enrobe. He was now, he believed, covered in the
finest garment in the world! The “tailor” then whispered that if the
Emperor removed his underclothes, the robe could fall more elegantly. He
did, and again everyone marveled at the magnificence of the robe. The
swindler then departed from the palace after receiving a hefty sum from
the court.
No sooner had he left when a little boy yelled out, “The Emperor’s
naked!” “Quiet,” scolded a courtier. “But he is naked!” “Quiet!” But he
persisted. Finally, several others chimed in. Some courtiers shrieked in
horror as the truth dawned, others laughed violently, but whatever their
reaction, their delusions faded; so eventually did the Emperor’s.
Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen.
1994 – In Praise of National Hunting and Fishing Day
“Responsible stewardship of our natural resources, excellent
management of our fish and wildlife, and an enduring and deep
appreciation of these treasures comprise the essence of sportsmanship in
our state,” said the Governor, adding, “Only those with the proper
intellect and background truly appreciate what hunting does for
wildlife.”
Based on the story by the Department of Interior.
[Note: The logical parallel between the Emperor’s New Clothes and
Fish and Wildlife propaganda is not exact. In the former case, the
delusion of a benefit is created when in fact, nothing exists; in the
latter case, the delusion of a benefit is created when in fact, a
detriment exists.]
