Too many people follow the example of Cham, celebrating the exposure of the “erva” of generally good people. When they see a “Noach” in his moment of disgrace, they rush to publicize their findings as quickly, as loudly, and as dramatically as possible.
We read in Parashat Noach the story of Noach’s intoxication following the flood, as a result of which he exposed himself in his tent. His son Cham saw him in this humiliating condition and quickly informed his brothers, Shem and Yefet. Rather than participate with Cham in reveling in Noach’s embarrassment, Shem and Yefet covered their father: “Shem and Yefet took the garment and placed it on both their shoulders; they walked backward and covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned backward, and thus they did not see their father’s nakedness” (9:23). Upon regaining sobriety, Noach pronounced a curse upon Cham and his descendants, while granting a special blessing to Shem and Yefet.
All people have “erva” (“nakedness”), unflattering or embarrassing aspects of their lives, such as mistakes or indiscretions committed in the past, bad habits, vices, and character flaws. We all have material on our record that we wish to remain confidential and concealed from the public eye. And many of us have a tendency when shown somebody else’s “erva,” upon discovering a vice or embarrassing mistake made by another person, to revel in the discovery and try to make it as public as possible. Broadcasting the failings of others has an artificially soothing effect upon a fragile ego, allowing one to temporarily feel superior through the public disgrace of another person. And thus too many people follow the example of Cham, celebrating the exposure of the “erva” of generally good people. When they see a “Noach” in his moment of disgrace, they rush to publicize their findings as quickly, as loudly, and as dramatically as possible. And – unlike in the case of Cham – they will generally find an eager audience all too anxious to consume the information and join in the celebration of the person’s humiliation.
We are to follow the example of Shem and Yefet, whose immediate reaction was to “cover their father’s nakedness.” They recognized that despite the exposure of Noach’s “erva,” of his mistakes and failings, he deserved respect and dignity. We should be looking to conceal the “erva” – the faults and vices – of other people, not to publicize them. Certainly, one who poses a risk must be exposed so people can protect themselves. But when it comes to the “Noach’s,” generally good people with ordinary faults and weaknesses, we must show them the respect and dignity that they deserve despite their shortcomings and mistakes, rather than publicize and celebrate those shortcomings and mistakes. And we must also learn from Shem and Yefet’s example of rejecting Cham’s grotesque invitation to join in his celebration. Our tabloid culture drives countless “Cham’s” to lure us to consume the “juiciest” and ugliest gossip that has been unearthed by tireless investigators, knowing how eager people are to boost their own self-esteem by learning of the embarrassing mistakes made by others. We must respond as Shem and Yefet did, by turning our eyes the other way, by refusing to consume the gossip being served, and instead reinforce our commitment to giving other people the privacy, respect and dignity they deserve.