News flash: United States Olympian Michael Phelps got baked! Wahoo!
After admitting to "behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," Phelps has received stern criticism for his actions. While I do not condone what the 23-year-old swimmer did, I would like to use Phelps as an example of human behavior and decision-making.
In short, Phelps took a hit off a bong at a University of South Carolina house party. If this were your typical beer-drinking, narcotic-loving, tree-hugging hippie college student, no one would care. It would be expected. But this is Michael Phelps: the $100 Million Man! How dare he, right?
Furthermore, four years ago, Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He pleaded guilty and faced charges. Although Phelps considered it an "isolated incident," the bong picture indicates otherwise. I realize Phelps is young and wants to have fun, but as a celebrity he lives his life in the public eye.
It is therefore the reason journalists have written editorials about Phelps' behavior.
Michael Wilbon of the Washington Post said there should be zero tolerance for someone of his stature. In essence, Wilbon said Phelps should have known better and should not have participated in such activities because he is supposed to be a role model.
However, Wilbon's colleague of the Washington Post, Sally Jenkins, believes Phelps should be let off the hook. Basically, she says public embarrassment is enough criticism.
Because I don't necessarily agree with either writers' remarks, I will try to discuss the Phelps fiasco logically, using economics.
There are six core economic principles. These principles focus on rational behavior and decision-making.
The first principle is that people choose. Everyone has to make decisions. Although Phelps was probably hammered when he hit the bong, it is irrelevant. He chose to do what he did.
Second, people's choices involve costs. When we choose one option, we give up the opportunity to do something else. We don't intentionally make bad choices, but sometimes it happens. Economists assume rational behavior but do not believe everyone is rational. Economists believe you will not knowingly choose things that will make you worse off. However, people do things that don't necessarily make them better off.
Third, people respond to incentives in predictable ways. Incentives can be positive or negative. For being a successful swimmer, Phelps was offered several endorsement deals. But in order to keep the money, he has an incentive to be a responsible citizen.
In addition, we can change how people will respond by changing the incentives. If we change the incentives, we change the behavior.
But, the sixth core principle pertains most to Phelps' story: People's choices have consequences that lie in the future.
Sometimes our choices can lead to unintended consequences, like Bill Clinton saying, "I experimented with marijuana a time or two and didn't like it and didn't inhale and didn't do it again." Clinton probably lied because he didn't think his choice to "experiment" would have consequences in the future. Barack Obama, however, has said, "I inhaled frequently and that was the point." Good for him!
The important thing is to learn that our decisions influence our future.
So, perhaps the ole' THC in the weed led Phelps to believe he would not get caught. Whatever the case, at least he acknowledged his poor and unwise behavior. And if it's sincere, this won't happen again.
In the end, I hope Phelps realizes that the results of our choices are not just today; they may have long-term consequences.
Normally, when people make decisions they try to anticipate future costs and benefits. Yet, that is not always the case.
The future, of course, is uncertain, so decisions are risky and some decisions are mistaken.
For Phelps, it was a regrettable evening with Mary Jane.
Jason Marer is a junior social studies major and writes 'Think to Exist' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Jason at jsmarer@bsu.edu
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