The Line is Right There: A Talk Show Reality Check

The host, Ryan, is seated across from you, Kadija, with an air of faux curiosity that thinly veils his attempt to provoke a “debate.” The audience waits eagerly, sensing the tension in the room.

Ryan:

“So, Kadija, you talk a lot about clarity, knowing what’s right and wrong, but let’s be real — how can anyone actually know where the line is? Isn’t it all subjective?”

You (leaning back slightly, eyebrow raised):

“The line? Ryan, the line is exactly where your best ends. What do you think happens after that? You drop off the cliff? You take a nap? It’s common sense.”

Ryan (chuckling nervously):

“Okay, but life is full of gray areas. Surely, it’s not that simple — ”

You (cutting him off, sitting forward):

“Gray areas exist because people like to sprinkle them over their nonsense to justify their trash. You know exactly where the line is, just like everyone else does. You cross it when you ignore your conscience, make excuses, or ask questions like the one you just did. Why? So you can pretend there’s no line at all? Please.”

The audience erupts in laughter and scattered applause. Ryan fidgets with his cue cards, clearly trying to recover.

Ryan:

“But what about — ”

You (raising a hand):

“Don’t. Don’t even try to give me one of those made-up hypotheticals about morality. You know, the ones that start with, ‘What if someone’s dangling off a cliff with a basket of kittens while you have to choose between saving them or stopping a train?’ That’s not real life, Ryan. Real life is making the right choice when no one’s watching, even when it’s inconvenient. Everyone knows what’s right, but most people lie to themselves because it’s easier than doing the hard thing.”

Ryan (stammering):

“So, you’re saying — ”

You:

“I’m saying people need to stop playing dumb. You don’t need a philosopher or a talk show to figure out where the line is. Your conscience told you a long time ago — you just chose to ignore it. Own that and move on.”

The audience bursts into loud applause, with a few standing ovations. Ryan tries to smile, but it’s clear he’s been dismantled.

You (leaning back, calm but firm):

“Now, Ryan, do you want to talk about something meaningful, or should I let the audience take a coffee break?”

The audience laughs and cheers as Ryan awkwardly moves on to the next question, knowing he’s been outmatched.