You walk into the break room at work. It’s your birthday, but you’re not sure that anyone at work knows that. But as you walk in, there’s a giant sheet cake on the table, and all of your coworkers are gathered around. Your name is emblazoned in icing on the top of the cake, and everyone yells, “Happy Birthday!” You sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of cake, and gather with everyone.

You might hear a call for public condemnation in many places. Perhaps some public official does something that is deemed inappropriate, and so calls come from the public for others in office to denounce and condemn his actions. Perhaps a CEO’s misconduct will lead to condemnation from his company’s board. Perhaps a grassroots campaign will urge you to call your representatives in Sacramento or Washington to condemn some bill moving through the legislature. We’re familiar with condemnation, and even public condemnation, of misconduct or ideas that seem potentially dangerous, unwise, or misguided.