Yes? In comparison, at least.
If someone who’s generally a good person, or at least not a crappy one, stands up and says “I did not hijack a semi and drive it through the playground of a preschool today during recess therefore I deserve a reward,” the proper response is to just stare at them in horror because why would that sort of thing even require acknowledgement let alone a cookie.
By contrast, if someone has a history of hanging out with a group that starts fires, dumps toxic waste all around the town, yells obscenities at people as they knock over displays at the grocery store, and takes up three spaces in the parking lot when they park their vehicle, but makes a public stance saying “I am opposed to actually shooting people and will not be joining the rest of the group as they do so” …
Well, okay, they still don’t deserve actual applause, but I guess try to not roll your eyes too much as you pat them on the head and say “yay. Good on you for making the right choice, I guess.” Maybe only mutter quietly when you continue with “it’s about damn time.”
