Some may find this an interesting topic for today. In my opinion there is a new philosophy being espoused by people which is sweeping the world and all of its institutions. That is today people have developed a new perspective of morality. It is not the morality that many of an older generation grew up with and understood. That which is set and accepted by society and which has been the glue that holds society together. No in my opinion it is in fact the morality of self. In fact many do not even know it exists or just what I am talking about. I can understand that when one looks about at people, their signs and symbols, words and deeds because many just go through the motions without thought as to consequences, cause and effect. Certainly not everyone but a significant number. However, this new concept does and is a major player in todays society. This new philosophy is called ethical relativism.
So just what is this if you haven't heard of it before and how does one recognize they may even be practicing it? Basically it is a philosophical view that what is right or wrong and good or bad is not absolute, exact or the only standard one can apply but that morality is variable and relative, depending perhaps on the person, circumstances, or maybe social situation. it is in my opinion like the Theory of Selective Application. In other words who is to say what is good or bad for someone? Who, or what, gives anyone that authority to judge anothers deeds, etc and who is to say what is right or wrong about those deeds? In other words and I apologize for the purposes of illustration and not to offend you but, who the hell are you to tell me what is right or wrong? In other words it matters not what society deems moral but what "I" identify as moral. What suits me is good for me so let me worry about it. Do you want a real life example? Ok, lets look at the so-called illegal immigration issue. Many don't like it mentioned in that vain and get mad but it is saturated by fact. Even the term "immigration" is a lie when we use the term in relationship to morality and the real process of immigration. There is no longer any moral failure or immorality as once envisioned in the breaking of law, stealing of ID, lies, and the breaking of sworn oaths. No it all fits very nicely into this new moral philosophy. It discards all the absolutes and mixes in anything else that will give it acceptance, or hides the negative aspects of the act. It makes the act good rather then what it really is. Of course along with that those will call it everything to make it acceptable and deny it is immoral but none the less it is exactly what it is. Now one can agree whole heartedly there is exploitation here. It is just that once again critical elements are never mentioned. Like the thief who knows where the goods are stashed but does not tell the police. Yes, like omitting Mexico's role in it all. In fact Mexico has the gall to lecture us, another nation about what we should do and get this, with their poor while they are the cause. Tell me there isn't a moral crisis there? Yet, these same people who support Comprehensive Reform rarely to never mention that. They never see the moral consequences of their actions. Thery instead make it the right thing to do and reverse it and turn it on those who, get this, want to observe the law, be it civil or church. Once again turn a negative into a positive and a positive into a negative. "Works for me"!
Now we can certainly go down a rather large list where this is applied and blatantly I might add in other aspects buzzing the papers and the world press. The acceptance of this view, perspective, and philosophy is also sweeping the cultures of the world and it is all wrapped up in the me now concept and mind our own business attitude of this generation. We have seen it most definitely in the statements of world leaders, blatant and outright lies and not even a hesitation. Yet, these people are given a place of honor and many look up to them. Says a lot, doesn't it?
Yes, these people do not care or have even the slightest concern and will tell you first hand "mind your own business." It is seen each and every day in every single aspect of our lives and in the majority of people. I did not say all, but in the majority of people and their interactions with others. From a simple sales transaction, to the politician promising the moon and delivering what they want, to the credit card bleeders who charge exorbitant rates and fees, to home owners insurance, to taxes, to broken infrastructure, to sexual abuse or children and the innocent, to blaspheme, to neglect and yes, even those simple promises we make to each other at work or at home.
Yes, morality is just another word to be used as one desires. So, look around and tell me it is not so. Yes, morality is for the few, those who really are what they profess to be, those who do what they profess, [certainly I am referring to good people because we cannot forget that many profess evil and do it and certainly we can now argue who defines that evil?] no, it is in my opinion those who obey the law, what a novel idea and those who practice the virtues of compassion, mercy and sharing and who are recognized by those deeds and acts as a means of identification. Once again we are now back to opinion and who's is right wrong? Yes, a very confused situation to say the least.
So what it all boils down to is that we all know our position on this. The rape of a child in the eyes of some is fine. Oh, that troubles you? Well it should but no longer in this day and age because to some it is acceptable and it does not shock everyone. We may say different outwardly but in our heart of hearts we know if what we profess is the opposite of what we truly believe or do. How does one know? Very simply, it shows up in your works, your actions, your deeds, your words, your commitments, yes, and your very character.
So when you go to church and shake the minister, priest, or rabbis hand and he speaks about morality go home and search deep inside. Are you moral as it was once considered or do you favor that new ethical relativism? Do you say thats ok for me but don't you break the law or do that deed? Do you consider yourself a humanitarian who all the while approves of the breaking of law, the commission of sin, the breaking of oaths, the making of promises you know you will not keep, the spreader of lies and deceit, the exploiter of people, the merchant of greed, the luster of pleasure, etc and find no fault with it and actually approve? As I stated, only we know who we really are but it is the others who know you by your thought, word and deed.
Yes, like the morality of old, many of us come from another time, a long, long time ago that evidently is passing or has already gone. That is not to say we are saints. It is just to say in my opinion we had a line we would not cross. It was that fear of the consequences that kept marginal people in check. It says that anything is possible and and yet it speaks to what I believe is destruction of society norms. It says that laws can be applied by those who have the power to as they see fit and for what purpose they want, ignoring, changing or simply avoiding the law as necessary or when required. Oh you think not, that opinion is too drastic? Well think long and hard about that.
That line exists in my opinion no longer and anything is fair game. I guess history will eventually be the judge and not man?
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright 2007, , Copyright 2007 Robert Melaccio Sr.
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