Self-Indictment

Moral codes are interesting:  as we grow up, our parents and teachers try to explain and demonstrate the difference between Right and Wrong.  As we gain in life experience, we learn that other countries and cultures might see a situation differently.  Where does that leave us?

As an example, look at the death penalty.  Many religions teach of the sacredness of life, yet some allow exceptions when a person steps grievously outside the norms of society.  Some countries no longer execute their citizens but many U.S. states insist that the death penalty is a deterrence against violent crime and serves justice.  Where does that leave us?

What interests me about moral codes is how we internalize them:  that is, how the code becomes individualized when the finger points at us and when we choose to rationalize our own behavior.  Where does that leave us?

What does it feel like to be accused?
(Photo credit: Put an End to Blaming and Shaming,
Center for Compassionate Leadership)

If you drive a car or e-bike or scooter or bike, let me ask a question:

Do you follow all of the laws and safety codes (e.g., wearing seat belts; following speed limits; signaling; not texting; not driving intoxicated; staying in bike lanes; wearing helmets...)?

As you ask yourself this question, what are the thoughts or reasons that surface:

• I drove slightly above the speed limit because I was late for work or getting the children to school.
  
• It was a yellow light and barely turned red; I knew I could make it through safely.
• It was important that I answer that phone call or text.

And how about:  "It's okay until I get caught" -- or -- "Everyone does it"!

Have your words or actions indicted you?
(Photo credit:  Creative Commons Indictment Image, pix4free)

I guess we could talk about the difference between moral codes and driving laws, but I wonder how we would listen or discuss the implications of right and wrong in each situation?  What is driving us to defend our self-indicted actions?

 

For instance, one idea might be an ideal that guides our way of thinking (Theory Espoused) and the other is the practical reality, our actions (Theory-in-Use).
 

Where does that leave us when these two aren't aligned?

What are we learning about ourselves?
(Photo credit:  Lessons for PR Pros..., prnewsonline)

I am sure you can guess why this theme is on my mind these days!  We are living in an unusual time when the very concepts of right and wrong are being questioned; when truth and lies are blurring; and where real and fake no longer have meaning.

 

Though we were raised not to talk about religion and politics, it seems that these are the very subjects where our dialogue skills could be practiced.

 

Questions to consider:

• Is it important that society have norms and standards?
• How do we collectively determine what is right and wrong?
• What happens in a pluralistic and multicultural society when individuals do not adhere to the same norms and standards?

May we take a closer look at ourselves this week and self-indict where our actions could align better with the ideals we espouse as Americans and people of goodwill.

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

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