Resetting the Moral Compass
As the
massacre of Palestinians in Gaza becomes more macabre, we are confounded by the
indifference of some powerful nations who not only have the ability to stop it,
but in fact actively enable the horrific actions. Some claim to be the
birthplace of the lofty philosophies of humanism, others are brothers in faith
to the Palestinians. Gaza is the mirror
in the fairy tale in which the evil step mother can no longer see her
reflection as the most beautiful in the realm.
The history
of humanity has sadly been almost continuously trapped in wars fed by rage,
revenge, greed or the desire for expansion. What shocks the world today, is the
cold indifference with which this one is waged. Instead of the shattered limbs
of children, there is talk of real estate, and historic trade deals. This is a
far cry from the literature, art, philosophies and religious beliefs that have
formed the narratives that have shaped the world thus far.
Is this the
crescendo of an orchestra that has been playing for some time? Direct or
indirect colonization unraveled the social systems of many nations, and
replaced these with their own values, promising salvation, and a place at the
table of plenty.
By the time
the 80s arrived, it became evident which way the world was heading. Following
on the era of the more communal and idealistic values of the 60s and 70s, the
mantra of the 80s was a strong "look out for yourself" mindset. It
was an era of consumerism, rise of the young urban professional invested in
Wall Street, a time of prioritising personal gain even if at the expense of
social and environmental responsibility.
The rest of the world was to be seen as locations of lucrative mines and oil
wells, whose people were a mere obstacle to be distracted with internal
disorder to enable the exploiters to go about
their business. There was a rise of conservative political ideologies
and rapacious economic growth. Morality
was sidelined. The world was drawn in like moths to this blinding light.
The children
of the 80s are today emerging into key positions in businesses, educational
institutions and governments. A digital generation, they are connected to
stories all over the world, support sustainable practices, promote diversity
and inclusion, and advocate social justice. Interestingly research shows every
social media network has shown people to be overwhelmingly pro-Palestine,
uncomfortable under heads of states of an older generation, whose decisions
they are reluctant to live with.
There is
clearly a moral battle going on in the world today. The archvillain of the
superheroes, Loki, has been heavily promoted by Hollywood and Marvel Comics as
was The Joker, who spread Chaos and anarchy, glamourizing the villain. They
represent the complexities of morality that millennials often grapple with in
an uncertain world.
Distinctions
are made between ethics, morality and conscience. Therapist, Steve Carleton,
points out that ethics is an externally imposed set of standards or rules that
must be followed to maintain social order. A moral compass provides guidance in
making ethical decisions, while a conscience serves as an internal warning
system to alert us when we have violated our moral code. Finding one’s moral
compass has become more difficult than ever before as we live in what he calls
‘a fractured world’.
People
across the world have come to expect less of people in authority, whether in
government, the judiciary, security forces, journalism, religious institutions,
or private organisations. Some experience a collective depression, other just
accept it as the new norm and make it work for them. The majority follow a ‘daman bacha ke rakhna’
( keep your hem clean) approach -
protect your own reputation, rather than take a more proactive role in
promoting morality in society.
Yet, the
teaching of morality starts in the home, where children learn moral behaviours
through the process of imitation of the behavior of their elders. Psychologists
Jean Piaget and Albert Bandura have developed guidelines for the development of
morality in childhood, especially between the ages of two and seven. Children
need clear definitions of acceptable and unacceptable behavior, not only in the
home but also in society, nurturing empathy, critical thinking, and a robust
sense of justice and fairness.
Today
parents do not make time for their children, are more likely to defend their
child’s wrongdoing, and reward them with material possessions rather than inculcating
personal pride.
Older
societies used stories, myths, and legends to impart moral lessons. Rituals and
ceremonies often symbolize important moral principles, such as respect for others,
reverence for nature, or the importance of sharing resources. Taught with love,
these values remain with us throughout our lives.
Durriya Kazi
May 19, 2025
Karachi
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