The Moral Code: Right or Wrong?

After reading the article, “The Challenge of Cultural Relativism”, written by James Rachels, I have to say I agreed quite quickly with the ancient Persian King Darius.The difference in behaviors for specific cultures is tremendously fascinating. Why are we, as humans, so quick to judge others that speak or behave differently? Each individual was raised thinking his or her ways of life are right. What we think is morally right, is only what are parental guardians have taught us to believe is right. Nurture. Right or wrong can be defined in any culture, but when generalizing for every culture, it is much harder to pin point any specifics. When focusing on cultural relativism, I have to say I agreed strongly at first. I mean, how can there be a universal truth when not one man’s truth is the same as another’s? The more I read though, the more I found contradictions to this claim. For example, I still think each individual should follow the morals presented in their specific culture. However, if one culture condoned murder, I would certainly not say that it should still be an accepted custom within their nation. As I continued to read I saw myself slipping away from the culture relativist assertions that I, moments ago, supported passionately. These concepts of cultural relativism relate to the novel “Things Fall Apart” written by Chinua Achebe. The main tribes of some nine Nigerian villages believe strongly in honoring spirts and obeying their many gods. When strange white men begin to imperialize on their home, the two groups and their conflicting views on religion and morals begin to clash. Some conform, whereas others, like the protagonist Okonkwo, fight the change because they cannot accept that another culture could be right. The examples someone decides to use to support or oppose culture relativism is very crucial to accepting it or denying it. Also, our deepest morals that lie so innately within us influence how we perceive right or wrong in any culture and how we might act upon it. Thus, it is hard to agree on any exact belief. In conclusion, without further evidence, I don’t think anyone can say cultural relativists are, and I do apologize for the repetition, right or wrong.

Have Our Heroes Evolved?

Heroes throughout time have shared many similarities. These similarities have collectively defined them as such recognized individuals as they are. Despite the common characteristics they have shared, when examined with more detail, it becomes quite obvious that our past heroes have certainly evolved. As modern society’s priorities, ambitions, and mannerisms have been transformed, along have our perceptions of people as well. We have proof of this evolution in ancient stories of valiant gods and goddesses, epic warriors, and dauntless noblemen.  These heroes are described as being as close to perfection as possible, if not perfection. But what truly defines a hero in any era, anyway? Bravery. Courage. Confidence. Compassion. Support. The list could go on and on.  The heroes that we notice and ‘catch in the act’ today, stand out in media. However, just because some brave, courageous, confident, compassionate, and supportive people blend into society and don’t get noticed, doesn’t mean they are any less of a hero. At least this seems to be held true by modern standards. In fact, this is where the biggest difference between the past and present hero lies. Past heroes exhibit great physical strength and bravery but they have to prove themselves worthy of such a heroic title. They are less human-like, and more god-like in qualities. For example, in the older, epic poem, Beowulf, the protagonist battles monstrous creatures multiple times and wins. He is described as strong and fearless by lords and soldiers. He outwits all his enemy’s, and eventually saves his people from destruction. In comparison, todays heroes are, metaphorically, “smaller”. They are those people who don’t do it for fame, or attention, but rather for the greater good. They don’t have to be tall and muscular. They make mistakes like any human would. They could do something minor and stand up for someone who is being bullied. They could also do something major and save a child from a burning building. Today, we don’t see or portray our heroes as perfection. So yes, I would say our heroes have most definitely evolved; not for better and or for worse. In my opinion, they are just viewed differently, and as any time changes, the people and their opinions around it do as well.