What would happen if the line between right and wrong became blurred? Can you imagine a world in which cheating is acceptable, lying is tolerated, and stealing is a way of life? Imagine a world in which rules are ignored, laws are overlooked, and traditions are disregarded. People compromise their integrity partly because of selfishness, partly because of ignorance, and partly because of apathy. Ouch!
Can you imagine the stress and anxiety that would result if “every man for himself” became standard behavior? How about if people felt emboldened to speak their mind regardless of whether they offended others by being rude, disrespectful, or hurtful? That would change the way that you viewed relationships, treated business associates, and raised your children. Pretty ugly, right?
You may be thinking that this “Wild Wild West” scenario could never happen. Maybe so. But what would happen if the clear distinction between right and wrong became blurred? The result? Immoral behavior would become so prevalent it would alter our social fabric.
This could actually occur if people lowered their standards and closed their eyes to immorality and if there were no consequences for bad behavior. In that scenario, people could justify their actions by claiming that the end justifies the means and declaring that if “everybody does it,” it must be acceptable. Right? Unfortunately, this mindset would send a strong signal that unacceptable conduct is now considered normal.
Wrongs committed by enough people become the norm.
Do You Know Right from Wrong?
If this scenario scares you, it should. If this nightmare ever came to pass, it wouldn’t occur overnight. It would be the result of small acts flying under the radar — over a period of time.
When people say mean-spirited things in a joking manner, make personal attacks in a heated debate, and when mobs force their personal beliefs on others, the result is the same. We are blurring the distinction between right and wrong. The fact is, actions have consequences; words do, too. When bad behavior isn’t challenged, it becomes acceptable to act in an unacceptable way.
Every time you excuse dishonesty, cover for misconduct, or fail to hold people accountable for their actions, you’re complicit in dragging us down. Every time you’re too uncomfortable to speak up or too busy to get involved, or you give someone a pass — because you benefit — you’re bringing us one step closer to this nightmare scenario. Over time, norms collapse, traditions break down, and people become desensitized to immorality. Bad behavior becomes the new normal. If that occurs, it will be nearly impossible to raise good kids because they’ll be surrounded by toxic people, bombarded by rotten entertainment, and besieged by negative role models. Is that what you want? You have the power to make a difference — if you try.
Our future is dependent on our kids. And the future of your children is dependent on you.
Listen to your conscience, be an exemplary role model, lead by example, and hold people accountable for their actions — even if it’s uncomfortable to do so. While it’s tough to change the world, you can change the world around you. There’s a huge difference between right and wrong. It’s our job to point out that reality to those who have forgotten.
Follow your conscience. Sleep well.
Are You Blurring the Line Between Right and Wrong?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
What Does Your Name Say About You?
Would You Do Something Unethical If You Could Get Away with It?
Moral Character Matters
7 Reasons Why Traditions Are So Important
Reputation: You Can’t Run from Your Shadow
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Very timely article for Election Day. ” Hold people accountable for their actions and words” Thank you
Thanks Tourie. I’m glad you like it.
Although this post came out on Election Day, I never intended it to be a political statement. It’s easy to see it that way with all the chatter. I believe honesty and decency applies to many areas of our lives.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
It is a thought provoking article. I agree with you on the importance of morality and integrity for a better society.
Just wondering, is it easy to distinguish everything into just two buckets as right and wrong?
Many of the time, right or wrong depends on the side from which we are viewing the situation. Which looks as 100% right for one person may look partially right for other and wrong for some one else. Context of the situation also plays an important role.
For example,
A hungry street kid asks for a bread and the store keeper denies.
If that starving kid steals a loaf of bread, how do we use the yard of standards?
Great question Anitha
Let’s take your example one step further. If the store keeper, a single parent, is working 15-hour days to support her family and her ailing mother, is it right to steal from her?
I believe there is a difference between right and wrong. That doesn’t mean there aren’t exceptions or things that fall into the gray area. But if we fail to set hard-and-fast rules we’ll turn into the Wild Wild West in which it’s everyone for themselves.
Wrongs committed by enough people become the norm.
The fact is, if we want to live in a moral and civil society, we must first accept personal responsibility for our actions. Period. In addition, we must be willing to discipline people or organizations for indiscretions even when it’s inconvenient or unpleasant to do so. As leaders, role models, and parents, we must utilize every opportunity to reinforce the values that we hold dear—the alternative is chaos.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Thanks Frank.
Yes, I agree with “we must utilize every opportunity to reinforce the values that we hold dear”
No need to deviate from this, just because of some exceptional situations.
Hi Anitha
Thanks for circling back and closing the loop. Have a wonderful day!
Best,
Frank
This article is exactly what we are going thru today as a society. I do my best each day to be honest and be a person others can trust. However I never thought it was my place to say something to others who don’t. I thought having grace for them and leaving it to God to straighten them out was the right thing to do. Are we really here to try and show others their mishaps? I’ve always excused and forgave such people. I try to stay teachable each day so you really gave me something to think about. Raising kids I taught them right from wrong but I never thought it was my place to hold others responsible for their actions. Thank you sir for this insight. Like I said, something to think about
Hi Karen
It’s wonderful that honor and integrity are so much apart of who you are. But not everyone lives their life that way.
Some folks believe we should address big offenses but let small infractions slide. The problem with that line of reasoning is that we become desensitized to wrongdoings over time. This nightmare scenario can happen if we close our eyes to misconduct, cover for the misdeeds of others, or defend people’s actions simply because we have a vested interest in the outcome.
If we fail to promote the values that we hold dear, over time, our beliefs will be so diluted that we’ll open our eyes one day and won’t recognize ‘our world’ anymore.
As the essay says, “There’s a huge difference between right and wrong. It’s our job to point out that reality to those who have forgotten.”
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank