The moral dimension

I recall watching a Television show that was part of the British comedy series 'Yes Minister' (or it could have been 'Yes Prime Minister') with this rather catchy title for one of the episodes. After laughing at the antics of the minister and his entourage as they muddled their way through another of life's challenges, I noted that in the end they accidentally made a decision based upon moral considerations. I think that in the life of many of my students that is also the case, with moral decisions being made by accident rather than through purpose. How art imitates life! It almost appears that we and thus they are beginning to lose their moral compass.

In the last blog, I outlined the push to self-promote that permeates our society. It seems that we are surrounded by people trumpeting their successes at even the simplest of tasks and expecting excessive congratulations and applause. With examples everywhere, and constantly in front of them, is it any wonder that our children adopt these habits and behaviours? I think that, at times, we have forgotten that we don't have to make everything a contest and prove that we are "fantastic". The most disturbing factor is perhaps overlooked - the fact that once it is on public display it is there and remains for all to see. With the constant push to out do others, risks and other factors are forgotten in the rush to self-promote. Winners can become losers quite quickly as fads and fashions change.

The pitfalls that accompany the rush to self-promote can be rather spectacular. Self belief and self-worth are different things and at times the lines become blurred. This is especially true for adolescents who are still engaged in learning the game called adulthood. The impetuous push towards gaining the fame and adoration they think is theirs can quickly lead to risky situations being part of their "plan". Being constantly told that you are 'special' now has its costs - you have to "put up or shut up". This can be a very trying time as failure leads to all sorts of self-doubts. With some sort of moral support internally, then any "fall from grace" might be a little more manageable. But the long hard look at themself that results, is one that can lead to a real moral crisis situation. Suddenly losing their super status can have a disastrous effect on self-esteem that we as a society have long built up.

I know that adolescents overall have a good understanding of what is morally and ethically acceptable, but at times this get lost in the push for 'fame'. So in many cases the things that should be done for moral reasons are done by accident. We used to talk about the moral growth of our students and children. Unfortunately, we seem to have quantified it like all things in life in terms of 2 hours of charity or raising so much money. This has changed the whole way our society thinks about the moral growth of our youth. College applications all seem to value the moral and service which is commendable. However, that has soon become changed into a competition to provide the most or best examples of service. But by changing service into a competition, it has lost its humanity! The movement away from real service to "lip service" came quickly and continues unabated. To a generation of our youth this has become the real meaning of service, compassion and morality. So much for the moral dimension.

The moral dimension is so much more - and will allow your character to "deepen" from the shallowness that usually accompanies the selfishness of the self promoted. Some refer to this as being "grounded" - in terms of attitude. The inner strength that comes from the reflection allows greater resilience for times of moral crisis. So I suppose I am in a dilemma about why its value is

The idea of moral growth is highlighted by when a crisis occurs. I think that Brooks sums it up really well and tells us that we really aren't preparing them well by simply doing this. The true moral test comes when there is a dilemma that means we have to "stand up and be counted". It may well go against the push for self-promotion and require some real thought. The easy option will always be a favoured option - to go for social acceptance and be seen to "win" is much more cool that doing something that is morally right. This is why it is a moral dilemma and in most instances, I'm afraid to say that morals will finish second.

I wonder:

• why as a society we don't value the inner moral aspect of our character?
• why it is so important to over emphasise the self promotion?
• why self promotions is held in higher esteem by societies than showing moral strength?