T O P I C R E V I E W
Heather
Member # 3
posted 04-14-2001 09:33 AM
Literally, the word "morality" or "morals" refers to *any* given code of ethics or ideals. The Latin "mos" -- custom -- is the etymological root of morality. The word moralis is a direct translation of the Greek ethikos or 'ethical,' to define the "typical behaviour of human beings in a society."Lately, at our boards, I have been seeing the concept used as something which reflects a set of ideals which is fixed. In other words, to reflect 'rights" and 'wrongs" in absolutist terms or sense, when in fact, by its very defintion, "morality" is mutable and entirely subjective, changing from person to person and culture to culture.
I think its important to realize that if any one of us states someone or something is not operating morally, or we judge someones morals to be of a high or low standard, that we are essentially in error, because morality is not an arbitrary set of ethics, so all we truly can say is that according to our OWN ethics or morality (which others may or may not share), someone is operating at a certain level. Too, it's worth bearing in mind simply when thinking about this, that it is fallacious to say at any time that a majority of people in the world are acting "immorally" simply because that stands counter to what morality does actually mean: typical behaviour or ethics.
And that, my friends, is a moral value judgement. And it is not something that we endorse at Scarleteen, nor that I feel is productive or conducive to a sound discussion and a nurturing environment.
So, be sure in discussions like in this area to remember "I" statements, and to remember that it's certainly fine to state that something is or is not right for you, or that you personally do or do not agree with or support something in particular. Remember too that we ARE a very diverse group, from many different cultures, experiences, traidtions, genders and generations.
That is really the only way to intellectually debate something, and to discuss things in such a way that others are not judged or your personal "moral" grounds. This simply is not the place for that sort of thing, and insiting that that sort of approach is not brought here is one of the things that keeps Scarleteen a place where a very diverse group of people can be comfortable and can feel accepted and able to discuss things which may be very personal to them or sensitive.
Just something to think about and bear in mind.
------------------Heather Corinna Editor and Founder, Scarleteen
"If you're a bird, be an early early bird -- But if you're a worm, sleep late." - Shel Silverstein
[This message has been edited by Miz Scarlet (edited 04-14-2001).]
Lin
Member # 2050
posted 04-14-2001 09:40 AM
Hear Hear. I certainly hope I have been doing that. If I haven't been, Kitten you have my permission to use your goddess powers and zap me with a lightning bolt.
KittenGoddess
Member # 1679
posted 04-14-2001 10:24 AM
We hear and obey, Miz S! I shall make sure the lightening bolts are ready, just in case.
~KittenGoddess
------------------"What is the odds so long as the fire of soul is kindled..." ~Charles Dickens
ThisGuy
Member # 968
posted 04-14-2001 01:52 PM
How do you make those bolts? Is it just static off your fur, or do you have something more heavy duty? I still love the irony of people using Greek or Roman words like ethics or morality...to deride homosexuality or pre-marital sex. I'm still trying to work out which of those cultures was more forward in promoting homosexuality! ;p
------------------Stuff© - try some today!.
Confused boy
Member # 1964
posted 04-14-2001 04:35 PM
'Tis true, it has been suggested that Virgil, author of the epic poem the Aeneid, was gay. Also, very ironically, the Greeks encouraged homosexuality in their armies (rather than sweeping it under the rug in the case of the current armies of the world). This was thought to improve comradeship between the men and make them more willing to die for eachother.
towel42
Member # 3118
posted 04-15-2001 09:58 PM
Yep, and if you read "Chronicles of the Barbarians", which has whole texts that Julius Ceaser (the assassinated one) himself wrote translated in english, you'll hear a lot about Roman male soldiers that got quite close. They didn't care for women at all, some of those guys. They hated them as people and they hated them sexually. At least that's what I've read.
------------------ ...an angel who didn't so much fall as saunter vaguely downward...
rdavid
Member # 3041
posted 04-15-2001 10:12 PM
weird thing about the greeks was, if I remember correctly (and my queer studies professors have certainly been wrong before) it was only *intergenerational* homosexual sex that was okay -- as long as an older guy was the "active partner" and a young guy was the passive one. it was weird, however, if two guys of the same age were goin' at it. : onder ponder:: I'm sure that's not quite what the "Moral Majority" has in mind...
------------------ r.d.m. * riotboy * http://f0o.org "and you say i'm just a kitty cat in disguise" -- estrojet
Celtic Daisy
Member # 2971
posted 04-15-2001 10:17 PM
Very good point! ------------------ "A six foot tall anorexic bimbo,with plastic breasts is making me feel weird about my own body." -Miss Bif Naked
Heather
Member # 3
posted 04-25-2001 07:06 PM
Yet another reminder from your personal sponsor to PLEASE (please, folks) drop the arbitrary value judgements at the boards.Can you imagine if I posted something like the following:
"Well, not having sex with anyone who wants it is just WRONG. It's selfish, and if you don't have sex whenever you want to, you obviously aren't respecting your body and its needs. Besides, it's stingy not to have sex all the time. Obviously people who choose not to have sex are really choosing to be disrespectful and immoral. I bet it even makes for more rapes. and sex crimes, and as a victim, you are therefore affecting me."
Or this:
"Well, the world is overpopulated, and kids are starving to death, not getting the education they need, and we can't get enough social services for them all. Therefore, having any children now is morally wrong, and it's basically child torture."
Really, I could go on, and no, I (as should be obvious) don't think those things, however even if I DID, this is not the place for them, and sentiments like those (and their inverse) are not appropriate in a group discussion board whose sole purpose is to offer *support* for all of our users, and to help them make the best choices for THEM.
Think about it, and please bear it in mind. It is getting to the point at times where I am uncomfortable at my own boards, and that just isn't okay.
------------------Heather Corinna Editor and Founder, Scarleteen
"If you're a bird, be an early early bird -- But if you're a worm, sleep late." - Shel Silverstein
[This message has been edited by Miz Scarlet (edited 04-25-2001).]
ThisGuy
Member # 968
posted 04-26-2001 02:17 AM
Poor girly...if you ever start to feel uncomfortable, you just run over here and I'll give you a nice, warm hug. ------------------Bow down before me, for I am Testicles the mighty Greek warrior!
LilBlueSmurf
Member # 1207
posted 04-26-2001 08:49 AM
LOL!! Good ... it's Hug an Australian Day anyway Hmm ... I agree w/ you, Miz S. While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, it's not fair to push your opinion onto other people ... or make them feel poopy for doing what they feel is right.
------------------Go LEAFS Go !!