Morality and Then Some

5. What should society do for “uncivilized cultures” like the Sawi?

Society, in whole, should present itself as a solution for the Sawi. Although some may argue with calling the Sawi, “uncivilized”, we obviously have the general concept that we, in our infinite wisdom, are somehow more intelligent, more advanced, more superior. If we believe this in anyway, is it not our duty to aid countries that we see have problems.

“Do we have the right?”, some may ask. I think, yes, if we feel that their ways violate morality in some way, or that their outcome will generally be negative. Of course, some will then argue if morality actually exists.

We all have a sense of morality, and much of it is universal. Just as 2 + 2 must always equal 4, in every culture since the dawn of civilization, despite their differences, have agreed upon a few basic principles, like no killing without reason, being selfish, stealing, pride, things like that. Some people argue that these are universal because we as humans have evolved to adapt two basic instincts as a species: the herd instinct and the survival instinct. Yet still, we find ourselves contradicting this rule later.

Observing someone display selfish or greedy behavior will upset us, even if it doesn't affect us personally. We can watch movies of violence or pettiness, yet still find ourselves disgusted by these things, even though they are being used as tools of entertainment.

We also, in a way that contradicts the survival instinct, take into account intentions. Take an example by C.S. Lewis. If I pass by someone, and their leg just happens to be stretched out in a way that it trips me, and I am injured, I will probably, except for a few seconds after the event occurs, be understanding of why it happened. It was a mistake. Yet if someone tries to trip me and fails, I will likely be upset with them. Although I had a negative outcome in one, and not the other, I am still more understanding of the first rather than the latter, as I have an external sense of morality outside of basic human instincts.

I firmly believe that if we have this morality to help others, we should do it. If we as a “superior” society see the damage caused by their culture and we have ways to relieve them of tensions, stress, and pain, we should do our best to try and help others.

Note: Stock photography from Deviant Art community.
Photoshopped by T Hahn