Analysis of Ethics: Accountability of Individuals and Society

None of us would deny that our society, as a whole, values shirking responsibility and blaming others for their wrong decisions. None of us agree when a politician or an athlete does not take responsibility for his/her choices. At least, we rant, complain and sometimes obtain the undivided attention of talk radio spewing our frustrations with the valuelessness and depravity of society. Even if one believes that you are quite sincere in your monologue, rarely do people search for solutions in managing this unwanted cultural norm.

Many people want to put the blame for society's crumbling values onto specific political groups, specific religious groups, specific racial groups and/or those of other geographic locations. Many times, parents have taken a large amount of blame for their children's actions. Yes, I agree that the parents do play a role in the way that their children view the world around them. Yes, parents might instill an attitude of entitlement which counteracts any instinct of responsibility. However, accountability should not just be a parents' job. This would only work, if the parent is the only person who is able to influence the child. We know that influence comes from a variety of places. thus, with influence comes responsibility to set a good example. Those who are only chiding the parents for their children's decisions, is, in effect, not taking responsibility for the role that they may play in influencing society's children. It is the entire society's responsibility to hold its members accountable. and, this should have no price tag or discrimination. There should be checks and balances set into place that eliminate the bias of money or status. When a select few parents try to hold their children accountable, it will, unfortunately, have minimal results. This is because a small portion of society is professing values that the majority of society does not (in action) hold. Most likely, either to fit in or because the norms are quite enticing, the children will adopt the majority's values instead of the morals of a small minority group.

There is a growing number of people who don't connect their actions and decisions with later consequences. From politicians to children, accountability seems to be the hardest to accept. Why is this? Maybe it is because we don't want to admit that we are wrong. Maybe it is the fact that we don't want to recognize that our actions and decisions actually *do* affect people. In essence, we would be admitting that we can't just act on our own individualistic nature: that, we must, sometimes, think more collectively. This change from a less individualistic nature to a more collective one has been met with much resistance. While most people agree that "accountability" is a desirable trait, they don't want to give up their unique prospective, and/or individual freedoms to obtain it. Since freedom, itself is the foundation for America's existence (And, yes, I am only speaking of American culture because I do not feel qualified to speak on any other culture), it is valued more than almost any other right. The only exception to this rule is when we are discussing "safety." This is clearly demonstrated when some of our freedoms were taken in the name of weeding out terrorism. Whether we agree with the Government or not, most people were willing to sacrifice some of their freedoms. However, it should be noted that these people who were willing to sacrifice their freedoms did not look Arab and were native born Americans. Thus, in reality, their personal freedoms were rarely compromised and not in real danger.

The question is how to create an atmosphere of accountability. I do recognize that there is a small portion of the population that wants to sincerely hold society more accountable for their actions. In this way, they will create individuals who take responsibility for their actions. Here are some guidelines to help people be held responsible for their decisions.

1. Be clear about the rules. When there is some consistency about what the rules are: (regardless of circumstances) and who should obey them (regardless of status). Then, there is greater accountability. Of course, this makes more work and you won't always be liked. This would mean that society would have some "absolutes" put into place. We would be willing to accept those things that we might not agree with because it is better for society, as a whole.

2. Be willing to set a good example. This is one of the hardest steps. However, if we learn to hold our own selves accountable, then, it is easier to transfer this to society.

3. Find a partner to help you hold yourself accountable. It is easy to either get into the mode of waxing eloquently with justifications or the mode of judgment and hypocrisy. A trusted confidant will assist you in remaining truthful and humble. Of course, this means that we will need to rely on another person's advice shape our behavior. We must realize that we are not too pride or independent to need support and assistance.

4. Begin to teach how actions and decisions lead to unwanted consequences. After the consequences have been established and firmly implemented when necessary, it is a good idea to explore how even minor decisions can contribute to unwanted consequences. It is also helpful to explore alternative choices in specific situations.

Of course, this won't help society change their stance on accountability. But, it might help your family become more accountable to each other and learn to take responsibility.