What is Morality?

In a world saturated with sex, violence, sexisms, racism, and materialism, it can be difficult to define what is moral and what isn't. According to Merriam Webster, morals relate to right or wrong behavior. It also defines it as conforming to a standard of right behavior. What exactly does this mean? Which definition is more accurate? What problems arise with moral issues?

When evaluating morality, it is important to separate what the individual thinks is right or wrong from what society thinks is right or wrong. Is it more important for an individual to follow their own values or those set by society? The answer to this is complicated. Morality is societal and Individualistic. Human beings should behave in way that supports their own values, along with those of society.

Morality is socialized. When a child is born, they are taught what is right and what is wrong. They are also taught what is acceptable in society and what isn't. Part of socialized morality is for every child's benefit, while the other part is for their detriment. Parents teach their children values that they believe will help their children survive. When doing this, it prohibits a child from choosing what they believe is right or wrong when they reach a certain age. One of the major problems with socialized morality is that every individual has their own beliefs. What's right and what's wrong is hard to define. Religion and philosophy make it an even harder task.

Instead of focusing on a set-in-stone definition of morality, individuals should be more adaptable. Equality should be the main focus when attempting to behave in a moral manner. Someone's skin color or sexual preference should not be involved in defining morality. Physical characteristics should not be involved in defining morality because it is a behavior. It's important to demonstrate respect, for both one's self and for others. Morality is rapidly evolving because the needs of society are always changing. Equality should always me associated with morality though. No one should ever be scrutinized, abused or austrisezed unless they are detrimental to society.

This is not as easy as it sounds though. What is harmful to some isn't to others. It is always best for people to just treat others how they want to be treated. Most people want to be treated with respect and dignity. This involves excepting the differences of other people. It also involves not imposing ones values on others.

It is impossible to fuse everyone's definitions of morality together. Instead, individuals should stand up for what they believe is right and wrong, and eventually what's right for society as a whole will eventually prevail.