3) I believe morals are understood over time, but there is no point in pressing this issue. I know history cannot be altered, but I believe making judgments of it has a valuable impact on the future. I understand that they view things differently, and perhaps did not have means to view otherwise, but I still do not feel obliged to pardon their actions, and further, I find it as unnecessary to do so as you find judging them. I will attempt to maintain an open mind, but I will not compromise my values in doing so.
4) the people of one particular group do not see themselves as oppressed
A person can be brainwashed into supporting a relationship that abuses them, and though they do not draw a mental connection between this support and their suffering, suffering it is. Now, if slaves are truly satisfied with their circumstance, then far be it for me to try to change them. But I believe you have actually maintained to the contrary. Incidentally, "bringing their morality in line with ours" would seem to suggest that there is an absolute, objective standard of morality.
5) "I was only following orders" is not a valid basis of forgiveness for me. Is obeying law to do harm inherently more respectable than breaking it to do good? I hold both society and individual accountable, and though you may consider one more practical than the other, I do not believe that they must interfere with each other. As for doing what someone believes is right, you will be hard pressed to find a wide number of people guilty of despicable acts who disagreed with themselves while they were doing them, up to and including the most violent offenders.
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Re: Part 2
Date: 2005-11-27 03:53 am (UTC)2) Agreed.
3) I believe morals are understood over time, but there is no point in pressing this issue. I know history cannot be altered, but I believe making judgments of it has a valuable impact on the future. I understand that they view things differently, and perhaps did not have means to view otherwise, but I still do not feel obliged to pardon their actions, and further, I find it as unnecessary to do so as you find judging them. I will attempt to maintain an open mind, but I will not compromise my values in doing so.
4) the people of one particular group do not see themselves as oppressed
A person can be brainwashed into supporting a relationship that abuses them, and though they do not draw a mental connection between this support and their suffering, suffering it is. Now, if slaves are truly satisfied with their circumstance, then far be it for me to try to change them. But I believe you have actually maintained to the contrary. Incidentally, "bringing their morality in line with ours" would seem to suggest that there is an absolute, objective standard of morality.
5) "I was only following orders" is not a valid basis of forgiveness for me. Is obeying law to do harm inherently more respectable than breaking it to do good? I hold both society and individual accountable, and though you may consider one more practical than the other, I do not believe that they must interfere with each other. As for doing what someone believes is right, you will be hard pressed to find a wide number of people guilty of despicable acts who disagreed with themselves while they were doing them, up to and including the most violent offenders.