Relativism and Morality

Relativism and Morality

Relativism has its place in many aspects of society; however, in many phases it has a way of diffusing a false calm. Just because one chooses to not argue about two different sides of the spectrum does not mean both parties refuse to reiterate their point in tactics. This puts me in a position to side with Goodman that morality does maintain definite boundaries of humanity. Relativism is based on the theory that nothing is wrong if you are raised in a culture that sustains it as right and just, but what if this concept interferes with the basic dignity of humanity and decency; such as genocide which demoralizes one entire race, or child warfare which impacts basic development or rape which demoralize and destroys self-esteem and self-worth.

Looking back at history and seeing the things that have depicted one races worth by denouncing them unworthy as a human race, raises the question of supremacy. What race entitles themselves as superior to another? Let's for argument sake say that one finds themselves as a grander race or person, what gives them the right to perceive that others are lower or of less worth than they are. How can we as humans morally allow genocide or slavery to take place? All of us are entitled to the basic rights of humanity and self-preservation. Genocide is a crime born out of hate and an internal need for power. "Genocide is the ultimate essentializing of the exotic. It defines a type and assigns it a character, projecting what is inwardly hated or feared onto this fetish. Reflected in this invented mask it sees the image of the new man it hopes to create by the expulsion and destruction of the other, whose fantastic evil is blown up to cosmic scale with heaped up, extruded negativity, as larger warrant is sought for each new crime."(Goodman, 2010). Many may argue that this is a part of war and is right in warfare. Warfare should not be used to demoralize a group of people but to stand up for human rights, or to preserve basic independences and freedom. I am not saying that war is wrong in the right context. An example would be the Civil War which, brought about the question of decency from one human to another in the abolishment of slavery, or World War II which freed the Jews from a life of inferiority. This is clearly a sound reason to oppose relativism.

Most descent and moral people are well aware of the impact that war, terrorism, and sexual degradation can have on children. This sense of morality appeals not only to a parent's protective instinct, but the impact and consequences these acts can produce on development of a decent civilized society in later years. If it is okay for children to be presented with these in justifications, then why as a civilization do we have ratings on movies and television shows, and laws pertaining to statutory rape? It is because we know children are incapable of separating reality from fiction, and incompetent of decisions based on their own safety. "Child soldiers are recruited as young as nine or ten. Often they are drugged or drunk, used as sex slaves or cannon fodder. They are exploited to commit atrocities in irregular armies--notably, the Tamil Tigers, but in many other forces too--for their