This topic is of utmost importance, especially given current events and the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Although not all members of a society necessarily agree with all laws that govern it or the ethics connected to those laws, laws enforce what a society at large believes to be morally correct.
But societal ethics aren't stagnant. They evolve over time. And therefore, laws do as well.
When the United States was established, slavery was legal. It no longer is.
When the United States was established, women were unable to vote. A century ago, that law changed.
So how does change come about?
Some people believe that criticizing, condemning and coercing others is the best way to enact change. I would argue that this proposed way of change brings about resentment, and if change does occur, it generally happens with reluctance and is not genuine.
So instead of using aggression and force, let's show the world a better way of doing things. Let's conduct ourselves in an ethical and exemplary way, and let's inspire others to follow in our footsteps with integrity and on their own volition.
Let's imagine two scenarios. Think about how each situation makes you feel and determine which of the two you believe will be more effective:
1) I tell you that recycling is of utmost importance, and by not doing so, you are contributing to destroying the environment
2) I show you that I recycle, and explain that I do so in an effort to preserve our environment for generations to come
But talking to people about an alternative way to do things isn't always enough. People need to be setup for success. Let's assume you hadn't recycled in the past, but have now decided to take recycling more seriously and desire to change your habits. Consider the following two scenarios, and in which you would be more likely to begin recycling:
1) You have no recycling options in your building or anywhere close to where you live
2) Your building has a designated location where you can easily separate and deposit your items
In order for us to inspire positive change, we must:
1) demonstrate an alternative path and lead by example
2) provide easily accessible ways for people to implement change into their lives
What important changes do you feel should be made in today's world, and how will you make them?
Although not all members of a society necessarily agree with all laws that govern it or the ethics connected to those laws, laws enforce what a society at large believes to be morally correct.
But societal ethics aren't stagnant. They evolve over time. And therefore, laws do as well.
When the United States was established, slavery was legal. It no longer is.
When the United States was established, women were unable to vote. A century ago, that law changed.
So how does change come about?
Some people believe that criticizing, condemning and coercing others is the best way to enact change. I would argue that this proposed way of change brings about resentment, and if change does occur, it generally happens with reluctance and is not genuine.
So instead of using aggression and force, let's show the world a better way of doing things. Let's conduct ourselves in an ethical and exemplary way, and let's inspire others to follow in our footsteps with integrity and on their own volition.
Let's imagine two scenarios. Think about how each situation makes you feel and determine which of the two you believe will be more effective:
1) I tell you that recycling is of utmost importance, and by not doing so, you are contributing to destroying the environment
2) I show you that I recycle, and explain that I do so in an effort to preserve our environment for generations to come
But talking to people about an alternative way to do things isn't always enough. People need to be setup for success. Let's assume you hadn't recycled in the past, but have now decided to take recycling more seriously and desire to change your habits. Consider the following two scenarios, and in which you would be more likely to begin recycling:
1) You have no recycling options in your building or anywhere close to where you live
2) Your building has a designated location where you can easily separate and deposit your items
In order for us to inspire positive change, we must:
1) demonstrate an alternative path and lead by example
2) provide easily accessible ways for people to implement change into their lives
What important changes do you feel should be made in today's world, and how will you make them?
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