I was just studying for a sociology exam and got to thinking about this concept of how we—as individuals—have a responsibility towards society. I, personally, tend to believe that I am an individual and have no responsibilities other than those to which I’ve agreed. On the other hand, I do see the need for people to work together on some things. It’s just not clear to me just how much responsibility each of us has and to whom. We do have responsibility for our actions but, other than that, how are “the rules” to be determined? Do we have to go against our basic beliefs because someone else determined that was best for society? Can we make others go against their beliefs because we think our way is best? Who gets to decide?
From what I can see, conservatives want our society to have religious values—specifically Christian—and that people should be held to those rules whether the person believes that way or not. A lot of their biblical “values” have nothing to do with how we live together and get along as a society but more to do with personal choices. They would have laws against victimless crimes such as those that are personal choices or are between consenting adults.
Liberals, on the other hand, have other ideas about what “we as a society” should do or not do. They seem to believe that “society” has a right to the belongings, time, and labor of others. For example, requiring mandatory public service or taking taxes for things that others don’t see as necessary or for which they are morally opposed.
Both sides believe they have the right to demand that other people’s children be taught their way “for the good of society.”
Libertarians generally believe that if left alone, people would do the right thing and all will be well. Those who don’t can be dealt with by law enforcement. That still doesn’t determine what those laws are to be. Libertarians believe those rules are the ones that say to leave people and their stuff alone unless you have their permission. This is a good rule that is taught in kindergarten but forgotten by the time most people become adults. I basically agree with this but still see that there are times that we need to work together and there are people who need help/ People who made mistakes or who are down through no fault of their own but who are trying to lift themselves up and could use a hand (not a handout.) While I'd like to think there are enough good-hearted people who will help those who need it, I've seen too much of human nature so I'm not so confident that it would happen.
Assuming there is a need for society to protect people from harm and help those in need. And assuming that we should all work together for the betterment of our society. How, with these contrasting beliefs, do we determine policy?
If you have been reading this thinking I would have an answer, I’m sorry to disappoint you. I have no answers. Just questions. Evidently, no one else does either. It just seems to me that each side screams really loud and claims to represent the whole of society. So, instead of trying to listen and work on compromise, they just scream louder and louder until all we have is a bunch of noise and confusion.
Maybe we should all just shut up and listen for a change? Maybe we could have a healthy, well-reasoned discussion and work things out. I don't think most people want to understand what the other side is saying. They're just screaming really loud with their hands over their ears. How's that working for ya?
Like I said… I have no real answers. But I certainly admire the problem.
Earthchild has spoken. Thanks for listening. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
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