How Does Your Morality Differ From the Mainstream? (choices, choice)

[PureX]

Originally Posted by jmoum

In a nutshell . . .

Compared to mainstream america, I'm morally conservative (drugs, premarital sex, etc. are bad), socially progressive (social healthcare, welfare, etc. are good when done properly) and a collectivist (the needs of society hold greater weight than personal desires). Does that make sense?

I just wonder how un-mainstream your position really is. I mean, the neo-con press has been working overtime for a decade, now, trying to convince us that "liberals" are all wild-eyed sex fiend hedonists who hate God and country and all things good and proper. Do you think you may have gotten a somewhat skewed idea of what is a manistream liberal position?

[JMoum04]

Originally Posted by PureX

I just wonder how un-mainstream your position really is. I mean, the neo-con press has been working overtime for a decade, now, trying to convince us that "liberals" are all wild-eyed sex fiend hedonists who hate God and country and all things good and proper. Do you think you may have gotten a somewhat skewed idea of what is a manistream liberal position?

Well I am a liberal to a certain extent, for example, when's the last time you heard a conservative call for socialized health care?

[CDRaider]

Guys, move this debate to the new thread!!!

Under "Define Conservative and Liberal"

[eudaimonia]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

In what way(s) is your personal morality different from the mainstream morality of the society you live in?

My morality upholds the value of the individual, and does not insist that the individual exists merely to serve others. It says that it is good to have and express self-esteem. It says that it is morally noble to pursue one's own happiness and flourishing. (Believe it or not, I've met people who think it's immoral to pursue one's own happiness.)

While my morality doesn't say that charitable activities are immoral, it does place a higher priority on creative and productive pursuits, and honors them. It also has a comfortable fit with free market capitalism -- it is perfectly morally, even praiseworthy, for an honest and productive business to make a profit, even a large one.

Do you ever feel alienated from society because of those differences?

I live in Sweden. Do the math.

What reasoning, influences, or life experiences, if any, have resulted in your adopting a moral position that is different from the norm for your society?

I read and ponder philosophy, and self-examine.


eudaimonia,

Mark

[RevOxley_501]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

In what way(s) is your personal morality different from the mainstream morality of the society you live in? What, if anything, sets you morally apart from most people you know or know of?

IN the society i live in, it is considered morally acceptable to use the N word and to live in the segragationalist mindset. I stray from that, as a socialist, and believe all people are equal. That alone sets someone apart, around here, in a huge way. I also dont believe going to Church makes you a better person, but generally makes you a bitter closed minded individual without the ability to self cogitate. I also am very pro freedom as opposed the the very republican minded jungle i live in. i also do not celebrate holidays that could be considered apostate by the pure context of Christianity.IE: its fine for a pagan to celebrate on Saturnalia(Christmas), but a Christian should definately not. And if a pagan individual wants to celebrate fertility on oestre, thats great---but a Christian should probably avoid that.

Do you ever feel alienated from society because of those differences?

Yes, but i dont really want to conform--that would be IMoral

What reasoning, influences, or life experiences, if any, have resulted in your adopting a moral position that is different from the norm for your society?

I think the main thing that did it to me was understanding the view of Jesus and the early church was very socialistic--even communistic. Salvation provided for all, despite past sins , etc etc seems to be very different from what our current status quo will allow.