What Is Morality?

Morality is the difference between what is right and what is wrong. We often hear this statement, but do we actively practice it throughout our own lives? I would say no. I would say the vast majority of people living today violate others rights. Here is a simple example of what I am talking about. I love to take photos. Preserving memories is important to me. Sometimes, I will take photos of people candidly. Sometimes people don’t like cameras taking photos of them, and may either feel uncomfortable or speak out against having a photo taken of them. The right thing to do is to ask; earlier at the gathering perhaps, if it is okay to take a candid. Unfortunately, this is a lesson I am still learning. Constantly, I am finding myself in situations where I forgot to ask if it is possible to take photos of other people, and it is immoral to do so without permission. If I don’t receive consent prior to a photo being taken, I have committed an immoral act.

This brings me to the phenomena of pressuring one to do something. This is called coercion. Yet quite frequently, we find ourselves saying “no” to a request and the response is often “Why?” or “Come On”. While partaking in activities certain may be good for someone or benefit them, it still isn’t okay to inhibit ones autonomy. In the mainstream, the topic of consent is often discussed in reference to sexuality. When someone does not consent to a sexual act, it is considered rape. My attempt here is to demonstrate that if we fail to understand consent outside of sexuality, we will fail to understand consent within sexuality. Represented as the consent of “So above, so below”. This is not the slippery slope fallacy, as I am not claiming that an individual who doesn’t ask for consent when he takes photos of someone equals that later down the line he will rape someone, no. It is the generalized misunderstanding of consent will lead to a misunderstanding of consent when it comes to sexuality and lead to rape. One of the causal factors when it comes to rape, is the inability for one to have principles. The topic of consent must be discussed outside of sexual relations, as consent is involves with every human social interaction. It is intertwined. It is impossible to have a moral, healthy relationship with someone unless that relationship is full of consent. This applies to every form of relationship. Familial bonds, friendships, workmates, classmates etc. Once consent is understood fully, by the majority of the population, it will prevent the most grievous acts, like rape.

We should start to collectively remember where our rights begin and end. We have to right to do whatever we want as long is it does not harm another.

Remember, there are only two mistakes one can make on the path to truth; not starting and not going all the way.

Aidan Hellrigel