Human beings find it easy to point to others as the source of poverty, hunger, crime, war, etc., but the inequalities and injustices in this world are a product of the collective efforts of individuals. Our public life is an ethical experience. There are no gods above that inflict this injustice on us; we created the cultures that furnished injustice. The inequality at the core of our cultural system must be addressed in our own life styles. In the past our consent was not sought; we were relatively powerless in a hierarchical system, but now our individual responsibility is enshrined in the democratic process. We cannot merely blame tyrants for our social problems because we have a voice in the decision making.
The jargon of economic, political and even ethical theory gets in the way of our natural empathy for others. Abstract principles can be used to justify neglect. As we accept the fruits of our unequal society, we should recognize we are simultaneously participating in others’ oppression. We can use theories as reasons to throw up our hands and stand idle, but ultimately the weak depend on others to recognize injustice and take action. Wallowing in our own guilt is an approach that furnishes nothing but inaction. Beginning to take responsibility by making hard decisions about our lifestyles and reflecting the part we play in perpetuating injustice is one that might actually lead to positive change.
Americans have been sold on the idea that as individuals we have to take care of ourselves ahead of others and that we are entitled to lives of pleasure and comfort. This sense of entitlement breaks asunder our connections with others, and in this cultural environment even the most caring start thinking in this manner – for instance, higher income taxes get in the way of our environmental trip to Costa Rica. We have come to think of happiness as a byproduct of personal satisfaction. Ethical Culture suggests involvement with others as the route to genuine and lasting happiness.
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