Progression of Morality Essay

Throughout the centuries, morality has guided the beliefs and actions of families as well as societies. It has brought them together but it has also torn them apart. These beliefs continue to be a dominant force throughout many societies, affecting everything from what people wear to how they behave. The progression of morality has been a powerful basis for societies. The spectrum of greater access to the ideas and customs of different cultures, because of technology mass media and entertainment, especially television, has resulted in a diverse cultural blending. As cultural ideas move with people among cultures, some beliefs seem to have a greater effect than others. Blending of Morality In the 21st century, ideas from the West have been one of the dominant forces in shaping cultures in many parts of the world. The United States domination of the worldwide mass media has influenced different cultures significantly, leaving behind a legacy of western customs and ideas. The English language is also spoken globally, mainly because of Europe’s history of colonization in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. It has emerged as one of the premier international languages. English is the most common language used on the Internet and is responsible, in part, for the emergence of a dynamic global culture. Western business suits are standard uniforms among many people. McDonald’s hamburgers and Coca-Cola soft drinks can be purchased in many countries around the world. Many Disney characters are now commonly recognized because of Human World Views: HUM 360 Walt Disney theme park locations in Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. These examples of common dress, food, and entertainment all originate from America and are incorporated into other cultures. Western influence has also affected ways of thinking as well in many cultures with the expansion of materialism. This American mindset of placing high value on acquiring material possessions seems to have been adopted by many people of different cultures. Conflicts of Morality There have also been many historical conflicts among people of different racial, national, linguistic, or cultural groups. Some ethnic or religious groups have had moral issues that reach back for decades and, in some, for centuries. Examples of such conflicts would be â€Å"the troubles† between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland (McKittrick & McVea, 2002) and the hostilities between Palestinians and Jews in the Middle East. People caught in these conflicts, that have been characterized by terrible violence, sometimes suffered torture or massacres of their whole towns or villages. An exemplification of such extreme immoral behavior is the violence imposed on the Kurds, a nomadic group in southwest Asia. For decades, Kurds have wanted their own separate country. But because their traditional lands cross the borders of three nations, it’s been an unsettling issue (McDowall, 2004). The Turks have responded to the Kurdish nationalism by forbidding Kurds to speak their native language. The Iranians have also persecuted the Kurds, attacking them over religious issues. In the late 1980’s, the Iraqis used chemical weapons on the Kurds, known as the Halabja Massacre or Bloody Friday , killing around 5,000 people (Esteri, 2012). Throughout history and present day, morality has played an important role in bringing people together. It has also, at times, driven them apart. Morality guides the beliefs and behaviors of its members. Whatever emotions it prompts, morality remains one of the most powerful influential forces on mankind in the world. ?