Understanding’Moral Compromises’-The Last of Us (2023)

Unfinished Lessons in Ethics That Can't Be Taught in the Classroom

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“I’m a bad person because I do things that bad people do.”

The Last of Us (2023) is a story set in the year 2023, after the world has been devastated by a fungal outbreak that turns humans into monstrous creatures.

Joel, a hardened smuggler, is tasked with escorting Ellie, a 19-year-old girl, to the Firefly rebels. The Fireflies believe Ellie holds the key to saving humanity and reclaiming their world. The journey is fraught with danger and uncertainty, involving characters of various ages, friendships, hope, and despair. The series can be streamed on HBO GO.

The Last of Us (2023) portrays the essence of ‘humanity’ in various instances where characters choose to do what is ‘morally wrong’ due to the necessity of survival in a world filled with danger and uncertainty. ‘This post-apocalyptic’(Post Apocalyptic)series effectively explores the dimensions of morality, prompting viewers to ponder: What would we do if we were in such a situation?

For example, when we observe others cutting in line while we wait patiently, we may perceive them as selfish. However, if we find ourselves cutting in line due to a pressing need or limited time, we might justify our actions as necessary for our own survival. Some may even be more forgiving towards themselves, believing it to be a ‘necessary’ action to make life easier, thus rationalizing unethical behavior.

Although such actions are morally wrong and punishable, it raises the question of whether attacking the wrongdoer without considering the surrounding context, such as family, environment, or societal pressures influencing their decisions, may lead us to overlook larger issues. While it’s essential to hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions, solely attacking them without understanding the broader context may prevent us from addressing societal problems effectively. At the very least, we should strive to understand the root causes of issues and avoid repeating similar actions ourselves or condoning them in those close to us.

In today’s world, where cultural norms are continuously evolving, interpersonal skills are crucial for navigating the complexities of coexistence amidst diversity. Soft skills such as emotional regulation, empathy, and critical thinking enable us to adapt our behavior appropriately to different situations and better understand the feelings of others.

Viewing classrooms as microcosms of society

Where students experience real-life social interactions, it’s important to establish rules and ethical values to facilitate harmonious coexistence. However, it’s essential to recognize that both students and teachers have varying degrees of resilience. Therefore, the methods of dealing with problems differ, and rushing to label individuals as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ without attempting to understand their perspectives first can be counterproductive. Every action has its reasons.

Reference:

https://thegrowthmaster.com/growth-mindset/softskills-for-digital-era

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