Status Updates From The Ethics of Interpersonal...

Chapter 14

The ethical society

In evaluating leaders from an ethical perspective, one must consider whether their words and actions reflect a humanistic, empathic attitude toward all people, and whether the means they employ as well as the end results ultimately do no harm.

A victimized orientation toward life is an outgrowth of the truly dependent position that the child is faced with early in life. Children are helpless recipients of whatever circumstances exist in their immediate environment. They lack any real power and are at the mercy of their parents. The events that impact children are not only outside their control but beyond their understanding.

The primary prevention of destructive forms of aggression and violence begins with parenting. Parents who have the ability to handle angry feelings constructively are able to serve as positive role models for their children. They are far more effective than parents who merely lecture or apply disciplinary measures when children act up or act out.

Every child should be taught about adaptive and maladaptive forms of aggression and become skilled at handling angry feelings.

Identifying destructive thoughts or voices that predispose aggressive behavior.

In an atmosphere of honesty, compassion, deep feelings, and an ethical framework, life’s painful issues can be effectively faced.

Caring more about people has exposed us to the pain of life on a daily basis. This problem is both qualitative and quantitative as there are so many people to be concerned about. On any given day, there is always both good and bad news to respond to. This is basically a life of meaning and struggle, but a worthwhile life full of everything that is human – both joy and pain.

Since no search for truth, personal growth, or major character change can occur without experiencing considerable anxiety, the early days of the group were fraught with painful emotions, instability, distrust, and paranoia. People who are struggling to work out their problems and challenging core defenses are not necessarily friendly and cause each other a certain amount of suffering.