Reference no: EM132155511

Assignment - The Morality of Slavery and Polygamy

Paper details: Slavery and polygamy are two of the most controversial issues of morality in the world today. This is based on different issues including cultural beliefs, attitudes, values and beliefs. Slavery has been practiced in differ parts of the world for quite a long time. It was seen as a means of making money especially during the era of slave trade. It was also seen as a means of obtaining cheap labor for the vast farms of the United States and parts of Europe. On the other hand, polygamy has also become a very intriguing yet challenging issue for many people of the world to deal with. This is attributed to the fact that it is accepted by some cultures; while other cultures condemn it (Mosser, 2013).

How then can people say what is right or wrong about these two moral issues? One of the most important things to consider about slavery in this regard is the effect it has on humanity. Slavery is a degrading activity that results in discrimination and disregard to human rights. An activity violates all the elements of human rights and enhances other morality societal issues such as racism. Therefore, slavery is an issue that is out rightly morally wrong (Mosser, 2013). Polygamy on the other hand is a far more tricky issue. This depends on the religion that faith that an individual practices (Goodman, 2010). There are cultures that advocate for this while others do not. This is therefore in the balance as it depends on an individual.

The reasons that claim whether these acts are morally right or wrong are based on their effects on human rights. If the activity violates human rights; then it is considered as morally wrong and vice versa. Another example of an activity that is considered to be morally wrong in some areas and right in others is homosexuality. Debates have been raised over the years regarding the legality of this concept (Greenberg, 2002). While some cultures consider it to be right, others highly condemn it. Some countries have even formulated laws that ban this practice in their borders.

These are the responses to that papers:

A) You are certainly correct stating slavery and polygamy are controversial. While slavery that occurred in American history is viewed as incomprehensible, polygamy is a little different in that it is most often a voluntary action. From a previous class, I learned that culture has so much more to do with peoples' behavior than I realized. For some reason, I thought it would be a lot easier to rise above one's cultural practices and beliefs. But it truly isn't. So while the majority of Americans feel polygamy is odd and immoral, the people who practice it here believe they are following a biblical example. So, I suppose its just another interpretation of God's word. Despite my opposition to it, I will not judge others who make different decisions than I do but, instead, be certain to pray that I continue to reflect the ideals God expects from me.

Religiously charged discussions are always difficult but I think you handled yours wonderfully,

B) Although I agree with you to a point about slavery I do not think that this is the way it will entirely play itself out. For example slavery started as far back as can be recalled. If you study it you will discover that while Africans are at the forefront of this issue slavery was common prior to the slavery of Africans by their own tribes. Caucasians where actually the first slaves and yet there is no racial terminology nor stance against their race. Would you agree with this statement? Slavery was a means of maintaining status throughout time as the Egyptians and Greeks and most of the countries at that time utilized them for amusement, ore rowers, even soldiers within their armies. I believe that when the term slavery is thrown around the focus is immediately driven towards the African culture and the focus is truly lost. Let me know what you think.

C) With slavery I agree with you it is 100 percent morally wrong. However you have to think about what your dealing with. Your talking about the human race and from the beginning of time there has always been people in power or in pursuit of power. Once someone is given this power they feel that the general rules of humanity and what ever rights that is given to people do not apply. think about it when your a kid and you have a little brother or sister you feel that you have the most control because you are bigger and older. it is kind of the same thing once someone feels that they have more power or control over someone they abuse it and degrade the individual to make them psychologically believe that they are less human than what they are.

D) I appreciate your sharing your thoughts on the topics of slavery and polygamy. In the U.S., scriptures in the bible were often used to justify slavery. For example; Ephesians 6:6 states "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ. Colossians 3:22 states "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God." Just as supporters of slavery used the bible to support their position, so did those who opposed slavery. Many Christians were slaveholders and supported slavery. Similarly, many religions support polygamy or other forms of group marriage. What we want to consider is that there are no universal, ethical standards. What may be right for you may be wrong for someone else and vice versa. Christianity is one religion, not shared by all. The text gives us another example of an ethical consideration where there are no universal rules. In some cultures, eating pork is thought to be not just revolting but a violation of strict religious dietary laws. In the United States many are repulsed by the idea of eating dogs or chimpanzees, but other cultures may eat both without giving it any more thought than some Americans would to eating a pork chop

Can you think of an example of something else that might be considered right and wrong based on different cultures and ages?

E) I agree with you that polygamy is tricky! It depends on the culture and religion that people are in. I guess in my own opinion I believe it is wrong because I believe someone should only have one wife or husband. As far as slavery goes, it is wrong to me. No one should own anyone else. We live in a free country and that's how it should stay.

Respond to each comment separately Be sure to label the responses A, B, C, D, E.