A Test of Morals

 In preparing to read about a story where the main character has to decide whether to kill an evil dictator-esque character or not, our class engaged in hypothetical discussions over whether there is ever a justified reason for killing someone else.

Over the course of today’s lessons, I discovered rather quickly that students were divided on whether they would take action against those who harmed them or family members in some way. Unfortunately, the “action” would be in the form of “killing.’ I tend to believe it’s easier to say you would do something “honorable” like protecting one’s family - yet, is killing really honorable - even if it’s “justified”? Notice my air quotes around these words? One’s sense of morality is tested in hypothetical situations too. How quick some people are to say killing is the answer. Not that we want to find out the truth, but it does raise the sense of hyperbole like when someone says, "I'm going to kill you" when they really mean they are extremely angry in the moment.

I would not have the courage to confront my problems - like Bugs here

People are more heroic in their minds than in reality. However, being heroic and honorable isn’t necessarily about retribution. In fact - it’s the opposite: restraint, forgiveness, and tolerance. That's where honor lies. These traits are much harder to come by. Do these possibilities make people cowards or heroes? Guess it just depends upon the situation one finds themselves in.