Cultural Factors and Biases in Ethical Decision Making

  Cultural Factors and Biases in Ethical Decision Making Introduction Ethical decision making is influenced by various cultural factors and biases. This essay will explore how cultural factors and biases affect decision making in the context of an ethical issue depicted in the movie “Crash.” The example illustrates a Western ethical issue, but it also contains elements of Eastern and Indigenous Tribal ethical ideologies. Example: “Crash” In the movie “Crash,” directed by Paul Haggis, multiple interconnected storylines explore themes of race, prejudice, and discrimination in contemporary Los Angeles. One particular scene involves a car accident between an Asian woman named Kim Lee and a Hispanic locksmith named Daniel Ruiz. This scene presents an ethical dilemma from a Western perspective, but it also touches upon elements of Eastern and Indigenous Tribal ethical ideologies. Bias affecting character decisions The characters’ decisions in “Crash” are influenced by biases stemming from their cultural backgrounds and personal experiences. One notable bias is the preconceived notions and stereotypes that individuals hold about different racial or ethnic groups. For example: Kim Lee holds a bias against Hispanic people due to her past traumatic experiences. This bias affects her decision to blame Daniel Ruiz for the car accident, even though she was at fault. Her bias leads her to make false accusations and further perpetuates racial tensions. Officer Ryan, a white police officer, holds a bias against black individuals. This bias influences his decision to mistreat an innocent African-American couple during a traffic stop. He unjustly assumes they are dangerous based on their race, reflecting his biased perspective. Farhad, an Iranian shop owner, holds a bias against white individuals due to his personal experiences with racism. This bias leads him to suspect a white locksmith of being involved in criminal activities, creating tension and conflict. Cultural morals and values guiding decisions The decisions made by characters in “Crash” are guided by cultural morals and values prevalent in their respective communities. Some examples include: Kim Lee reflects the Western emphasis on individualism and justice, as she initially tries to hold Daniel Ruiz accountable for the accident. However, her bias clouds her judgment, preventing her from recognizing her own responsibility. Officer Ryan’s actions reflect a deviation from Western ideals of equality and fairness, as he uses his position of authority to discriminate against the African-American couple. His decision-making is influenced by power dynamics and prejudices prevalent in certain Western societies. Farhad represents a combination of Eastern and Indigenous Tribal ethical ideologies. His decision to suspect the locksmith is influenced by the collectivist values often found in Eastern cultures, where community well-being takes precedence over individual rights. Additionally, his experiences as an immigrant shape his perspective, reflecting the influence of Indigenous Tribal ethics. Conclusion Cultural factors and biases significantly impact ethical decision making. In the example of “Crash,” characters’ decisions are shaped by biases rooted in their cultural backgrounds and personal experiences. These biases can lead to unfair judgments, perpetuate stereotypes, and contribute to societal divisions. Cultural morals and values also play a role in guiding character decisions, reflecting the influence of Western individualism, Eastern collectivism, and Indigenous Tribal ethics. Recognizing these cultural factors and biases is crucial for fostering empathy, understanding, and promoting more inclusive and ethical decision making in society.  

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