propose a scenario where you or someone you know are confronted with a moral dilemma relating to cultural diversity and multiculturalism. It cannot be the same as what was covered in the week one discussion.
Cultural diversity refers to religious, sexual, racial, and other forms of social difference. A moral dilemma is a situation in which one must make a decision between two or more options such that the options involve seemingly ethical and/or unethical conduct. Address the following questions:
What was the situation? What did the dilemma involve?
What would a subjective moral relativist say is the right approach to the dilemma? Why would that kind of relativist say that?
What would a cultural relativist say is the right approach to the dilemma? Why would that kind of relativist say that? Is that approach correct?
What did you or the person confronting the dilemma decide to do? What moral justification did you or they give? Is that approach morally correct?
Was there an objective moral truth (the objectively right thing to do) in this situation? Why or why not?
Full Answer Section
The Dilemma:
The dilemma involved balancing the wishes of the community leader with the artist's desire to represent the broader Hispanic culture. On one hand, respecting the wishes of the community leader and honoring their cultural preferences seemed important. On the other hand, my friend felt a responsibility to represent the diversity within the Hispanic community more accurately.
Subjective Moral Relativism
A subjective moral relativist would likely argue that both perspectives are valid. They might say that the "right" approach is whatever the individuals involved believe is right. If the community leader strongly prefers the mural to reflect Mexican traditions, and the artist feels comfortable with that direction, then that is the "right" approach for them.
Cultural Relativism
A cultural relativist might argue that the community's preferences should be respected, as the mural is intended for the community center. They might say that within the context of this specific community, the focus on Mexican imagery is appropriate. However, strictly adhering to cultural relativism in this case might not be entirely correct. While respecting the community's wishes is important, it's also crucial to acknowledge the broader diversity within the Hispanic community.
My Friend's Decision
My friend decided to engage in a dialogue with the community leader. They explained their desire to incorporate elements from other Latin American cultures, emphasizing that this would enrich the mural and provide a more comprehensive representation of the Hispanic community. They also offered to incorporate specific Mexican elements requested by the community leader.
Moral Justification:
My friend justified their decision by emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and accurate representation. They argued that while respecting the community's preferences is important, the mural should also reflect the broader diversity within the Hispanic community.
Objective Moral Truth
In this scenario, determining an objective moral truth is challenging. While there's no single "right" answer, there are principles of ethical consideration that can guide the decision-making process. These include:
- Respect for Cultural Diversity: Acknowledging and valuing the diversity within the Hispanic community.
- Respect for Individual Autonomy: Respecting the wishes of the community leader while also considering the artist's creative vision.
- Promoting Understanding and Inclusion: Using the mural as an opportunity to educate the community about the diverse cultures within the Hispanic diaspora.
Ultimately, the most ethical approach involves finding a solution that respects the community's wishes while also promoting a more inclusive and accurate representation of the Hispanic community.
Sample Answer
The Situation:
My friend, an artist, was commissioned to create a mural for a community center in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. The community center's director, a well-respected member of the community, expressed a strong preference for the mural to feature traditional Mexican imagery, including vibrant colors, religious motifs, and depictions of local folklore. My friend, however, felt uncomfortable solely representing one aspect of the diverse Hispanic culture. They wanted to incorporate elements from other Latin American countries, such as Cuban music, Colombian coffee, and Peruvian textiles, to showcase the broader richness and diversity within the Hispanic community.