In modern civilization, there are many factors that educates our morals and our principles. We question whether our morals are learnt or whether it is in our blood. Our DNA contains genetic information about our appearance, our skills and some believe our human behaviour. However, I believe that morality is evidently influenced by the environment we are exposed to.
Since morality is inevitably influenced by environment, many may ask: How does that differ from animals in their environment? We know that animals don't have a moral compass to tell between right and wrong. Their only objective is to hunt for food, avoid from being hunted, migrate, reproduce. In some animals, the parent nurtures their young. In essence, their one and only objective is to survive. Similar to animals, the role of human beings is to survive. However, unlike animals, we are oriented in an organized, structured society. We live in a place where people tend to be judgemental of our actions. In order to survive, our key component is to learn ideal morals. Our morals are learnt from our parents, the media, the judicial system and religious faith for some. The main source to our moral ethics are from our parents. It is known to psychologists that parents play a great influence to their children. Children look up to their parent's values, behaviour and beliefs. For instance, if a mother has a habit of smoking cigarettes, her child is more likely to smoke as well. On the other hand, if a parent refrains from smoking, the chance of smoking is less likely to occur in their child. This proves that humans are influenced by their parents regardless if it's considered right or wrong.
In addition to morality lead by parental values, the media manipulates our moral decisions. We may not be aware, but the media heavily impacts our principles. The media usually expresses their statement on how people should behave in movies, music, TV shows, sitcoms, and soap operas. It manipulates the audience into believing their views on society. It is especially important because the media has a view exhibited about society. We learn their interpretation of right and wrong. For instance, bullying on LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual Transgender) teens have brought a pandemic to schools in the United States. Stars such as Ellen DeGeneres, Madonna, Lady Gaga and even Barack Obama has addressed the situation. The media brought attention to viewers to convey the audience to believe that bullying towards LGBT bullying is unacceptable and frowned upon. In short, the media manipulates people to consider and abide by their views on society . The media then suggests people to believe that discrimination against the LGBT community is immoral and wrong. The media wants people to possess their principle of right and wrong and encourages them to behave in their desired manner.
Morality has a great impact from the media, the judicial system also complements our principles. While the law does not directly teach us morals, it states the way humans should behave within boundaries. It suggests what is acceptable, what isn't and the consequences for the wrong doings. Typically we learn this through experiences of others. In regards to law, criminals are prosecuted for their wrong doings. Usually the consequences are fines, service hours, imprisonment, and capital punishment for some. For example, Bernard Madoff, an American stock broker is charged for fraud and money laundering. He is heavily punished for one hundred fifty years in prison. Not only does this teach him the consequences for his actions, but it teaches anybody who attempts for commit these acts will be prosecuted. In this case, this influences not just our belief that these offenses are immoral. The judicial system relates to our morals by displaying the consequences of crimes committed.
In conclusion to morality and their sources, it is obtained by external sources in the environment. We are exposed to moral teachings from our parents, the media and the judicial system. This teaches us the principles of right and wrong in which influences our decision making and behaviour. Morality not only helps us decide what is moral and immoral but essentially helps us survive in society. Morality is learned from the environment we are exposed in and is not innate to humans.
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