This blog post explores the complexities of morality when faced with extreme poverty, highlighting various points of view and examining what it truly means to be ‘good’ or ‘bad.’
In a world of scarcity, desperation can lead to desperate measures and questionable decisions. But how far is too far? If it came down to stealing bread for your family’s survival, would you cross that threshold—and if so, does that make you a bad person?
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What Acts Can We Justify When It Comes to Survival
In times of desperation, when our very survival is at stake, what acts can we justify? It is a question that has plagued mankind since the beginning of time. When faced with such adversity, it is easy to question our moral compass. But in the end, our human instinct takes over, and we do whatever it takes to stay alive. Some might argue that certain actions can never be excused and that a line must be drawn.
But how can we judge others when we have never been in their shoes? In life-or-death situations, we must do whatever is necessary to ensure our own survival. It is a primal urge that cannot be ignored, no matter how much we may want to cling to our humanity. Ultimately, each person is for themselves, and there is no shame in that.
The Difference Between Right and Wrong in a Difficult Situation
Knowing right from wrong is easy until you find yourself in a difficult situation. Your moral compass can quickly become clouded, leaving you feeling lost and unsure. In those moments, you need to dig deep and listen to your heart. The path that may seem easy initially may not be right. Making the right choice can sometimes be the hardest thing to do, but it’s what defines your character. It’s about choosing integrity over convenience.
The difference between right and wrong may not always be crystal clear, but striving for a better choice is essential. When faced with a difficult situation, stay true to yourself and always choose the path that aligns with your values. In the end, you’ll feel proud of the person you’ve become.
How Poverty Impacts Our Perception of Morality
It’s hard to fathom how poverty can completely change one’s perception of morality. Yet, that’s the bitter reality for millions of people living in impoverished conditions all around the world. Moral considerations become secondary when your survival is at stake day in and day out.
It’s a cruel irony that the people in some of the most desperate situations around the world are the ones who often have to make morally questionable decisions to survive. It’s not surprising then that when poverty takes a stronghold on a life, it creates a bleak and uninviting reality where most pursuits of a moral nature seem fanciful. Truly, poverty impacts our perception of morality at a fundamental level, which is a tragedy that demands attention and intervention.
Why We Demonise People Who Commit Crimes Out of Necessity
It’s a gut-wrenching feeling to see someone condemned for a crime they committed out of necessity. Perhaps they needed to steal food to feed their starving family, or sold drugs to pay for medical bills. But instead of empathy, society often responds with scorn and punishment. We label these individuals as “criminals” and relegate them to a life of shame and isolation.
It’s worth asking why we demonise people who commit crimes out of necessity. Is it fear? Ignorance? A lack of compassion? Whatever the reason may be, it’s time to recognise that criminalising those who are simply trying to survive is a failure of our society. We must strive for a more just and humane approach to help those in need rather than casting them aside as villains.
Alternatives to Stealing for Those Struggling to Survive
Survival is a primal instinct that drives us to do whatever it takes to keep ourselves and our loved ones alive. However, when faced with dire circumstances, resorting to stealing may seem like the only option. It is important to remember that there are alternatives to stealing that can help us get by.
For instance, reaching out to local non-profit organisations, food banks, or government agencies that provide assistance to those in need. It may also be possible to earn some extra money by taking up odd jobs or selling items that we no longer use.
Regardless of what we do, it’s crucial to remember that there is always a way out of hardship, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength.
Dr Krishna Athal, Life & Executive Coach
Reframing the Conversation Around Poverty and Crime
Poverty and crime – two words forever linked together in our minds. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that those living in poverty are more likely to turn to a life of crime. But what if we reframed the conversation? What if we started talking about poverty and crime in a different way? Rather than assuming that poverty leads to crime, let’s focus on the systems that perpetuate poverty and criminal behaviour.
Let’s talk about the lack of access to education, employment opportunities, and affordable housing. Let’s talk about how some communities are over-policed, leading to increased rates of criminalisation for minor offences. It’s time to shift the narrative and start looking at poverty and crime through a different lens. One that acknowledges the complexities of our society and the structural issues that keep people trapped in a cycle of poverty and criminal behaviour.
Ultimately, we must start thinking more holistically and compassionately about complex poverty and crime situations. It is important to consider not only stories and personal experiences but also the structural processes at play in regards to poverty and crime. We must prioritise coming up with effective changes that can bring an end to poverty that doesn’t lead to or degrade into criminality.
Until then, we must continue conversations around our capacity for empathy regarding acts of survival—especially when they are committed under improbable circumstances due to poverty—through which we can begin to develop more equitable criminal justice solutions. Instead of accusing those impacted by poverty of morally questionable behaviour, let us pledge our support and create a better future where everyone has access to their basic needs without turning to predatory means for survival. Let’s reframe the conversation now!
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