MONEY AND MORALS
DESPITE THEIR similar initial sound, money and morals are often not valued the same by individuals. It seems that one must always take precedence over the other. The love of money is commonly referred to as the ‘root of all evil’, this makes it easy to see why it so frequently causes people to compromise their morals. However, not everybody is willing to act unscrupulously in the name of money. The following scenarios may help you to figure out where you stand.
Your parents are poor and they can’t afford your textbooks. There is a social studies textbook sold in your school’s bookstore that costs $5,000. You keep failing your assignments because you don’t have this textbook. You witnessed a $5,000 note fall from the pocket of a student at school. This is a student who bullies you and is known for being rich and snobby. You’re the only one who has seen the money fall.
Would you rather:
– Take the money and buy your book? (5%)
– Return the money to the snobby student? (95%)
“I would pretend like I didn’t see it, that’s all.” (Lisia, 12)
“The solution is never to steal, so even though I’m poor, I couldn’t take the money. Your conscience is bound to bother you after something like that.” (Adrian, 18)
There is a student known for selling contraband at school. He/she always has a lot of money because of it, but he/she has never been officially caught. This student has offered to buy you lunch on the day you have forgotten your money. You have a test in the next period and you desperately want food. However, you are also a prefect, so you don’t know if you should accept the money that was obtained illicitly. Would you rather:
– Take the money and get your lunch? (60%)
– Decline the offer and go without food? (40%)
“I can’t be sure that the money he’s using is coming from his illegal activities though, so ... . ” (Romario, 14)
“It would be unethical to take the money if I know where he got it from, especially if I’m a prefect. I’d find some other way to get food or drink water, or something.” (Charles, 17)
Your mother often complains to your father about needing to get the car washed. He promises that he will do it but, instead, he offers to pay you to do it and pass it off as his work. You are close to your mother and she would be very disappointed if you washed the car and made her think that her husband has done it. You also really want the money for a new phone.
Would you rather:
– Take the money and deceive your mother? (30%)
– Tell you father no? (70%)
“It’s just a white lie, I guess. If I really need the money, then I’d do it and prevent her from finding out.” (Mindi, 15)
“I’m closer to Mom than my Dad, so I’d ask her for the phone money and tell Dad no.” (Gia, 16)