Every day, we see the world changing. It is a place of many cultures, people and opinions. As time passes, we see how the world is changing, but often overlook the constants. Morality is a consistent aspect of life that has always existed and will continue to exist.

Morality is a thing that will last forever. No matter how long it takes, it will be around. Morality can influence a person’s decision, even if it is their own choice. This social influence is evident when Twain says, “They were hanging the lady. I threw her a rock, though in my mind I was sorry for it. But everyone else was throwing stones. Each one was watching the neighbor. If I had done otherwise, I would have noticed and been spoken of.” Twain was talking about the case where a woman who was accused of witchcraft was hanged and then stoned. He was saying that not everyone has to do as others do.

Even today, this social influence is still evident. Despite the fact that today’s effects are not as severe, some instances still occur. Politics is a good example of how peers can influence morality. Although there will always differing opinions, some people will attempt to influence the way one views certain events. There has been recent discussion about separating families of immigrants during the current political climate. People were still affected by others’ morals. People who felt it was wrong were the minority. Those who thought it right were the majority. This is a good example of how people can change morality just by changing perspective.

A person’s ability, when viewed as superior, to put others below them can also be brought up in conversation. We often put people down if they don’t meet certain criteria or do not live up to certain expectations. Twain remarks, when Satan brings Theodor to a French village: “The proprietors’ wages are very high and they are very holy. But the wages that these poor siblings and brothers of theirs receive are barely enough to keep from dying of hunger.” Twain is suggesting that we tend to treat other people like they are nothing. We only provide them with a minimum amount to ensure that they survive, instead of treating those in better positions than us fairly. This is a morality problem, because people are not treating each other with respect and equality.

The issue is still relevant today. In recent years, the treatment of people has become more inhumane and unfair. It is easy to see this demeanor toward people because of different opinions or differences. Even if someone’s opinions differ, a person with a morality that leans towards seeing the good will still treat them equally and kind, regardless of their differences. People who are more focused on the negative can look down and be less kind to others. In the winter and summer, they work fourteen hours a day. Four hours sleep is all they get. They live in filthy, stifling conditions with three families, and then the disease takes over and they are gone like flies. They are mangy, but have they done anything wrong? No. What did they do to deserve such a punishment? The only thing they did was to be born in your stupid race.” The idea that some people can make themselves superior, while others cannot.

Morality, as seen, has been a constant throughout history. However, social influence, and the desire to look better or worse, can alter the way it is perceived. It is true that people do not make themselves look better or change their morality because of peers, but it’s also true that peer pressure can influence our decisions. The morality of a group can also be affected by the way we perceive others and make decisions based on that.

michaellang

Michael Lang is a 33-year-old professor and blogger who is passionate about writing. He has been blogging for over 7 years and has written for various online publications. Michael is also a seasoned professor who has taught at the college level for over a decade. He is currently a professor of English at a community college in the Midwest.