Is ethical decision making possible when one must make choices based on survival? Do seemingly "bad" choices make a person bad? Discuss. Ethics refers to the moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity. In the 21 SST century, essentially in western cultures, ethics are becoming progressively important in all aspects of life. What is Judged as a "bad" or unethical choice may vary amid cultures, societies and religions as Individuals have divergent perceptions.It is deemed unacceptable in society to act in such a manner as to harm others or aviate from morality; however is a "bad" choice justifiable if it was an act based on survival? The film, Slumlord Millionaire, based on the bestselling novel Q and A by Indian diplomat, Villas Swards and directed by Danny Bayle, exposes unethical principles and topics In a confronting manner.
Slumlord Millionaire was set In the slums of the most populous city in India, Iambi.Life in Iambi presented countless complications for Jam Mali, the main character and his older brother Salami. After their mother was killed by Muslim extremists during the Bombay Riots, he young, naive brothers were left to fend for themselves, which often resulted In acts which would be considered unethical to most. The importance of ethics was often irrelevant in terms of decision making for Jam and Salami. They committed acts of theft in order to satisfy the basic necessities associated with living.For many westerners who live a life at ease, It Is challenging to relate to the lives of Jam and Salami, whose main focus was survival, not questioning whether the choices they were making were ethical.
A demonstration of an entirely unethical choice which is Hellenizing to Justify was when Salami stole his brother's autographed picture of Indian Plywood star, Amanita Bacchanal and sold It to a trader in the slum for a small price. Under most circumstances this would be understood as a selfish and harsh act, contradicting the entire principle of ethics.However, Salami did not consider that his choice may upset his brother, nor would he deem it unethical, in fact feelings often deviate from what is ethical. He was misguided by his desire to live a better life.
The act of Salami releasing Land's hand and as a result her not being able to climb board the train and flee to safety with the brothers, is perceived by those in developed countries as unreasonable and callous as she is a young, vulnerable girl.Salami was entirely aware of the danger that awaited her, however, he was responsible for himself and his younger brother and allowing her to Join them meant an additional mouth to feed and less food for them. Salami's choice was influenced by his poverty and surroundings, making it ethical in his point of view. Certain situations can compel us to act in such a manner that goes against our principles ND deface us from morality.One may sit and pass often misinformed Judgments on choices others make, however many are unaware on how they would act if presented with the same situation.
In a circumstance of life of death the ability to think rationally is often discarded and the need to survive dominates all. Similarly, as people mature they come to a realization that there is good and bad In all people and It is unfair to pass Judgment purely based on the decisions one has made. As Harper Lee famously said, "you never really understand a person until you consider.
