Moral Blind Spots

“Every age has its massive moral blind spots. We might not see them, but our children will.” 

Bono - U2

A moral blind spot is a feature of our vision of ourselves and the social world that is occluded to us as moral subjects.

I read an article recently in which they discussed many of the pro-slavery arguments from the antebellum South. It is disturbing, shocking, and disappointing to read arguments which include the attempt to defend the indefensible. During this time period, there were individuals who offered arguments in defense of slavery based on politics, economics, religion, and medical science. The logical discrepancies of these arguments are many, and the arguments themselves are so clearly wrong. We look back and wonder, "how could educated people believe that slavery was a moral institution?" But they did, however inconceivable it is in modern day society, they did.  They were not bad people, or evil in nature, they were simply flawed in their logic and privy to the pressures and influence of the world and times around them.

So the question that begs to be answered is "What will future generations think about us? What moral blind spots of ours will they see, that we miss?"  There are many possibilities, but I think that future generations may look back at the disparity of wealth in our world and wonder how we could have missed the injustices that exist related to this. The elitism and economic prejudice, the failure to help those first at home and then in distant countries.  We send billions of dollars in support to countries all over the world, but we turn a blind eye to those in need right here in our backyard. 

I know it's not simple, that there are always extenuating circumstances.  I know that things like conditions, limitations, and possibilities for self-knowledge for both individual moral subjects and political regimes can impact the direction of our moral compass. Its complex. Moral Blind Spots can be identified in every generation in every point in history dating back to the beginning of man. In ancient literature the blind spot hides behind or within the folds of the virtue or excellence of character that distinguishes the hero.

If blind spots are unseen and unknown to us, how can we fix them, reverse them or repair any damage they might cause to ourselves and future generations?  I think the first step is good judgement. Following your instincts about what feels right and wrong.  Being courageous enough to stand up against injustice and to stand apart from the masses. 

I teach my boys everyday that actions have consequences, both positive and negative.  Carry that thought process further through and realize that like the purported Butterfly Effect, every choice we make effects the future of the entire world. One man/woman can make a difference.  Don't let the generations to come look back on us with scorn and embarrassment. Don't them believe that with all the injustice and moral ambiguity around us, that no one was willing to stand up.  Give them something to be proud of.