Coloring Outside the Lines: Redefining Right and Wrong

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Thought

Let’s be real. When I got the proposal to feature a sponsored ad for legal cannabis gummies on this blog, I freaked out a little. My first thought? “Is this really something I want to put my name on?” It didn’t fit the mental image I had of what this space should be about.

But then, I paused.

I noticed the word “legal” in the description. That’s when I realized I wasn’t reacting to the product itself—I was reacting to what I’d been taught to think about it. It got me wondering: How often are our knee-jerk reactions just echoes of what we’ve been told? And how often do we stop to question whether our beliefs are truly ours or just hand-me-downs from society?

Scoop

We like to think that morality is black and white—right or wrong, good or bad. But life isn’t that simple. Morality is more like a spectrum with lots of shades of grey. Our upbringing, the people around us, the media we consume, and our cultural context all shape how we see the world.

So, what happens when we encounter situations that make us question our moral compass? Do we cling to the old rules, or do we allow ourselves to grow and redefine what’s right for us?

1. The Hand-Me-Down Beliefs We Carry

Think about it. From a young age, we’re handed a set of beliefs about what’s right and wrong. These come from our parents, teachers, and the society we grow up in. They shape our moral compass, but as we grow older, we start to see the cracks in this black-and-white view.

It’s realizing for the first time that what Mom says may not always be right.

Studies show that our moral reasoning changes as we encounter different perspectives. The more we experience the world, the more we realize that what we once thought was a hard rule might just be a cultural guideline.

2. Growing Up, Morally Speaking

Changing your mind doesn’t mean you’re weak or that you’ve lost your integrity. It means you’re willing to grow. It’s about being brave enough to say, “I was wrong” or “I’ve learned something new.” 

Our understanding of right and wrong should evolve as we do. This kind of growth is about aligning our actions with our evolving beliefs, not holding ourselves hostage to ideas that no longer serve us.

That’s how I felt about the cannabis gummy ad. At first, it felt wrong. But as I thought about it, I realized that my discomfort wasn’t really about the product—it was about my outdated perception of what cannabis represented. Learning more about its benefits, especially in managing stress and anxiety, helped me see it differently.

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3. How We’re Influenced Without Even Realizing It

Our beliefs are like sponges, soaking up influences from everywhere—our friends, our family, social media, the news. We might think we’re independent thinkers, but a lot of our ideas about right and wrong are shaped by the world around us. Take media, for example. It doesn’t just inform us; it molds us.

A while back, a Malaysian leader made headlines when he used a metaphor to talk about rape. He said it was like leaving meat uncovered—if a cat eats it, it’s not the cat’s fault but the fault of whoever left it out. This is a shocking example, but it illustrates how deeply cultural attitudes can shape our views on morality.

4. Living in the Grey Zone

Here’s the truth: life is messy. It’s full of situations that don’t fit neatly into a “right” or “wrong” category. These are the grey areas—the situations where our moral compass starts to wobble.

And you know what? That’s okay.

It’s important to be flexible, to allow ourselves to adapt our views as we encounter new information and experiences. Sticking rigidly to old beliefs can lead to moral absolutism, a kind of tunnel vision that leaves no room for empathy or understanding.

5. How to Handle Moral Dilemmas Without Losing Sleep

So, what do you do when you’re faced with a decision that makes you question your moral beliefs? First, take a breath. Pause and reflect. Ask yourself: Is this belief truly mine, or did I inherit it from someone else? Gather information, listen to different perspectives, and don’t rush your decision.

Resources

For readers interested in exploring how to navigate moral complexity, the book “Moral Tribes: Emotion, Reason, and the Gap Between Us and Them” by Joshua Greene offers insights into the nature of moral decision-making and how we can navigate the grey areas of life.

Last Word

Morality isn’t set in stone. It’s a living, breathing part of us that evolves as we learn and grow. So, give yourself permission to question, to change, and to redefine what’s right for you.

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