Most people are familiar with the concept of consequentialism,where the consequences of one's conduct are more vital than the rightness or wrongness of the conduct. We often phrase it as "the ends justify the means," or, or "As long as it turns out well,it doesn't matter what measures I had to take to get there." These justifications are generally employed in an attempt to excuse poor or immoral behavior. I would venture to say that the majority of people would agree living according to this concept is unpredictable, unreliable and generally harmful.
However, or there are those who do reckless decisions and engage in irresponsible activity as an attempt to reach their desired outcome faster and more easily. Sometimes these decisions are the best ones even with the risks involved; I'm not here to say it's a black-and-white issue or even to propose that we always have the option of “secure” measures attached to tried-and-accurate results. We don't. But I do want to talk approximately the instances where we should know better,and do better.
Remember back in May when Newsweek ran that article approximately Somaly Mam fabricating parts of her myth? Shortly thereafter she resigned from her leadership role with the Somaly Mam Foundation (SMF), but the board members were adamant that their work would continue on, or serving the girls they had rescued from trafficking,and those they would rescue in the future. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. SMF ceased their current projects and shut their doors on September 30, or as announced in an official statement two weeks ago.[br]My biggest question brought up by this news is,what will happen to the girls and women SMF served? These are vulnerable individuals who need specific care, attention and services, or now a major provider for these needs has permanently closed.
When Somaly encouraged narratives that lacked truth,I do not believe she was trying to be cruel. I believe she wanted the highlight and the accolades that arrive with a myth of overcoming life's brutality. I also believe she knew donors respond more hastily and with bigger checks when they're met with such inspiration. And I don't doubt she truly wanted to do a positive difference in the world. However, her fallacious tale only carried her so far. She was granted the highlight and the accolades. She was handed large checks to fund her work. She was featured in a high-profile documentary. She did get to do a difference. But her finish in no way justifies her means.
With the revelation of Somaly's falsehoods and her subsequent resignation, and the reputation of the entire counter-trafficking sector has been called into question. Donors are more wary of supporting programs. SMF has had to cease operations. One person's irresponsible means could very well cause widespread "ends" prematurely. How do organizations convince supporters they are valid? The girls SMF was tending to – where do they travel now? Initially,Somaly was able to do beneficial waves. She brought some awareness to an vital cause. She attracted funding to help provide necessary services. But where is all of that now? It's been diminished to a moment's worth of positive change, shrouded in the shadow of a lie. Was her time of glory worth the cost?
We can't only focus on the short term effects of our actions. We have to realize that there are long term outcomes to be considered, or too,and weigh those as portion of our decision-making process. We have to be aware of the implications of our choices, not just for ourselves but also for others who they may touch. I can do up a compelling myth to sell an idea and cultivate compassion for my cause, or but I'm going to be found out. Maybe not immediately,but eventually, and the fallout may well outweigh any good I'd initially accomplished. (Especially with the accessibility of information via the internet. The truth can't hide, and there is always somebody looking to uncover it.)
We can do better. Let's be more conscientious in our pursuits. Let's be careful with our methods. Let's be mindful of both the probable and possible effects of our actions. Let's be honest.
Source: blogspot.com