Imagine that a female friend of yours teaches English as a second language to a
ID: 467379 • Letter: I
Question
Imagine that a female friend of yours teaches English as a second language to a group of Southeast Asian students. Over the months she has developed an excellent rapport with the students. When she became pregnant, they were all happy for her and even had a baby shower after class one night. She was delighted when she delivered a beautiful, healthy seven pound girl. She was shocked and puzzled when, several days after the students in her class had heard of the birth, she began receiving cards of condolence from them. The explanation soon became clear. In their culture, having a son as a first child is a matter of great joy, and they all sympathized with what they presumed was her sense of deep disappointment that she had given birth to a girl. Discuss the issues that this example raises about moral relativism. If you were in your friend's position, how would you deal with that situation?Explanation / Answer
Moral relativism example
Born of a girl child in South East Asia. Is it boon or bane?
Moral relativism or ethical relativism is difference of opinion, culture across the regions worldwide that is not following the same standard everywhere regarding moral issues. The issue mentioned in the case study is clearly an example of moral relativism or ethical relativism.
It is a matter of grave concern that still now born of a baby girl has been considered as a bane or curse in South East Asian countries. This is not the case all over the world. As per the case study even the students are having the same mentality that is they feel that having a son as a first child is a matter of great joy. Their thinking level is reflection of society. Even in 21st century people think in this way in this region. This mentality depicts the gender inequality in the society of south East Asia.
If I would be in my friend’s position I would also be shocked. But I would meet with my students and try to change their conception regarding gender equality in society. I would convince them with proper justification that what the developed countries are thinking about this issue? How gender equality has helped those countries to prosper and improved their quality of life.