EXERCISE: Conflicts deluxe?

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original posting 22 April 2010

Sorry about the silences -- we're somewhere in the process of changing apartments, which involves packing our stuff right now. And for some reason, my wife really thinks I should take care of my own piles... I'm trying yet again to sort through some of it, and just get rid of some bits and pieces. At the end of next week, we move... at which point we get to unpack! There's something odd about moving things into boxes just so that you can move them out again? Anyway...

Somewhere in the piles, I came across a list that I had made of situations with ethical conflict. There is a note to think about the consequences. And since I know that you enjoy writing about things, take a look at the list and pick one that resonates with you:

1. Loyalty versus truth, honesty, integrity. I've written whistle-blowing alongside this, but it's a common problem. Do you stand silent or even lie to support family, friends, colleagues or do you tell the truth and take the consequences?
2. Individual versus community. Do you go along or do you do your own thing?
3. Short-term versus long-term. Do you want one marshmallow now, or two later?
4. Justice versus Mercy -- that old guy stole some bread to feed the orphans? Off with his head!

Conflicts of interest, us versus them, immediate gratification versus long-term gratification, Justice is blind or have a heart? Where do you see conflicts that involve both sides having good arguments? Where do you say, "You're both right, and it's tearing me apart?"

Go ahead and personify the various positions, put them in a setting that highlights the conflict, and then tell us the story of good versus good, of right versus right, or of the right versus the good... what happened? How did they deal with it?

Write!
Later...