3 ms·

Perhaps the situation you find yourself in is so egregious that it is "worth" the risk of losing a friendship, possibly troubling your friend even more, and you

Perhaps the situation you find yourself in is so egregious that it is "worth" the risk of losing a friendship, possibly troubling your friend even more, and you yourself going through much emotional distress leading up to, and during the conversation. I've been accused by a friend for not doing enough in a much less egregious situation (but also in the category of morality and equality), and understand the social difficulty in broaching such a topic, especially if you don't know them well. It's easy to say "do the right thing" on an internet forum to a stranger, especially if you yourself haven't been in this social situation where you know what the right thing is in a vacuum, yet our survival instincts push us towards not stirring the water. I think your reaction thus far is completely rational given such an alien situation (which is where I found myself in the past). I just want to say that your internal turmoil is being discounted too much by other commenters. I hope that you can find internal peace and understanding of where you stand and what you believe in for yourself, not because someone tells you that's what people "should do", before doing or saying anything, because that is the only way we can sustain both our moral and emotional health.

MrZongle2 9y ago
I upvoted your comment because I think it's the kind of positive, supportive remark seen too rarely online. I say this with complete sincerity. However, part of your response gave me pause: "I just want to say that your internal turmoil is being discounted too much by other commenters." I would offer that we cannot underestimate the internal turmoil, stress and emotional trauma of the aforementioned "housekeeper" (slave), who sleeps on a mat in the kitchen, and that any internal turmoil by those of us with freedom pales in comparison. Immediate, unambiguous action is the only moral response to slavery.

MrZongle2 9y ago

I upvoted your comment because I think it's the kind of positive, supportive remark seen too rarely online. I say this with complete sincerity. However, part of your response gave me pause: "I just want to say that your internal turmoil is being discounted too much by other commenters." I would offer that we cannot underestimate the internal turmoil, stress and emotional trauma of the aforementioned "housekeeper" (slave), who sleeps on a mat in the kitchen, and that any internal turmoil by those of us with freedom pales in comparison. Immediate, unambiguous action is the only moral response to slavery.