Moral values are a set of principles and ideals that act as guides on how people act in specific situations. The subject of moral values has for a long time remained controversial especially regarding its perceived link with culture. Although culture has a significant influence on moral values, it is not the only determinant (Boss, 2008). The acquisition of moral values may also depend on circumstances in one’s life as well as laws and religion. For instance, a person may acquire the value of generosity upon working as a volunteer in a children’s home. It is reported that the values of Americans have been changing at an alarming rate with most of the people striving to be liberals. While this shift is true, it is not only happening in America but across the world owing in part to the increased interactions from globalization. Nonetheless, some of the values held by Americans are shared across the world while others are unique and not universally held. In this paper, the universal values of monogamy, kindness, and respect for gay marriages are discussed with respect to America and the world.

The moral value of monogamy is a universal moral that is widely accepted in American society. The value is attributed with Christianity which is the main religion in the country. In fact, so entrenched is the value that it is unlikely to find polygamous families in the country. Studies have shown that monogamy is one of the few values that have not changed among American people. Moreover, a majority of American consider infidelity immoral thereby increasing the support for monogamy. However, this value is not unique to America and is widely practiced in countries with a large inclination towards Christianity. Almost all Christian families in the world are monogamous making monogamy one of the values that are widely practiced. However, not every family in the world is monogamous. A majority of Muslim inclined countries have the tendency of practicing polygamy. In addition, most African countries allow for the value of polygamy. This is more in traditions that have existed in these countries for many years. It has become difficult to break them altogether.

Still, America is largely attributed with the value of kindness; another universal moral that is practiced in almost all countries. Kindness has been cited as America’s strength and is one of the values that have not changed with time. The value is associated with taking care of others and helping people in need, a trait that is evident amongst most Americans. Despite taking the top spot in terms of kindness, it is not uniquely American but is a universal value. Other countries considered as having kind people include Britain and South Africa. The reason for America’s excellence in the value of kindness is perhaps due to the values of Christianity. The construction of the family unit in America is also a reason for the acts of kindness in the country. Children are taught how to help others at a relatively young age thus instilling the value of kindness (McClellan, 1999). The dos and don’ts that they have been taught while growing up tend to play a significant role in this realization. This is because they become conscious on what they ought to do to others, and what not to do.

Lastly, the value of respect is widely practiced in American society. In particular Americans have deep respect for gay and lesbian marriages, something that is different from yesteryears. In the past, Americans did not respect gay marriages but instead encouraged straight marriages. It was only deemed legal in some states, but in most states it was illegal. Perhaps, the shift in values is resultant from the development of liberal values in Americans over the recent past. The respect for gay marriages is gaining prominence in the world, especially among the developed countries. The value of respect is therefore not unique to America but is a universal virtue upheld in many countries. However, respect for gay marriages is not practiced in all the countries. In particular, most African and Arabic countries are against gay marriages and most citizens have no respect for the same. There are countries where being gay is treated as being a crime. People get persecuted because of practicing the act.

References

Boss, J. A. (2008). Ethics for life: A text with readings. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

McClellan, B. E. (1999). Moral education in America: Schools and the shaping of character from colonial times to the present. Teachers College Press, PO Box 20, Williston, VT 05495-0020 (paperback: ISBN-0-8077-3820-4, $21.95).

 
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