The Demise of Morality Word on the Week 17th July 2021.
The tide of immorality shows no signs of turning. Fed by an openness to tell their stories the media delivers detailed accounts that become ever more explicit. What yesterday was frowned upon, today is accepted and tomorrow we can expect restraints to be further eroded.
The Apostle Paul lived in similar times. Lack of any belief in an afterlife had led to the coining of the phrase “Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die”. To which he replied “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians Chapter 15 verses 32/34). The Apostle attributes their sinning to an ignorance of God. The same could be said of today.
Nowhere is this flow of filth more evident than in social media. In Facebook they employ ‘content moderators’ whose task is to sift through the material posted on its platform. These moderators sit at screens in offices and work to protect users of social media from the worst possible “content” imaginable. In order to do that, they have to see distressing images, videos and texts every day which include extreme violence and child abuse.
For this work to protect Facebook’s reputation they work, not as employees but under contract. Although there are moderators in other countries Dublin is a centre for this work. Presumably there is a reason why they are not given employment status but their work keeps Facebook in business and saves them from many a lawsuit!
Part of the problem is the historical view that Companies exist to maximise shareholders’ financial return. Facebook’s treatment of its content moderators is an example of how other considerations are overlooked. A more enlightened approach is offered by B Corp. This involves companies signing up to a statement of intent that they will not only serve their community, but their customers, environment, governance, and workers also.
In the past there were firms such as Lever Brothers who were exemplary at looking after their employees. Many were created by Quaker families. This modern creation, B Corp, is growing as companies take on board the values. They can be viewed at bthechange.com
In Scripture the converted thief is told to stop stealing but must work doing something useful with his hands, so that he may have something to share with those in need (Ephesians Chapter 4 verse 28). This is echoed in Acts Chapter 20 verses 34/5 where the Apostle introduces the work ethic and quotes Jesus in support! B Corp follows somewhat along these lines.