A "Good Person"
For as long as I have been me, I've strived to be what many have called me: a "nice guy". This was not because I wanted/needed to be regarded as such by others, or because I wanted acceptance, but because I firmly believed in treating others as I'd have them treat me, and getting along with everyone as long as it depended on me. Respecting others as I expect respect. Those beliefs continue to this day.
There is one problem, though: for many, you're only a good person if your actions and morals align with or follow principles generally held by a given societal group construct (e.g., family, peers (not true friends--mind this especially), professional society, society at large, et cetera), or some other "authority figure".
That is where I draw the line, when it comes to my aforementioned beliefs.
Now, do not misunderstand me. What is "right" for one situation may be "wrong" for another, and what is "good" today may be "bad" tomorrow; as such, my morals will adapt to and accomodate a given situation should it become necessary (within reason). The universe does not revolve around me, after all. However, the moment I have to unreasonably/unjustifiably (i.e., in my eyes) alter--or, worse, contravene--my morals or ways just to fit the tenets of societal values and thus assuage societal pressure, "nice" will go out the window, and I'll keep my ways. I will not abandon integrity just to fit in.
That sort of kowtowing isn't being a "good person". It's merely subservience to society.
There is one problem, though: for many, you're only a good person if your actions and morals align with or follow principles generally held by a given societal group construct (e.g., family, peers (not true friends--mind this especially), professional society, society at large, et cetera), or some other "authority figure".
That is where I draw the line, when it comes to my aforementioned beliefs.
Now, do not misunderstand me. What is "right" for one situation may be "wrong" for another, and what is "good" today may be "bad" tomorrow; as such, my morals will adapt to and accomodate a given situation should it become necessary (within reason). The universe does not revolve around me, after all. However, the moment I have to unreasonably/unjustifiably (i.e., in my eyes) alter--or, worse, contravene--my morals or ways just to fit the tenets of societal values and thus assuage societal pressure, "nice" will go out the window, and I'll keep my ways. I will not abandon integrity just to fit in.
That sort of kowtowing isn't being a "good person". It's merely subservience to society.