Once again, I was confronted with an either/or, and found myself thinking “yes, and….” The subject was moral relativism versus absolutism. You know the issue, too often painted in a broad stroke that delineates the religious conservative against the liberal elite. One caricature happens when some anthropologist-type insists that he or she can’t judge another culture or social norm, but can only study and report on it. Then you have a group insisting that this other culture or social practice is evil and its traditions must be stopped. It’s not uncommon that this is a fundamentalist versus progressive battle, or so it’s portrayed. And in my mind, this does a disservice to the problems and challenges we face in creating positive change for all.

I see relativism as a perspective that is key to understanding, appreciating, and communicating with others with different beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviors. And I see absolutism as a perspective that is key to protecting all of us from cruelty and exploitation. In other words, I believe in practicing both when applicable (in other words, in a relativistic way).

Here’s an example, one that turns the “religious conservative” versus “liberal elite” on its proverbial head. I’m opposed to female genital mutilation (FGM). In my mind, ending FGM is essential; it’s not a practice we should accept as a relativistic norm of another country or religion. Girls should not have their genitals mutilated, period. But the way to end FGM is to ask questions, communicate fully, and engage respectfully with the people whose cultural norms and religious edicts perpetuate this practice, so that this same culture and religion can progress toward greater embodiment of its core values, rather than continue abusive traditions that violate individuals’ rights. We can end FGM through dialogue, understanding, communication, and openness, and ultimately through laws that are accepted by the majority.

If we choose to bring a “Yes, and…” attitude and approach to what confronts us, we may more often be able to offer different paths, as yet unseen, that are even better than the either/ors that confront us. They’ll likely be more complex, and they won’t force us into pigeon-holed labels like “religious” or “godless,” “conservative” or “liberal,” which belie the complexity of the vast majority of our beliefs, values, and choices. There is a reason that FGM continues, and it is understanding and saying, “Yes” to the fears, concerns, hopes, and needs of others to which we can add, “And” to the equation and help find paths that solve the needs without the abuse.

~Zoe, IHE President

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