From Mary Gentile: The Giving Voice to Values curriculum is not about persuading people to be more ethical. It asks the question: “What if I were going to act on my values? What would I say and do? How could I be most effective?”
The problem mentioned at the beginning of article--about some of the author's colleagues voicing what amounted to dismissals of ethical concerns because of individual interest--seems a mighty opponent to teaching ethics today. The business culture wasn't always this way, and that's a long story. But I always though the classic "It's a Wonderful LIfe" doesn't get enough credit for its economic message.
The hero is the small savings and loan officer who battles to give the "little guy" mortgages, while the richest man in town takes a random opportunity to destroy him (and his mission). When Jimmy Stewart's character returns with his angel he sees the town dominated by bars and gambling, and there is no community of middle class families--it's apparent from the story that Stewart's absence led to a slew of damage to his little town. Capra's message is pretty obvious--there needs to be a balance between profit and the community's welfare. Quite a contrast to the last several decades.
Brava, Mary!
Mal Salter
The problem mentioned at the beginning of article--about some of the author's colleagues voicing what amounted to dismissals of ethical concerns because of individual interest--seems a mighty opponent to teaching ethics today. The business culture wasn't always this way, and that's a long story. But I always though the classic "It's a Wonderful LIfe" doesn't get enough credit for its economic message.
The hero is the small savings and loan officer who battles to give the "little guy" mortgages, while the richest man in town takes a random opportunity to destroy him (and his mission). When Jimmy Stewart's character returns with his angel he sees the town dominated by bars and gambling, and there is no community of middle class families--it's apparent from the story that Stewart's absence led to a slew of damage to his little town. Capra's message is pretty obvious--there needs to be a balance between profit and the community's welfare. Quite a contrast to the last several decades.