Today's posting comes with the full length feature film The Informer 1929. We want to help emphasize the moral dilemma of informing on a friend, relative or close associate. We think the Boston Bombings can be a teaching moment. Knowing when to inform on a friend is huge considering the world we now live in.
The Boston Bombing incident has generated an interesting question that may prover tougher to answer for some than for others. Yesterday three additional youths were identified and charged with obstruction of justice, tampering with evidence and lying to federal authorities. While these three 19 year olds may not have been coconspirators in the actual Boston bombings, the issues of what they knew, how soon they knew what they knew and why they didn't voluntarily tell authorities everything knew, should have the nation doing some serious soul searching over the next few days.
Fortunately, the vast majority of Americans live uneventful lives, where occasions to test one's moral fiber and strength of character are rare. However, the reports of three young men keeping silent under such grave circumstances, generated this occasion for a very frank discussion.
To Rat or Not to Rat:
Since Judas ratted out Jesus, informing on someone to the "authorities" has always been looked down upon by everyone but the "authorities". Living in a culture where "authority" simply isn't respected nor trusted as it once was, calling the "authorities" to provide information of a crime or crises is not the first thing many would be willing to do. Some communities wouldn't consider calling the "authorities" even if their very lives depended upon it.
As horrid, selfish and antisocial as withholding information during a critical situation that could save innocent lives and prevent the maiming of many more may be, there are those who'd weigh the risk of getting involved. Worse yet,there are those who don't give a shit. And then, there are those who do want to be helpful, but they want to be loyal too. Bottom line, nobody wants to rat, snitch, squeal or "inform" on somebody they know.
When asked point blank, the average Joe/Jane wouldn't hesitate a New York minute to call the cops if they saw a robbery, a rape or a murder. But if that robber, rapist or murderer turned out to a brother, son or best bud, would they be so quick to pick up the phone? That is one hell of a moral dilemma.
The Moral Dilemma:
Its the moral dilemma that determines who and what we really are. Many parents are going to turn the keys to a car over to an 18 year old male on prom night in few weeks. Inevitably, some of those young males are going to be drinking and smoking weed to celebrate their new found freedom.
As with every June in America, there are going to be a series of tragic auto accidents over the prom weekend. Horrible news reports of a hit and run fatality will flood the airwaves during breakfast.
When those parents realize the car sitting in their driveway Sunday morning has a broken headlight, paint transfer on the fender, empties in the back seat, with reefer roaches in the ashtray fits the description of the vehicle speeding away from the scene, WTF do those parents do.
Family A:
Mom and Dad call Junior in to the living room, confirm the story and call the cops. Doing the stand up thing, they get the best lawyer they can afford and face the music together.
Family B:
Mom and Dad pull the car into the garage, call a close friend who knows a body and fender man who works cheap and know how to keep his mouth shut for a few dollars more. What kind of family do you come from?
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