I have often wondered what it truly means to be a good person. My life experience thus far has taught me the importance of treating others with kindness, serving one’s community, being grateful and admitting to one’s failures. I would like to say that I am a good person, but of course, I have made mistakes. I have failed to hold the door open, or cut people off in traffic. On a larger scale, I have said things I regret and not always acted as the best version of myself. I do not think that these things make me a bad person; I simply think that they are human mistakes, and I try my best with each day to do better. However, in the modern age of cancel culture and moral superiority, it is easy to feel that any imperfection must reflect a broader moral failure.
I was recently scrolling on TikTok when I came across an interesting post. In this video, a girl admitted that she had been jealous of her friend in the past, and she explained how she was jealous of this friend’s life and achievements due to her own unhappiness. Although jealousy is considered a “negative” emotion, I would venture to say that everyone has felt it at one time or another. Considering this, I was surprised when I checked the comments. Many people were blaming her for feeling this way, and one comment went as far as to say “I’m shocked at how the comments are trying to normalize this” (referencing comments that empathized with her situation). This post is a microcosm of a larger problem I have noticed within my generation: many people seem to be incapable of acknowledging the nuance within any given situation and resort to black and white thinking.
I have also found that this attitude is apparent within politics. Particularly on the left, it is frustrating to me how often self-proclaimed activists end up virtue signaling. People love to shut others out for any small division in their beliefs, rather than working towards a shared goal. For example, during the 2024 election, thousands of people refused to vote for Kamala Harris and claimed that they “refused to settle for the lesser evil.” In doing so, these people disguised their inaction as activism. Considering the dumpster fire America is now faced with under Trump’s administration, I cannot help but feel extremely resentful towards these non-voters.
Additionally, the way in which Gen Z perceives fictional characters has become fraught with moral superiority. I recently finished watching “Tell Me Lies,” and without giving any spoilers, it is safe to say that the main character Lucy makes many mistakes throughout the show. I was personally able to connect many of her flaws with the extreme trauma she faced. However, many fans of the show seemed unable to offer her any sympathy, and some even claimed that she is just as bad as her abusive boyfriend. This attitude, even towards a fictional character, is proof that moral superiority is never helpful.
In order for our society to truly progress, we must offer each other grace, empathy and understanding. In doing so, we will be able to work together more efficiently and offer ourselves more kindness and patience. In the wise words of John Steinbeck, “Now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.”