Exploring Moral Dilemmas: Insights from a Casual Poll of Inebriated Spouses

In a recent informal study, two husbands—one of whom was my partner—were asked a series of yes or no questions over a few glasses of white wine and cocktails. While the setting may have been relaxed, the implications of this anecdotal research are significant. This study will be shared in a peer-reviewed online publication, so you might actually be reading it now.

The Questions

The husbands were initially posed three straightforward questions:

Was it wrong for a public figure to use physical discipline on his young child?
Should the NFL have taken stronger action in response to a domestic violence incident involving a player?
Is it unethical for a hacker to leak private images of celebrities?

After a couple of drinks, the unanimous answers were a resounding “Yes” to all three inquiries. The wives present were initially satisfied with their spouses’ responses. However, further questioning revealed a complex layer of hypocrisy.

Contradictions in Conviction

When asked if their strong convictions would influence their NFL viewing habits or participation in fantasy football, the husbands emphatically responded, “Absolutely not!”—a reaction that echoed loudly through the small establishment. The findings on the hacking scandal were equally intriguing. Every participant acknowledged that the women whose images were stolen had been violated. Yet, when asked if they had viewed the leaked photos, only half initially answered “Yes.” The other half, however, quickly retracted their denial, claiming, “I tried, but they were removed.”

When one researcher challenged this defense, suggesting that even clicking on the link condoned the crime, the participant laughed it off. Fortunately, the humorous exchange may have alleviated tension at home—unlike the second husband’s flippant comment, which likely stirred discord in his own relationship.

Implications of the Study

This study presents a perplexing scenario. It suggests that even well-meaning individuals can inadvertently endorse unacceptable behaviors, particularly when it affects their enjoyment of sports. But do these findings reflect a deeper moral inconsistency among the participants? To what extent does this contradict the ethical standards they presumably uphold in their daily lives?

Researchers ponder how a partner can reconcile their admiration for ethical behavior with a willingness to overlook similar actions in others—especially when it comes to the NFL or popular culture. Factors like the New England Patriots’ current ranking or opinions on films like Silver Linings Playbook may further complicate these attitudes.

Fostering Empathy and Accountability

The hope is that through continued discussions, such as pointing out the human impact of these actions—“What if that were your daughter?”—the subjects can cultivate a more nuanced understanding of empathy and accountability. Perhaps ongoing engagement can foster an environment conducive to moral growth, or perhaps it will require additional exploration.

Summary

This article presents an informal study involving two husbands discussing moral dilemmas while under the influence. Initial responses indicated strong ethical beliefs, but further questioning revealed contradictions related to personal behavior and societal norms. Continued dialogue is suggested as a means of fostering empathy and accountability.