Unfairly Exploited

Perspectives invite us to expand our ethical lives more fully into the relational and collective domains of out lives, becoming more subtle in our ethical awareness. We may think that we are following the ethical guideline about not killing, but how do we relate to a government that kills in our name? We may believe we are far from the idea of stealing, but do we use work time for surfing the Internet or exaggerate our tax returns? Do we enjoy economic and social privilege by participating in a system in which some have been unfairly exploited? We may identify ourselves as honest, as always telling the truth. But how do we relate to a lack of honesty in our own organizations or in public places, whether originating from public officials, the media, or our educational systems.

from the book The Engaged Spiritual Life by Donald Rothberg

photo by Graela

• Do we enjoy economic and social privilege by participating in a system in which some have been unfairly exploited?

It is this question that I struggle with the most. The idea that my life is comfortable and easy because I exist and function in a system of exploitation, and while I denounce the system, I continue to not only thrive in it, but actually enjoy the perks of comfort and freedom it affords me.

What do you think? How do you deal with the notion that the first world grows and "succeeds" on the exploitation of the rest of the planets people and resources?