On Tuesday my Psych class revisited the moral question of $100 (see The Missing Moral Compass post). I didn't get a chance to respond as my prof was trying to get to the point and move on. However, the next question was just as interesting:
"Why do you do nice things for your significant other?" The class answers were "Because you want something in return". I had enough of this and raised my hand.
"Why not do it because you love him?"
My psych prof stopped in his tracks and stared at me. "For love alone? You're kidding, right? You're not kidding. Are you altruistic and would return the $100 lost in the parking lot, too?"
I stated that I would and then waited for the death trap I knew he was laying for me. I even told him I was expecting it. He surprised me instead.
"I admire you. No, I am not kidding. I really admire you."
As Mrs. Man would say, color me surprised. But only for a minute. My prof now wants to meet Mr. Wonderful. He wants to know if I keep Mr. Wonderful drugged and duct-taped in a back room so I can claim how wonderful our marriage is. I've told this to Mr. Wonderful, who is quite keen on coming to my class to hear for himself the outrageous statements of my prof and peers.
6 comments:
Yay!
You know, I'm wondering if your professor will take a learning moment to explain he was waiting for someone to admit in front of the class that he or she would do the right thing and make an attempt to return the $100, but that once one person said, "I'd keep it," everyone else followed suit like lemmings--and that because of this social behavior, societal morals become whatever most people perceive is the acceptable thing to do based on what their peers say.
Good on you for standing up for the right thing.
And yes, I think you should get Mr. W into class! Tag team the rest of those degenerates! :)
Wow. That's sad. Way to speak up!
Hi sweetie. :) Good for you. I can't wait until we get to hear about Mr. Wonderful as Exhibit A. ;) Miss you, and hope things are going well.
Applause for you!!!
And color ME a little surprised that everyone in the class would only do something for a loved one to get something in return. More than seeing the one you love have a moment of happiness.
WTG Carrie!!! And - I have to say - what kind of professor and students go to your school! The world amazes me sometimes!
I'm so proud of you for speaking up - you never know that you might have just made a huge difference in the life of some of your "peers" - or at least made them think twice about it - the next time they are faced with a similar situation.
I hope they are as impressed with Mr. Wonderful and your marriage as I am :) You are a wonderful example!
You go girl. It's nice to see a person with a wonderful heart for every one and not expect something in return. God is smiling at you
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