Certainly, here’s a scenario involving a moral dilemma related to cultural diversity and multiculturalism:

The Situation:

My friend, let’s call her Maya, is an artist who creates beautiful sculptures using recycled materials. She recently received a commission from a prominent art gallery to create a large-scale installation for their upcoming exhibition on environmental sustainability. The gallery, located in a predominantly white, affluent neighborhood, has a reputation for showcasing avant-garde and often controversial art.

Maya, inspired by her own Indigenous heritage, decided to incorporate traditional weaving techniques and natural materials from her ancestral land into the installation. She envisioned a piece that would not only be visually stunning but also serve as a powerful statement about the interconnectedness of humans and the environment.

However, during the initial presentation of her concept to the gallery curator, a few board members expressed concerns. One member, a well-respected art collector, voiced his opinion that the inclusion of “primitive” elements might not appeal to the gallery’s discerning clientele. He suggested that Maya “modernize” her design, perhaps by incorporating sleek, minimalist elements.

The Dilemma:

Maya faced a difficult dilemma.

• Respect for Cultural Heritage: She felt a deep responsibility to honor her Indigenous roots and to share her cultural heritage with a wider audience.
• Artistic Integrity: She believed that compromising her artistic vision to appease the gallery’s perceived preferences would be a betrayal of her own artistic integrity.
• Financial Considerations: The commission offered a significant opportunity for her career and would provide much-needed financial stability.

Subjective Moral Relativism:

A subjective moral relativist would likely argue that the “right” approach is entirely up to Maya.

• Argument: They would emphasize that morality is subjective and personal. Maya should choose the path that aligns with her own values and brings her the most personal satisfaction. If she feels strongly about maintaining her cultural integrity, she should prioritize that over the potential criticisms of the gallery board.

Cultural Relativism:

A cultural relativist might argue that the “right” approach is to consider the cultural context of the gallery and its audience.

• Argument: They might suggest that Maya should adapt her design to better resonate with the gallery’s clientele while still maintaining some elements of her cultural heritage. They might argue that this approach would be more respectful of the gallery’s expectations and increase the likelihood of the installation’s success.

Is this approach correct?

While cultural relativism acknowledges the importance of cultural context, it can sometimes lead to the suppression of diverse perspectives and the homogenization of art. In this case, blindly adhering to the gallery’s perceived preferences might compromise Maya’s artistic integrity and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Indigenous cultures.

Maya’s Decision:

After careful consideration, Maya decided to proceed with her original vision, incorporating elements of her cultural heritage while also ensuring the installation was visually appealing to a broader audience. She explained her artistic intent to the gallery board, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation and the power of art to challenge perspectives.

Moral Justification:

Maya justified her decision by prioritizing her artistic integrity and her commitment to representing her cultural heritage authentically. She believed that authentic expression was more important than conforming to the expectations of a particular audience.

Is this approach morally correct?

There is no single “correct” answer. Maya’s decision reflects a balance between respecting her own values and considering the context of the exhibition.

Objective Moral Truth:

Whether there is an objective moral truth in this situation is a complex philosophical question.

• Arguments against objective truth: Some philosophers argue that morality is subjective and culturally relative, with no universal moral truths.