Summary Of David Brooks The Cost Of Relativism

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A’Neiya Brown The article I selected, "The Cost of Relativism," by David Brooks (2015), divides Americans with college educations from those with only a high school education. He draws attention to several horrifying profiles from the latter category, which include problems with drugs, violent crimes, and unwanted pregnancies. Brooks makes the case that nonjudgementalism undermines societal standards and that they should be restored. Although empathy for those without opportunity is crucial, he argues that norms are just as important in these circles as money and laws. On the other hand, it is incorrect to assume that the moral standards of the rich and impoverished are different. Poor people accept society's myths about effort and accountability, feel guilty about their relatives' incarceration, and hope to get married. …show more content…

In the piece, he references Robert Putnam's book Our Kids, which emphasizes the glaring differences between the offspring of wealthy college graduates and those of less fortunate high school graduates. The empirical data confirms what might appear obvious: children from impoverished backgrounds confront more obstacles. He then begins to speak about the moral failures of the disadvantaged. Brooks contends that moral failings, not outside events, are the primary cause of the dysfunction of the American underclass. He laments the lack of fundamental laws and regulations ingrained in daily existence, claiming that society has grown hesitant to declare that some actions are superior to others. According to Brooks, the troubles of the underprivileged can be attributed to their lack of moral bravery and self-control. He then contends that impoverished children would have a greater chance of realizing the American Dream if the latter showed greater virtue in making decisions based on long-term good, self-control, and responsibility. My opinion on relativism in this article is that critics counter that Brooks oversimplifies the intricate

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