You may not understand what I mean when I say “ethics are like role models and heroes.” If that is the case, it is understandable. The reason for this post comes from the exploitation of the concept of ethical behavior. As a public relations student, the importance for ethical professionalism seems to go without saying; the same concept that creates role models and heroes.
Considering the number of “heroes” that the media creates and portrays, we can find real-life examples of humble heroes that believe they did what any decent person would do.
In my experience with various organizations, role models follow the same pattern. Though they impact the lives of their peers and those around them, role models are not self-created or self-proclaimed. “Hero” and “role model” are given titles, ordained by the lives that are affected by a particular person.
With these definitions of “hero” and “role model” one can understand how I view ethics as a topic that cannot simply be taught. Ethical behavior is a set of moral standards that governs life. Ethics do not only pertain to business and professional relationships, rather they determine what type of person you are. This is then respected and recognized by the people around you, or your “network”.
In short, saying that you are an ethical person does not make you an ethics expert; just as a self-proclaimed hero is not a hero. To seek the title is to forget what the title represents, and this is why ethics are suffering in the digital age.