I think, as a whole, our society is a somewhat united one when it comes to observing and obeying the laws of the land, at least when publicly adressing the subject. We agree that it is bad to steal things. It is inappropriate to kill someone. Even running red lights is generally frowned upon. And though people often do things they aren’t supposed to, they acknowledge, at least when asked, that breaking the law is a bad thing. So why is speeding so socially accepted? I’m not going to say that everyone does it, because those of us who do speed have, at least once or twice, have been stuck behind that guy going sixty four MPH while we're trying to make it on time to our one o’clock English class. This proves the existence of speed-limit obeying individuals. But this question is directed generally towards those of us who, like Sammy Hagar, “can’t drive fifty five." So why is it okay to speed? Is it morally justifiable? Aren’t we all just flaunting our lawlessness, considering when we speed there are plenty of other people around us to witness the crime (and it is a crime)? Or are we all in denial, a bunch of ignorant, transient sheep, following the traditions of a few long gone, Hagar-like renegades? Driving over the speed limit on any given road is against the law. There's no arguing that. So whats our justification as otherwise law-abiding citizens?
I’m not really sure what to think about it all. I speed. I normally never go less than four miles over the speed limit. But can I justify my actions without admitting to being a law-breaker, something I definitely don’t consider myself to be? It’s hard to say.
2 comments:
I don't think it has anything to do with flaunting our lawlessness. I think many people break the laws when they cant see who it hurts. most of the time, when we speed we dont kill anyone. It happens, but when I've sped a hundred times and never hurt anyone, i guess i get cocky and dont think it will ever cause harm. it's the same with downloading music for free. it doesnt feel like stealing because i'm not surrounded by people who will suffer from me stealing. i think that's the problem. people don't think about the fact that it is a law and needs to be followed for that reason alone.
I think that the reason that many people speed, and why they feel justified is because the limit isn't enforced. You can usually go 5 to 6 mph faster than the speed limit and not be in danger of being pulled over. When people face no consequences for breaking a rule or law, many will continue to do it. I think, and this applies to all laws not just speeding, that if a law is made and never or hardly ever enforced, then it should not be a law. If a law is not enforced, then people often will disregard it as if it didn't exist. They are only left to their own moral judgment, and some people do not have very good, or any, moral judgment.
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