PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION IN NGE6-ETHICS

The story of the Salazar Family

“The human dilemma is not whether to do right or wrong, but rather to do right when
it matters the most, and wrong when it matters the least.”

Moral dilemmas are situations in which the decision-maker must consider two or more
moral values or duties but can only honor one of them; thus, the individual will violate at least
one important moral concern, regardless of the decision. In a real dilemma, the choice is
between a wrong and another, roughly equal wrong.

Hence, the story of the Salazar Family is a good example to clarify, determine and
explore more on what is moral dilemma, and how it is being used not only on our society but in
our daily life experiences as well.

The story revolves about the Salazar sisters who are on a quest to halt the rush wedding
of their youngest sibling, CJ, wherein, it is considered a moral dilemma. For I believe, that the
four sisters of the family have no right to judge and decide for their younger brother who is on
the legal at the same time, without consulting him.

Another one, Alex, on the other hand, is having a hard time with her film making gig as
well as her relationship with Bobbie's ex. For this case some part of our society judges those
people who make relationships to the persons who are being ex by their relatives or close
friends, but as they say, “lovers are blind” and “love conquer all”.

In our Filipino culture, Bobbie, having a difficult relationship with Trixie, is pressured
by the eagerness of Tristan to get married. Mostly it is considered a dilemma, for traditionally
speaking, in our society, for some, having an affair with a person who has a child with
someone else can be misinterpret and judge by those who are narrow-headed people.

This scenario is also an example of a moral dilemma.- Teddie and Frodo went on to
one of the Bayags’ family businesses - a spa which has an obscene tag line and offers a “happy
ending” to their customers. Thinking that they’d be able to find anomalies, Teddie asked Frodo
to avail one of the services. As Frodo was moaning in one of the massage areas, Teddie
immediately called the police to have the area inspected. They found out that the “happy
ending” was in fact, thinking of happy thoughts after a massage.

Teddie and Frondo acted as spy, thinking that the happy ending spa has an anomalies is
a moral dilemma. For it is not good and moral to judge and conclude easily based on not sure
details of information. As the golden rule says, “Do not do unto others, what you do not want
them do unto you”.

Favoritism, is also present on the story. For the mother, Grace , favored Teddie, among
her children the most, but not knowing about it. It is a dilemma, for it contributes emotionally
damage to Bobbies feeling, thinking that she is not loved by her own mother.

Indeed, those moral dilemmas stated above are scenarios that can be seen in a real life
situation and experiences. Things that are needed to be done, even if it is not good and moral
as long as it can less the hurt and to fulfill one’s duty even it sacrifices the other one. To May
Sarton, “the moral dilemma is to make peace with the unacceptable”.