Focus: Declining honesty

The British have become more tolerant of ‘low-level dishonesty’, if a recent survey by the University of Essex is to be believed. Conducted by the university’s Essex Centre for the Study of Integrity, results showed that fewer people thought that acts like speeding, not leaving your number after hitting a car, picking up money not belonging to you or even taking drugs and having an extramarital affair were absolutely wrong. Instead, the survey revealed what researchers called greater tolerance of such actions. Do you observe a similar trend among people around you? This week, we debate whether honesty and integrity are on a decline in society and if so, what the reasons could be. Post your thoughts on our Facebook page ‘Gulf News Al Nisr Publishing UAE’ or tell us at readers@gulfnews.com

14:07 Shereen Mir: Yes, I agree with the statement. Nowadays, there is rarely something called a firm rule. People are ready to bend the rules as per their requirements, which of course is unacceptable.

14:07 Sunil Roy: Yes. Unwritten rules of conduct are now made flexible according to the convenience of the individual concerned. There are always justifications to ease the guilt of conscience, if at all it pricks your conscience.

14:12 Mujtaba Siddiqui: We have a trolley in our building for taking things to our flat and most people do not return it back to the ground floor. They never think of others – that it can be useful for the next person.

14:15 Rahil Khan: Yes, honesty has declined or sometimes it gets crushed as respect for people and relationships cannot be seen these days. In day-to-day activities a lot of incidents can be seen where dishonesty supersedes all else and people get pleasure out of it.

14:16 Sunil Roy: Many people do not think twice when it comes to padding up experience in their resumes. It is more like “stretching the truth”.

14:21 Ramachandran Nair: To me, given the prevailing culture, teenagers are less conscious and responsible in many aspects. They must know the value of earning and suitably rewarding those who deserve it – I think this is lacking. Today’s younger generation enjoys the results of effort put forward by the earlier generation. On some occasions, teenagers take part in social events and try to get as involved as they can. However, a follow up or continuous monitoring of such initiatives doesn’t seem to happen. This then affects their commitments and obligations.

14:23 Sunil Roy: Teenagers today are more aware of many issues that are causing discomfort across the globe. Their ability to network provides them with a platform to air their views in a much more open manner. To what extent the teenagers are able to follow through and take the issue to its logical conclusion is something that needs to be studied closely.

14:24 Pooja Vishwanathan: Teenagers today are definitely much more socially aware and conscious. But it is important how he/she puts the knowledge to use. Some teenagers participate in social activities and causes just to gain fame. Very few truly intend to work hard towards the cause.

14:25 Richa Thomas: The mass media plays a greater role in creating this awareness among teenagers, even social networking websites are promoting a lot of good causes.

14:25 Salim Mohammad: I have seen the youth taking a lot of interest in helping people and creating a positive vibe within society. I know of some charitable organisations where people often take leave from their office to spend their time at labour accommodations, to distribute food or attend to people’s needs. It is not at all an easy thing to do. There are organisations that are doing a great job. Great ideas come with great people, which in turn makes a great society.

14:28 Pavan Kumar: I have seen a lot of teenagers watching TV and seeing an issue which he or she wants to support.

14:29 Shereen Mir: I’ve been following the news about Jalal Bin Thaneya, the young Emirati who has walked a very long distance just to raise awareness and gather support for children with special needs. However, I never came across any adult till date who has done so much for those children.

14:34 Lily Guna: Tough there is a way, whenever we have the will, our “don’t care” attitude pops in, due to the other responsibilities we all have.

14:35 Saleh Al Balushi: Being honest doesn’t need any schedule management. We cannot schedule every minute of what we would do and say. We are humans not robots, that we ‘install’ every act we do.

14:41 Simran Vedvyas: People should ave the desire and drive to make a difference and bring about the change. You simply need to do what is correct, others will follow you.

I don’t know about others but if I see money lying on the road, I would never take it because, according to my religion, if I pick up any such thing, I have to find the owner and return it to him. If it is a big amount, I would actually give it to the police, because people might fight over it. This is what I do and what I tell my children and wife, too.

Adel Yousuf Al Attar