“Cheap thrill: moral outrage revels in its own innocence and in the guilt of the wicked Others” is a thought-provoking quote that touches on human psychology, morality, and social behavior. In essence, it suggests that people often find a perverse pleasure or “cheap thrill” in expressing moral outrage. This happens because when we express such outrage, we are indirectly asserting our own moral superiority – our “innocence”.
At the same time, this quote implies that humans also take satisfaction in pointing out and condemning the wrongdoings of others – “the guilt of the wicked Others”. This could be due to multiple reasons; perhaps it makes us feel better about ourselves or helps us fit into societal norms by aligning with what is generally considered right.
In today’s world this idea manifests itself frequently on social media platforms where ‘call-out culture’ and ‘cancel culture’ have become prevalent. People quickly express their indignation towards any perceived wrongdoings or socially unacceptable behavior exhibited by others (often celebrities). While there may be genuine concern behind some instances of public shaming, there are undoubtedly cases where individuals join the outcry more for self-validation than actual commitment to justice.
In terms of personal development, this concept can serve as a reminder to examine our motivations when expressing moral outrage. Are we genuinely concerned about an issue? Or are we merely seeking validation from peers or trying to assert our superiority? It encourages self-awareness and introspection about how we engage with others socially – whether online or offline – prompting us to strive for sincerity over self-righteousness.
