A632.5.4.RB
How
Protected are Your Protected Values?
I
have always processed values that were passed on by how I was raised, who I
associated with, and my own internal monologue.
I honestly never gave consideration that maybe some of these values were
protected. However, now that I think
about it, I do, indeed, hold some values more sacred than others.
According
to Hoch et al (2001, pg. 251), “People often draw a line in the sand to create
values that are protected from trade-offs.
These protected values (PVs) are considered absolute and
inviolable. Many of these values concern
natural resources, such as species and pristine ecosystems, and health issues
such as feeding the hungry and protecting children’s welfare. People with these PVs do not think these
values should be sacrificed for any compensating benefit, no matter how small
the sacrifice or how large the benefit.
In other words, the values should be protected from the trade-offs.” So, after reading this I had to ask, “Were my
values created?” I am going to say that
they were developed.
So,
what are my protected values? I had to
do some deep thinking to really come up with the answer. First, I am a veteran and patriot. I served in the U.S. Army for a little over
27 years. Because of this, my first two
protected values are the love and respect for the American flag and my love of this
country. No one…I mean no one shows
disrespect for that lovely red, white, and blue piece of fabric. If they do, they have to deal with me. To illustrate this, allow me to tell you a
story. In 2009, my major command was
doing a mass-reenlistment on the steps of the National Archive in Washington,
DC. After the ceremony, two Soldiers were
retiring the US Colors (ceremonial American Flag) and they allowed it to almost
touch the ground. I was across the
street taking pictures when I observed this.
I took flight and crossed the street in a matter of seconds “dressing
down” these to young knuckleheads verbally.
Since I was a very senior Soldier, they looked as though they were going
to defecate in their pants. I explained
to them the importance of taking great care of the flag and to never…ever…ever…let
it touch the ground. I’m pretty sure my
message was received loud and clear.
I
also value family. I use the same zeal, as
I do with the flag, when dealing with those that wish to offend my loved
ones. I actually even apply this to my closest
friend. Offend them…offend me.
So,
the pros of my passion only enhance my love of country, flag, family and
friends. The cons are the fact that I’ll
split your lip if you disrespect the flag, my country, my family, and
friends. This could, in fact, cause me
to get in trouble with the law or potentially get my butt kicked. That’s the chance that I am more than willing
to take.
Since
I feel so strongly about these things, a step far beyond the bounds of
decision-making and go into the realm of instinct.
Until
this exercise, I had really never given thought to these protected values or my
reaction. However, even though I now see
this, I will not change a thing.
Reference
Hoch, S.J., & Kunreuther, H. C., with Gunther,
R.E. (2001). Wharton on decision making. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons
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