"What would morality without compassion look like? Is morality part of human nature, or are we moral by choice? Morality by choice equates to morality as an option. Veneer theory 1 proposes that the choice option of morality would include a thin decorative covering of morality that is camouflage for a selfish or brutish agenda. Let's look at morality and veneer separately."
"Morality is concerned with one's principles of right and wrong. It is about one's standards of behaviour. It may include the core beliefs of one's spiritual connection. These concepts become salient components of one's professed identity. A veneer is a decorative covering that conceals a less attractive reality. We usually equate this term as a smooth surface utilized to cover a rougher surface."
"This oxymoron could possibly explain, to some extent, how leaders manipulate their followers through a formulated plan of moral deception. Cult leaders and authoritarian politicians are well aware that a moral approach to leadership has special powers to influence followers at a core level through their preconceived beliefs. Xenophobic followers will be easily influenced by like-minded leaders. Bias can be validated and reinforced over and over to gain power."
Morality presented as a voluntary option risks becoming a superficial veneer that hides selfish or brutish motives. Moral veneer combines proclaimed ethical standards with deceptive presentation, enabling leaders to manipulate followers by aligning messages with preconceived beliefs. Cult leaders and authoritarian politicians exploit moral language to validate xenophobia and bias, reinforcing power through repetition. Deception undermines the human psyche by facilitating trickery, dishonesty, and misinformation. Without truth and compassion, standards of right and wrong become tools of manipulation, permitting emotional, mental, and physical harm and distorting personal and collective identity.
Read at Psychology Today
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