Historically, morality in America has been tied to religious authority. For generations, moral teaching was delivered from pulpits and associated with rigid codes of conduct. As society diversified, many came to equate “morality” with judgment, exclusion, or hypocrisy. The word itself began to carry baggage–seen less as a guide for living well and more as a tool for controlling others. This legacy has made many Americans hesitant to embrace morality as a shared cultural value.

Contemporary life adds another layer. In a pluralistic society, we are cautious about imposing one group’s moral framework on another. Political polarization has deepened this caution, with “morality” often weaponized in debates over social issues. For some, the term feels like a battleground rather than a bridge. In everyday conversation, morality is avoided because it seems divisive, outdated, or overly abstract.

Yet morality, at its core, is not about dogma or division. It is about the principles that allow human beings to live together with dignity, respect, and fairness. Morality is the compass that helps us navigate choices in relationships, communities, and institutions. It is not about perfection, but about striving toward what is good and just.

Today, morality has the potential to reclaim its meaning as a practical tool for social intelligence. It can remind us that accountability and compassion are not opposites but partners. It can help us see that people are complex–capable of harm, but also of growth and repair. In this sense, morality is not a relic of the past but a resource for the future.

Americans need not fear the term. Instead, we can redefine it as a shared language for building trust, guiding behavior, and shaping culture. Morality is not about control — it is about connection. And in a time of division, that connection is precisely what we need most.

Brian C. Alston is the author and developer of the Relationship Literacy Program and has written and published manuals on Abundance, Social Intelligence, and Moral Intelligence. His work focuses on equipping communities with practical tools for healthier relationships, accountability, and cultural transformation.