I think there’s such a thing as subjective morality (look at how views on sexuality have changed within the past hundred years) and objective morality (almost everyone agrees that murder is wrong — while differing on its definition).

We have to sort of negotiate those areas so that we jointly agree on definitions of right and wrong. Gossip plays a huge role in this process, and is a great entry-point to define and challenge those boundaries — for example, by signalling disapproval for gossip you regard as cruel, or clarifying information if it’s inaccurate.

The Harry Potter series did a great job of exploring moral courage in great depth, from Neville being praised for standing up to his friends to the Ministry’s descent into fascism. And of course, the exchange:

“But they would have killed me!”

“Then you should have died!”

The books pull no punches when describing the price of “doing what is right, rather than what is easy” — but make it abundantly clear that the world depends on each us being willing to pay it.

The stories might be kids’ stuff, but we need to raise heroes.