The Box movie: Would you do it?

[Buddhagirl]

Except you left out the big detail, that someone dies because of your action.

I thought that was understood. Push button. Someone dies. You get 1 million. What's the issue here?

[Phishfan]

The issue is that several people feel it is OK to kill someone as long as it is nameless and faceless. Put a face to it, is it still OK? Would you kill if you had to look the person in the eye? If not, then killing by pushing the button is a gutless move.

[Brian Fein]

I think what you guys are caught up on is consequence.  What she said is "they'd never be able to prove that it was you" - sort of implying that the only thing preventing her from killing someone is consequences of getting caught.

Pushing the button makes killing someone seem less controllable and more supernatural, while if that button is a gun's trigger, you can draw a direct line to who did the killing, and therefore subject the killer to consequences.

In the end, they're the same thing, except in one there's direct traceability between killer and killee, and in the other, its completely un-tied

[Buddhagirl]

I think what you guys are caught up on is consequence.  What she said is "they'd never be able to prove that it was you" - sort of implying that the only thing preventing her from killing someone is consequences of getting caught.

It's the fact that I wouldn't want to know who it was or have to watch it, etc. We're talking about killing by button pushing. Not shanking someone.

It's not the traceability or anything. It's that I don't want to have to think about. Which is what's implied by the original question.

Phish, we're not aruging whether it's gutless or not. People do gutless things everyday without a thought. See: Harassing people and acting like assholes on message boards, blogs, etc.

[MaineDolFan]

In the end, they're the same thing, except in one there's direct traceability between killer and killee, and in the other, its completely un-tied

That isn't my point in any shape or form.  I am not talking about accountability.  We're talking about receiving a million dollars.  The cost of receiving that money is being directly responsible for someone's death.  Therefore whether you push a little red button or pull a trigger, the method shouldn't matter.

Apparently calling that to light (or simply having your own opinion and not bowing to other opinions) makes someone "a message board asshole." 

I get that by pushing the little red button you can lie to yourself and pretend that someone didn't die...and then run off and enjoy your million dollars.  Denial is strong.  However the reality is that someone would die.  If you're willing to snuff out someone's life on a whim you should be willing to pull the trigger.  Not that hard of a concept to understand.  If you aren't willing to do the deed yourself you shouldn't be allowed to hide behind the "little red button."  Either way the result is going to be the same - someone that was alive moments later is now dead.  You are to blame.

[Buddhagirl]

That isn't my point in any shape or form.  I am not talking about accountability.  We're talking about receiving a million dollars.  The cost of receiving that money is being directly responsible for someone's death.  Therefore whether you push a little red button or pull a trigger, the method shouldn't matter.

Apparently calling that to light (or simply having your own opinion and not bowing to other opinions) makes someone "a message board asshole." 

I wasn't referring to you as "a message board asshole". I'm thinking more along the lines of those that spew racist, sexist, homophobic stuff. Project much?

[Dave Gray]

That isn't my point in any shape or form.  I am not talking about accountability.  We're talking about receiving a million dollars.  The cost of receiving that money is being directly responsible for someone's death.  Therefore whether you push a little red button or pull a trigger, the method shouldn't matter.

The method matters to me.  I wouldn't shoot someone for 1 million.  I would push the button, though.

[Phishfan]

^^^ You would also throw a cat off a bridge which brings up some interesting Michael Vick comparisons.

[Sunstroke]

If I were allowed to actually kill the person myself, and not be arrested for it, then my price for the service drops from $1 million to about half of that. If I can pick the person AND kill them myself and not be arrested, that shit is definitely pro bono.

[Brian Fein]

The method matters to me.  I wouldn't shoot someone for 1 million.  I would push the button, though.

What if it was 100 billion?  Would you shoot a random person for $100 billion if you were guaranteed you wouldn't get any consequences?

[Dave Gray]

What if it was 100 billion?  Would you shoot a random person for $100 billion if you were guaranteed you wouldn't get any consequences?

Maybe.


Why do I feel like I'm getting attacked by the group here?  I'm just being honest about a morality question -- at what point do you sacrifice your morality for your own well-being?  I guess mine is at a lower point than yours is all.


Funny story.  I was dating a girl and a similar question was: Would you break up with me for 60 billion dollars?  I said "yes".  I also didn't have to think about it.  She was mad at me for like a week.

[StL FinFan]

What if it was 100 billion?  Would you shoot a random person for $100 billion if you were guaranteed you wouldn't get any consequences?

I would still have it on my conscience so that would be a consequence.  However, like Sunstroke said, if I got to pick the person, there are definitely a few I would like to see dead.  I hate to admit it but it's true.

[Sunstroke]

Why do I feel like I'm getting attacked by the group here?  I'm just being honest about a morality question -- at what point do you sacrifice your morality for your own well-being?  I guess mine is at a lower point than yours is all.

I've got your back, Dave... I sold my blood, sperm and most of my morals during the hard times.

You do need to learn when NOT to be honest with girlfriends though. Your response there should've been "only if I can break up with you, collect the money, and then start going out with you again."

However, like Sunstroke said, if I got to pick the person, there are definitely a few I would like to see dead.  I hate to admit it but it's true.

Embrace your inner devil...some people just deserve the bullet.

[Brian Fein]

For the record, I'm not attacking anyone, I'm just playing devil's advocate.  I actually admire your honesty.

[MaineDolFan]

Project much?

Well...yeah!  This is me we're talking about here, come on...