The Ambiguity of Ethics

In 1947 Simone de Beauvoir wrote of man's existence in freedom and facticity in The Ethics of Ambiguity. We are free in our awareness of the ethical and moral choices we can make. But we are also constrained by imposed, "ready-made" limits and expectations; an infrastructure of values she refers to as "seriousness."

Her father makes demands.

They issue complaints.

Egos are puffed.

I respond with red lipstick and a tie. I consider the "brute facts" of the delicious redness of my lips and blinding whiteness of my tie.

With puckered lips and a straightened tie, I nod seriously.