Slippery slope morality

On a summer night, I was driving home from work when I suddenly realized I was running out of fuel. I started looking for a gas station, but none was within reach. My car slowed, then stopped. I was stuck in the middle of the highway. Fortunately, two young soldiers stopped by. They asked if I needed help. Indeed, I answered, I have run out of gas. No worries, they smiled and went out of their way to bring me 4 bottles of Coca Cola full of gasoline, fuelled my car and watched me starting it safely. Thank you I said, sending my hand to shake theirs. My hand was left hanging in the air. They were uncomfortable. One of them placed his hand over his heart and said: ‘with all due respect, we do not shake women’s hands’. I smiled and waved goodbye. Was I offended? No, I am a secular woman living in a society that is becoming more and more religious. I am surrounded by believers. Often, I am not aware of their sensitivities as they are not aware of mine. This causes embarrassment – but embarrassment is a bearable price to pay for accommodating social and religious diversity. From this position, I look with bewilderment on the European debate about handshaking, swimming lessons and head covering. In recent years, these became controversial issues. Gaining public attention, discussed in both national and European courts. (Orgad, 2020) Avoiding handshaking and mixed swimming lessons or covering one’s head, it is argued, are out of kilter with European culture. Are handshakes, mixed swimming lessons or bathing suites fundamental building blocks of Western-European culture? I naively assumed that freedom is the fundamental building block of European civilization and it should take priority, especially when no considerable harm is done. The absurdity of claims regarding handshaking and face covering is highlighted by normative changes brought about COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, handshaking was described as an essential part of western civilization, (Brubaker, 2017) in 2020, out of respect and care for the safety of others handshaking is no longer an option. We find other gestures to greet each other. Elbow rubbing may be the new normal and even that may