“Moral kidnapping” – a term said to be the result of a literal translation from a Chinese expression – summarizes a peculiarity in human interactions. It involves hijacking moral values to threaten, force, or pressure others into complying with one’s requests through guilt-tripping. Such acts may not necessarily be limited to parental, superior, or friendly relationships and are often deployed to manipulate others in public spaces or group settings.

We might unknowingly commit moral kidnapping against others. Conversely, we could also fall victim to it. How does that happen?

Moral kidnapping is the act of imposing high or even impossible moral standards, or labeling others in a way that coerces, attacks, or manipulates their behavior......

For Discussion:

1. Explain the concept of moral kidnapping. Have you ever employed or been subjected to such strategies, whether intentionally or unintentionally?
2. If someone constantly reminds you of how much they have given, making you feel obligated to return the favor, would you consider that moral kidnapping?
3. Does moral kidnapping occur only between people who know each other, or does it also happen among strangers? Share some examples.