James Dean, often described as a "walking contradiction," became an icon not only for his rebellious spirit but for the deep internal struggle that seemed to define him. He represented the clash between freedom and expectation—individualism and conformity are issues which have proven intrinsic to the fabric of Western society. Just as Dean’s life reflected these tensions, Western ideology is rife with contradictions. Christian forgiveness, once a path to moral redemption, is often misused as an excuse for repeated transgressions.

Capitalism, while promoting freedom and success, frequently fosters materialism and shallow values. Meanwhile, social media (a product of this capitalistic culture) perpetuates the very superficiality it claims to transcend. As other cultures observe these contradictions, resentment grows, seeing Western society as one that preaches kindness, responsibility, and introspection but practices the opposite. The figure of James Dean serves as a microcosm of this broader societal dilemma, embodying the same tensions that fuel discontent with Western ideology across the globe.

Forgiveness, within Christian theology, is one of the most celebrated virtues. It offers individuals the chance to repent, be forgiven, and, ideally, to reform their ways. Jesus’ teachings, particularly the instruction to forgive "seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22), emphasise boundless mercy and grace. In principle, this is meant to encourage compassion, personal growth, and spiritual evolution. However, in practice, critics argue that forgiveness has been transformed into a mechanism that allows people to avoid genuine accountability for their actions. In many Western societies, there seems to be a growing tendency to treat forgiveness as a blanket excuse for repeated moral failures, rather than as an opportunity for sincere reflection and change.

Whether it is personal mistakes, infidelity, financial fraud, or even large-scale political corruption, the rhetoric of forgiveness can easily be weaponised to absolve individuals without demanding meaningful atonement or change. This is particularly visible in public figures, such as politicians and celebrities, who offer public apologies, seek forgiveness, and then proceed to commit the same or similar transgressions. This cycle, seen often in Western media, diminishes the moral weight of forgiveness and encourages a culture where people feel entitled to endless "second chances" without a sincere commitment to reform.

From the perspective of non-Western cultures, this diluted form of forgiveness appears hypocritical and shallow. Many societies hold stronger concepts of honour, shame, and responsibility, where forgiveness is earned through genuine effort to right wrongs. The perceived lack of personal accountability in the West, enabled by a permissive form of Christianity, thus becomes a source of resentment. To outside observers, Westerners appear to excuse debauchery, moral laxity, and selfishness under the guise of Christian forgiveness without putting in the necessary work to change or become better people.

Another point of criticism towards Western ideology concerns the kindness (or lack thereof) displayed by individuals who subscribe to these beliefs. On a societal level, Western countries often promote individualism, personal ambition, and self-interest as core values. This drive to prioritise personal success above collective welfare often leads to a culture where kindness, empathy, and compassion are secondary concerns, if not outright neglected. Many other cultures, especially those with communitarian or collectivist traditions, place high importance on interpersonal relationships, communal responsibility, and mutual care.

Kindness is not just an individual virtue but a social obligation. In these cultures, there is an expectation of outward kindness (helping one's neighbour, caring for the elderly, being generous with time and resources) as well as inward kindness, such as nurturing self-compassion, humility, and emotional intelligence. By contrast, Western societies are often seen as being inwardly and outwardly cold. On a systemic level, welfare programs, healthcare, and social support systems are frequently limited, leaving vulnerable populations, such as the poor, elderly, or disabled, at risk of being overlooked or mistreated.

On a personal level, the pursuit of individual success can lead to social alienation, as people focus on their own careers, wealth, and status at the expense of fostering meaningful human connections. This perceived lack of kindness, particularly among those who profess Christian beliefs, exacerbates the frustration of non-Western cultures, who view such behaviour as hypocritical. In this regard, the emphasis on forgiveness in Christianity can further compound the issue. If individuals are forgiven without being required to show genuine kindness or care for others, then forgiveness becomes an empty gesture that merely facilitates selfish behaviour.

The lack of accountability, combined with the absence of a strong communal ethic, makes it appear that Westerners use Christianity as a moral smokescreen to justify behaviour that in other cultures would be considered deeply unethical. One of the most visible and pervasive exports of Western ideology is capitalism. The economic systems of the West, particularly in the United States and Europe, are deeply rooted in capitalist principles that emphasise profit, competition, and material success. While capitalism has brought about significant technological and economic advancements, it has also been critiqued for fostering shallow, self-serving behaviour among individuals and eroding communal values.

Social media, a product of Western capitalism, exemplifies this shallowness. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, which dominate the global digital landscape, are often viewed as tools of self-promotion, materialism, and vanity. Users are encouraged to curate idealised versions of their lives, focusing on their physical appearance, wealth, and status rather than on meaningful human connections. Social media rewards shallow interactions (likes, shares, and comments) over deep, substantive engagement. The attention economy, driven by Western capitalistic values, prioritises visibility and virality over authenticity and compassion.

Critically, many countries (especially those outside of the West) have either heavily restricted or outright banned social media platforms. China, for instance, has its own social media ecosystem, highly regulated by the state, to promote national interests and social stability. In contrast, Western social media is viewed by other nations as a tool for promoting individualism, consumerism, and superficiality, all of which are seen as corrosive to traditional values. The dominance of Western social media platforms also reinforces the cultural imperialism of Western ideals, as the behaviours and values promoted on these platforms are disproportionately shaped by Western norms.

For non-Western cultures, the pervasive influence of Western social media is particularly troubling because it fosters a shallow worldview that prioritises appearance and status over substance. This shallow culture, in turn, necessitates the constant cycle of moral transgression and forgiveness seen earlier. In a society where people are encouraged to present a perfected, curated version of themselves, any misstep or failure demands forgiveness not for the sake of moral improvement, but to restore one's social standing. In this way, social media reinforces the problematic interpretation of Christian forgiveness as a tool for absolving moral failures, rather than fostering true repentance or personal growth.

The resentment of other cultures towards Western ideology is rooted in the perceived moral and cultural contradictions at its heart. The misuse of Christian forgiveness to justify repeated moral failings, the lack of kindness and empathy in both personal and systemic contexts, and the shallow, self-serving nature of capitalist-driven social media all contribute to a broader critique of Western values. For many cultures, particularly those that emphasise collective responsibility, moral accountability, and communal well-being, the individualism and self-centeredness promoted by Western ideology are antithetical to their values. This resentment is further fueled by the perception that Western societies, under the guise of promoting freedom and personal choice, often fail to live up to the ethical standards they claim to espouse.

As global tensions rise between Western and non-Western nations, it is crucial to acknowledge these criticisms and engage in meaningful reflection on the ethical and cultural consequences of Western ideology. While forgiveness, capitalism, and social media have brought undeniable benefits to the Western world, their misuse and the shallow values they sometimes promote are at the core of why other cultures view Western ideology with growing skepticism and disdain.