What Would You Do for a Million Dollars?
By World Wide Ed
So there's a new movie coming out called The Box. Much like the 1993 movie Indecent Proposal, someone is offered $1 million in exchange for doing something questionable. Here's the plot summary for The Box:
Norma and Arthur Lewis, a suburban couple with a young child, receive a simple wooden box as a gift, which bears fatal and irrevocable consequences. A mysterious stranger, delivers the message that the box promises to bestow upon its owner $1 million with the press of a button. But, pressing this button will simultaneously cause the death of another human being somewhere in the world; someone they don't know. With just 24 hours to have the box in their possession, Norma and Arthur find themselves in the cross-hairs of a startling moral dilemma and must face the true nature of their humanity.
So today's Fun Day Monday topic is about this premise. WWYD (What Would You Do)?
Politically and principle-wise, I can easily tell you that I would never stoop to such levels no matter how much money I am given, but until I'm put in that position (like Norma and Arthur Lewis were), I really can't answer for sure. Like in that Batman movie (The Dark Knight was it?), where the two ferries were pitted against each other. Oh, here's a button that blows up the other ferry. Push it first and your ferry will be saved. And neither ferry pushed the button! WTH? Now that's willpower! Hehe!
In the comment area, post your thoughts on this moral dilemma. Also, what you would do if faced with the situation in The Box. Or how about Indecent Proposal? Or even the Dark Knight one. Holla atcho boy.
* BTW, the sister (Minna Sugimoto) is starting her new blog today at blogs.HawaiiNewsNow.com/Minna. Please support her by visiting it and sending some love in the comments section. Tanks ah! 
World Wide Ed
October 26th, 2009 at 1:31 am
yes I push the button kill the abusive pedophile I PUSH MILLIONS OF BUTTONS GET RID OF THEM ALL !
October 26th, 2009 at 1:32 am
push push push!
October 26th, 2009 at 1:32 am
so I say send me more box push!
October 26th, 2009 at 1:33 am
YES I WILL PUSH! I give the money to the kids that got abused...
October 26th, 2009 at 1:35 am
yes that would be the best box.....!
October 26th, 2009 at 6:33 am
True Mr. Ed, hard to say for sure unless you are put in that situation. I guess on a smaller scale it is like finding a wallet w/cash. You can keep the money and no one will know or do the right thing and return to owner. I would do the right thing and not push the button...a million dollars, eh?
Speaking of movies and off the subject but on the right column I see an ad for the movie "White on Rice." I saw it last week at HIFF, low budget indie comedy and very funny about a 40 year old nerdy Japan man living with his sister and family in America, sorta reminds me of a Japanese "Napoleon Dynamite." Movie is made in the states with haole director and story is based on a Japanese family but you don't feel like it exploits Asians, although you might think so with the title.
October 26th, 2009 at 6:46 am
Million Dollars???? That doesn't go too far in Hawaii. Still gotta work but at least can make it a bit more tolerable. If I can pay off my mortgage, that would be a great feeling and then I can retire when I feel like it.
Oh and if I push the button, will that make the flower go away?
PUSH PUSH PUSH
October 26th, 2009 at 6:53 am
I wouldn't push the button to have someone killed but who would I have to sleep with to get $1 million? Demi Moore dad to sleep with Robert Redford. That's not bad, it's not like she had to sleep with Jabba the Hut.
October 26th, 2009 at 7:00 am
Good moning Ed!
I would pay off my only debt, my morgage and invest the rest. A million is not much these days.
October 26th, 2009 at 7:51 am
nothing stupid, painful, or hurtful..
have already tried all of those and it didn't work..
October 26th, 2009 at 7:57 am
I agree with others. A million doesn't seem like much, especially in Hawaii. I'm not driven much by money anyways.
@hemajang - that movie seems interesting. I love those indie-type films.
@Ed - I'm glad your sister was able to keep her job. She's a great reporter.
October 26th, 2009 at 8:30 am
I don't think I could push the button in any given circumstance.
Philosopher John Stuart Mill believed that the most ethical action was that which brought the most people the greatest amount of happiness. The Greatest-Happiness Principle states: It holds that one must always act so as to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people, within reason.
Mill's utilitarian calculus thus figures out how many people are affected by an action, how they are affected, and therefore whether the action is right or wrong. Thus, the Greatest Happiness Principle tells us that an action is right in so far as it promotes happiness in all people affected by that action, and wrong in so far as it brings unhappiness to the people affected by that action.
In this case I don't think Mill would agree to press the button. The happiness of the couple receiving the money is far less than the result of a person's death (i.e. family, friends, someone who saw the person die). The unhappiness created by the death vastly outweighs the happiness of the couple, and thus, this action is immoral.
October 26th, 2009 at 8:48 am
$1 million is not enough for me to agree to burn in hell or be reincarnated as a rock. If it was $10 million, maybe I'd have to think about it...
I thought Indecent Proposal was stupid--lots of people would pay $1M to be able to sleep with Robert Redford! The character should have been a creepy, oily, smelly guy -- like che said earlier, Redford is a far cry from Jabba the Hut!
October 26th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Ed...looks like maybe you asked the wrong population about $1M! This is Hawaii. Yeah, that doesn't go far. After taxes, you're back to eating SPAM every other night. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Now, up the stakes. Still, though, I don't think I would sacrifice my morals or ethics. It would be like selling your soul to the devil. eeeek!
But, if we lived in bizarre-o world and there were no repercussions, I would be Demi Moore and replace Redford with Depp or Cena or Diesel or .... LOL!
October 26th, 2009 at 9:08 am
... for those of you who think a million dollars doesn't seem like that much money ... I think you guys are nuts!!!
... or are already rich millionaires ... or maybe I just don't have money like some of you ...
... is it just me??? ... but I think a million is a $hi+load of money ... something that I've never had or seen in my life ... yet ... still have hope to get that million ...
... anyway, the questions are too loaded for me ... am I in the right blog??? ... hey, Ed ... you getting a little serious on us, huh??? ...
... I can't say what I think I would do ... because I don't honestly know what I'd do ...
... I used to think I would do almost anything for a million dollars ... nowadays, I'm not so sure ... but I'd definitely not do anything to hurt anyone else ...
... Have a Good One Everyone!!! ...
October 26th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I'd off my M-I-L for a cool mil
Did I say that?
October 26th, 2009 at 9:55 am
would you push the button for a billion dollars......SORRY " SOMEBODY WILL BE DEAD !"..omg funny...yes...oh dear too bad somebody in coma died today YOU GET BILLION DOLLARS..omg!
October 26th, 2009 at 9:55 am
can I PUSH
IT NOW....omg funny!
October 26th, 2009 at 9:56 am
oh crap somebody push the box I be NEXT DEAD I DIDIN'T GET TO SPEND THAT BILLION YET...omg funny !
October 26th, 2009 at 9:58 am
yes YOU PUsh darn box then in the middle of eating that lobsters adter winning the billion dollar I croak some ass pushed the button..omg! funny...okay okay !
October 26th, 2009 at 9:58 am
at the end of it every died...omg!
October 26th, 2009 at 10:02 am
I agree with the previous comments - a million bucks isn't what it used to be and probably not enough to motivate people to compromise their morals.
It's interesting though because the scenarios are of varying degrees of moral challenges. Sleeping with someone with your partner's consent vs. killing a random person vs. killing a large group of people in the boat across from you are increasingly difficult moral dilemmas.
What does it say about somoen if they'd do one or more of these things? Is it only the dollar amount that is holding them back? What if it was $100 million?
Pretty deep for a Monday Ed. What a way to start the week!
October 26th, 2009 at 10:05 am
oh okay this is what you do wait until everybody dead then you push the button no one left..omg funny!
October 26th, 2009 at 10:06 am
okay do they died in the most sickly death like the horror movie..then OMG.....!
October 26th, 2009 at 10:07 am
if they died sleeping or already in come I BE OKAY PUSH IT!
October 26th, 2009 at 10:07 am
yes if they are sickly or in coma I PUSH THAT BOX!
October 26th, 2009 at 10:08 am
I PUSH IT FOR FREE!
October 26th, 2009 at 10:22 am
I'm surprised by some of these answers. A million wouldn't do it because a million doesn't go far nowadays? But a few billion would do it? A trillion?
For me, there is no amount of money that would make me do in innocent folk. You tell me it's bin Laden, Ahjmadinajad, Kim Jong Il (who seems to be on his way to outliving us all, isn't he?), the guy who dated my ex' after me (
) . . . not even a question -- there's always the confession box for stuff like that.
The plot in this movie, I dunno, just seems too much on the realm of the fantastic. First problem is that it's a stranger that appears at the door. Heh, I've seen the TV ad, too, with that box and big red button; who's supposed to do the assassinating when you push the button? Wile E. Coyote?
I think a few recent Korean films have handled the issue quite, I dunno, credibly enough. The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) just screened (yep, not making this title up) "A Million" or "Million" where a buncha' South Koreans are chosen to compete in "Survivor"-style competition. The gruesome "Truck" (where a truck-delievery guy has to dump dead bodies in order to get a heart transplant for his little girl. Talk about a dilemma) and "Marine Boy" (hate that title, heh), the latter also shown at a previous HIFF were other "what would you do for money" cinematic tales that were quite decently done.
I think it no coincidence that two places that have an overall discourse concerning debt -- S. Korea and the U.S. -- have recent offerings in film about the topic.
I'm of the mind that doing good in school does not necessarily always correlate to a decent income. I mean, I know some yo-yos who messed around while others went on to earn advanced degrees, the latter earning more for whatever reason. Easier to make a lot of money instead of studying to do so . . . it may be all about being able to look at yourself in the mirror once you get what you want.
October 26th, 2009 at 10:25 am
let's all collectivly push the Rosette button, on the count of three........
October 26th, 2009 at 10:52 am
I thought the scenario in The Dark Knight with the 2 ferry boats was quite interesting. Even though one of the boats was filled with criminals and the "dregs of society," the other boat couldn't kill them. That's quite telling.
Seems like it would be easy to kill someone you don't know, but I guess once it comes right down to it, it's the hardest thing you could ever do.
Money isn't going to wash that from your soul
October 26th, 2009 at 10:53 am
@Ynaku -- I go help you push THAT button, braddah!
PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH
October 26th, 2009 at 10:59 am
sky..
there's an old one about a guy who asks the girl if she'll go for it for $1M, and she says she'll consider it.. and he says, well, then how about for $5? and she says, what kind of girl do you think i am?
and he says, well i thought we already established that.. now we're just negotiating the price..
but it does raise an interesting question, if the price is high enough, will we compromise our character, beliefs, and morals.. my sense is that for $5M (aka "walkaway money") many of us would compromise a lot of what we stand for and believe in, at least during the transaction itself..
the question of how much "walkaway money" is for each of us is a separate subject..
October 26th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
whoa scary box! wouldn't push the button. of course not! it's gonna kill someone! then you'd be a murderer! interesting movie, wouldn't mind seeing that...
October 26th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
i used to jokingly tell my friends that it would make the world a better place if we each got to decide one person to be snuffed from the face of this earth. that way we'd get rid of the truly evil people in our lives. then someone told me, what if someone decides its you? whoops. didn't see that loophole!
btw, i'm not THAT evil...
October 26th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
i wouldn't do anything for any amount of money that would involve harming other human beings. that being said, it raises some questions in my mind (after reading uncle jimmy and chicken grease's comments, especially) about what my threshold might be under extenuating circumstances. i wonder what i would do if i was in the same situation - press this button, someone dies but i'd get $1M - but i needed $1M for a livesaving operation for my child? or what if they said, someone who is already terminally ill - or maybe on death row - will die and you'll get the $1M? what if they said, you'll kill a serial killer and will receive $1M... but if you don't do it, he/she will be set free?
October 26th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Wouldn't push the button but would sleep with Robert Redford.
October 26th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
For those who say 1mil ain't a lot these days. You can buy 3 condos in Honolulu and take home about 5,000 a month in rent $ and watch your net worth grow. That's rich is you ask me.
Willy................................................?
October 26th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
@Ed - good to see Minna with the Hawaii News Now team.
October 26th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Oh yeah, if I was in the predicament ... actually I'd hope I could just call you so I could bum a cool million from the multi you win in Vegas. Chee-hoo!
October 26th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
And if not Ed, then Hobbz, then Leerz, then soogs, or "bigpile" (who's winning in the money league).
October 26th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Not even a second to think about it eh Rosey?
Right? You'd think you'd do the "right" thing, but you never know... Money does some weird things to even the best of em.
"the flower" naks?
Ahahaha! What about the female version of Jabba the Hutt cheche? One mill?
Paying off the mortgage would probably be the most popular choice yeah Ms? I would probably pay off mine and invest in other properties.
LOL! Even for 2 mill ooj?
Mahalos for the props Hobbz. Will let her know of your support.
Wow! I already feel much smarter after reading your comment t-roy! Mahalos for sharing your knowledge!
Bwahahaha! "creepy, oily, smelly guy"! LOL! Perhaps a remake is in order J Beezy?
Depp, Cena or Diesel? Talk about a wide range of types leerz. LOL! But maybe you're onto something. If you could sleep with anyone for a million dollars, who would you choose? Win-win!
I was kinda thinkin' the same thing beej. 1 mill is pretty good coinage to me.
Bwahahahaha! Oh no you di-ent!
Wow! Brutal!
Hehe, I can be deep sometimes sky! And woah... 100 mill! What you like me do? Hahaha!
Yeah, I thought it was kinda ridiculous too Ceeg, but maybe they explain it well in the movie? Ah, who knows. Now go press that button for the guy who dated your ex!
LOL! One... Two... ? Nah, I have good kine morals (I guess).
BTW, welcome jhmcn! 
It was amazing how the boat of criminals also didn't push the button. Putting myself in each boat's mindset, I honestly don't know if I would have the same will power if I were on either boat.
Flower too BF(F)? *confused*
I used to joke with my friends that I would go streaking for $[insert dollar amount here] as long as there were no recording devices allowed. I don't mind doing that so much if the price were right. As long as nobody can post it on Youtube later for years to come. LOLOL!
I just hope that it was written well McCat! They have a reasonable premise, can't screw it up with a bad script.
Haha! The fine print should say "Nobody name Sugimoto shall be touched" yeah big bro?
Ooooh man! You're really making me think now! Awesome "what if" scenario Informer!
Ahahaha! Woah, wait a minute C Dubbs!
LOLOLOLOL! My thoughts exactly Scotty2Hotty!
True dat dewz! DVR'd and watched back the first shows. Not bad so far...
Ho, mahaloz for the vote of confidence! I no can let you down now!
Add me on that list please.
October 27th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Ed, I think my idol Tom Arnold got over $20 million. $1 mill that's a tough choice.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:44 am
@Ed - cmon, think about what Ynakz and BFysh are talking about .... I'm sure you'll figger it out!
October 27th, 2009 at 10:51 am
@che --
For a million bucks, I think that makes it about $10 a pound. 
@kuya -- You pushing that button too?
PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH
October 27th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Ahahaha! "my idol"!!! LOLOL!
I kinda got um dewz, but flower? Maybe cause of my nickname?
Yeah dewz... PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH!
October 27th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
BF, that's good to know, at $10/lbs, that's like the price of rib-eye. I would need to up the price.
October 27th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
@BFysh - I'm a nice guy .... c'mon man!
October 27th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Ed, think about it. Flowers. Plumeriaette, marigoldette, lilyette, orchidette, you know those *****ette
PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH
Oh and congrats on your sister's gig and blog. She needs help, go help her K?
October 27th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
@che -- Aw man! Why'd you have to mention rib-eye!?!?!?
Now it's not going to be as ono now.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
@kuya -- You can doo eeet!!
PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH
Push da button and I let you beat me in fantasy next time we play.
or not. hee hee hee
October 27th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
@Ynaku -- Ho boy, I dunno about our blog host. I think we gotta draw pikcha pretty soon.
You think he hanging out with Shauna too much?
HAHA!
I keed, I KEED!!
October 27th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
what do you mean brutal..if I am in coma YOU BETTER PUSH THAT DARN BUTTON....... !! IF I COEM OUT OF COMA I BE EVEN MORE PISSED OFF...so close to heaven but someass has to save me!
October 27th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
yes you rescue me then I get hit by a truck...back to
coma again..YOU BETTER PUSH THAT BUTTON WHILE I AM IN COMA!
October 27th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
PUSH IT IF I AM IN COMA ......I WANT TO BE AT PEACE IN HEAVEN YOU FOOL!
October 27th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
YES SO CLOSE TO HEAVEN WHY COMEBACK AND WAIT AGAIN TO DIE IN MY SENILE BAD...what is that ! AT LEAST COMA IS NOT AS BAD AS GETTING HIT BY A TRUCK OH SHIT THEN I live like a fruit forget it just push push !
October 27th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
yes my luck some dumb ass will save my life ....oh sure happy to be in coma my foot then I am all fruit after.... my life is half way done so I sooner be going to heave in peace at last.! for pushing that button you deserve trillion of dollars!
October 27th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
YES peace at last...you can visit me in the other world...I don't need the money there so you can have it...! YES
October 27th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
well I hope I get good luck and somebody will let me die in peace not suffer in misery! if I have to live life in misery and pain why bother living ...! TWO ROAD TO PICK I PICK THE PEACEFUL WAY ....
October 27th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
I make sure who ever pushed the button get to enjoy that cash ...then if that person got too old then I will let someone push the button....then next I will retire..then that person will watch to make sure the other person get to enjoy the cash..only fair!
October 27th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
LOL! Nah, she no need help. Once she get da hang of um, she go. Mahalos for da support though. I saw your comment!
And yeah, PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH! Ahahaha!
Bwahahaha! Ooooh durrty! I going tell Shauns on you BF(F)!
So you're saying that if I think your light is off upstairs ("the engine's runnin' but nobody's driving"), I can push the button then Rosey? *evil grin*
October 28th, 2009 at 6:01 am
@BFysh - even your scrub lineup can bust my chops!