His contention is that somehow parents have failed to completely pass along the values and traditions of preceding generations, and that some of today's accepted behavior would have been "despicable" a number of years ago.
1. Television advertisements that promise to help people get out of paying half of what they owe. (Included in one of my old posts--bothers me too.)
2. Ads that promise help getting someone out of paying their tax debt. (Also in my post.)
3. Foul language spoken even by children, often to adults and teachers.
4. Baby showers for unwed mothers.
5. Men sitting while a woman or elderly person must stand.
6. The fact that it is a newsworthy event when someone returns some valuable thing to its proper owner.
7. Big, white weddings for couples who have lived together for years, and may even have children.
Today, besides being told that we are not responsible for our own debts, we are constantly reminded that we "deserve" a new car or a well-paying job. Why?
As Professor Williams states, ...do "high rates of illegitimacy make a positive contribution to a civilized society?" Do couples or children benefit from living in uncommited, temporary situations. It used to be controlled because it was considered shameful and undesirable.
Talking back to a teacher would have immediately earned a trip to the principal's office and a call to parents. And parents probably would have sided with the school. Now even a stern talking-to comes with a potential for litigation, because children (and parents) cannot be held accountable.
Now we seem to require ordinances that set aside bus or train seats for "Seniors or Disabled," because no one would think of it otherwise? The behavior of gentlemen used to shield women from "coarse" behavior. Today, we used sexual harassment laws instead.
Professor Williams explained that during the 40s, his family lived in North Philly, in a housing project. He goes on to say that there were no bars on windows, no locked doors during the day, and on hot nights many slept outside on lawn chairs. He continues, "Keep in mind that the 1940s and 1950s were a time of gross racial discrimination, high black poverty and few opportunities compared to today. " His conclusion is that these neighborhoods were far more civilized and that should make one wonder about the excuses that try to blame today's problems on poverty and discrimination.
Laws and rules are poor substitutes for traditions, morals, and values. His final sentence was, in my opinion, powerful. "Our increased reliance on laws to regulate behavior is a measure of how uncivilized we've become." When did it become so unusual or difficult to just do the right thing?
3 comments:
We are living in scary times. You can walk in schools and see that the children aren't being taught values and traditions at home.
A couple of weeks ago at the vet's office I was sitting beside a teen boy and his mother - 3 chairs. Two elderly women, one on a cane and one on a walker, came in with their little dog. I got up so one of them could sit (I'm 56 by the way). I thought the teen boy would get up for the other lady, but he and his mom (who was much younger than me) both just sat there. It's discouraging.
How was your trip? And your S-in-L?
I agree completely...we are failing to pass down our morals and standards to the younger generation or they are rejecting them for a new immorality. #5 should read men sitting while women and elderly stand. Common courtesy and good taste are missing. Sad to say...
I do believe we've lost some of our morality and it's a sad, sad thing. Some aspects of society have improved but I think a lot of respect for people have been somehow left behind. I don't think parents take the time to teach their children how to behave with politeness anymore. I remember talking to other teachers once about how the schools are now expected to teach children manners. Sad.
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