Greg Link
Written Communications
Mrs. Allard
16 December 2010
Our Country’s Morals
America is changing in many ways, and many things have changed. Sixty years ago, people had to either write a letter or be put through a phone line to contact distant people, and now it is as easy logging into Skype. Once 8-tracks were in high demand, and now all music can be stored on an iPod the size of an eraser. There are, however, many things that are changing in America that should not be. Children are watching shows that express vulgar ideas and words, drugs are taking over several streets in urban cities, and family time seizes to exist in many households. America is losing is sense of morale, and it seems nearly impossible to slow down the damage that is being done.
It was only forty years ago when television was a dream come true. It was such a breakthrough; the concept of seeing live action from somewhere else in the world was remarkable. Then came something even better, multiple channels! As television grew, families could gather around and watch it together. Even until the 80’s and 90’s television provided instant news, entertainment, and most importantly, family time. Recently though, television has been providing shows that not only are inappropriate, but down right wrong. “The Maury Show” and “Desperate Housewives” are enabling content that I would be embarrassed to be associated with. Even worse, the show “Family Guy” is a cartoon, grabbing children’s attention. It is teaching corrupt models to younger and younger generations. Other shows suggest that manners are not necessary and being rebellious to rules is nothing more than standing up for yourself. These shows degrade people’s minds and attitudes, and they also suggest that drugs and alcohol are a way of life.
While I have accepted the fact that alcohol and cigarettes will not be prohibited any time soon, both are getting out of hand. Cigarettes are becoming available to younger generations so easily, just as alcohol is, and marijuana is no exception. Every weekend parties are thrown that give out alcohol to teens. This behavior seems less immoral to teens, parents, and even police officers; I know of officers that go to parties just to scare the underage drinkers knowing that they will not give tickets. Marijuana punishments are being lessened, and many people believe that it should be legalized. If someone really needs alcohol and drugs to have a good time, then does that mean they lack enough personality and self-confidence to have fun? An interesting and fun person doesn’t need drugs and alcohol to enjoy themself. Unfortunately, society has changed, and it says that this is all okay; apparently there is nothing wrong with damaging the body, increasing the number of drunk drivers our roads, and taking vital brain cells away (because who needs to be smart when you can be stoned?).
Perhaps the biggest change in society today is the amount of time a family spends together. Where once families spent time every day with each other, now there are business meetings, parties, and Facebook to attend to. Family dinners are replaced with takeout orders that everyone eats whenever they feel like. Weekends are no longer spent with each other, but are used for parties and going to the bar. Teen years are perhaps the most important time to have a strong relationship with family because at that time in their life, it is easy to be exposed to alcohol and drugs. If the teen has no sense of family relationships, they can simply spend time elsewhere, unlike younger children. Also, strong relationships with one’s family can lead to better decision making.
There have been many laws created to prevent and discourage negative values in the United States; Age limits have been put on alcohol and drugs, movies have ratings based on violence and graphics, and cities have curfews that don’t allow kids to be unsupervised outside after a certain hour. Still, laws can only do so much. Dwight Eisenhower once said, “We have never stopped sin by passing laws; and in the same way, we are not going to take a great moral ideal and achieve it merely by law.” ( Lawocracy Para 22). One of the most effective ways, if not the most effective way, to increase morals in society today is to associate oneself with good company. It is well known that if you are surrounded with good and honest people, you too will likely be good and honest. Not only should people have high morals, they should also raise their kids and encourage their friends to do the same; it is our responsibility as people to live by the golden rule.
The lack of morals in this country has gone on too long, and has developed poor values. All of the movies filled with curse words and nudity and the drugs that are consumer like candy on Halloween are proof that this country is falling apart in its morale. America was once a peaceful and generous place to live, but no anymore. The country has changed for the better in many ways, but has not maintained a strong moral fiber.
Works Cited
Special feature: California’s Proposition 8 appeal (Part 2). Lawocracy.com. 2010. Lawocracy. 12 December 2010.
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