What's wrong with our culture?
 

Recent threads have prompted me to start one of where we went wrong.

This assumes you are in agreement that our culture is sliding backwards.

Civility and respect are two cornerstones of a proper foundation.

I believe the advent of the cell phone/Internet/social media has played a significant role in reversing our ability to be respectful and civil to others.

If you spend any time at all observing humans in a social habitat...it becomes obvious they are no longer participating in human interaction, as was done prior.

Of course, not everyone on the planet is bereft of proper manners and the ability to respect others and act in a civil fashion....just because of this.

But in general.....I believe it has had a negative impact on our culture in that regard.

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Easy, moving away from morality. Our country is the only civilization formed on the principles of God. That's why up until recently we are the greatest country in the world, in world history. There has been a downward trend from the 1950's ever progressing away from God.

I think there are a lot of people in countries around the world who would debate your statement or call it blasphemy.
I do think you're on the right track alluding to a strong moral compass. Do unto others is key as long as isn't followed by "before they do you ".

Trying to grow up in a community which is too big is in some ways a drawback. Most of us do better if we know someone who knows us is watching. This of course ties back into Baz's concerns about the internet.

Best
Les

decades of pushing propaganda on children...

Telling them that they are either victims or victimizers.

Telling them that successful people are evil...

SJW's abound.

Too much " me " and not enough " us " mindset . It seems like simple manners have died. A simple example I was taught to open/hold a door open for anyone behind you . I am amazed at how many individuals won't say a simple thank you . It doesn't stop me from doing it but it's something I notice .

Car turn signals: they are not optional every car/truck has them . Take these simple examples and start casting them outward and you will see the issues get bigger with more impact . I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason and runs in cycles . I do believe we will get back on track as a nation , but we will need REAL leaders to assist in that . Not talking political leaders as that's a lost cause , I am talking family and community leaders . Grassroots leaders .

When people go on the Internet - they are awarded by "shock and awe".

In Hollywood, it's called "special effects."

Emojis.....forum policies telling what is allowed and what is not allowed. Hmm....is that like your parents telling you what you can and cannot do? And if so....how are thse policies enforced?

Are parent enforcing their "policies"?

Is Social Media and the Internet enforcing their "policies".

If parents are enforcing theirs....why do we need "policies" at all on Social Media and the Internet?

Step back now and ask the question. Why isn't this part of the discussion in the media?

(it's because chaos is profitable, so don't hold your breath).

I don't see us going back in the right direction. Too much money involved in all these fires.

People who through the Internet now have an audience. "Shock and Awe" rule the day!

And this is why it's refreshing when someone actually behaves in an "adult" fashion. Responsible, respectful, with civility, and attempting to help. Not just grab attention through childish behaviour.

There's a time for fun and a time not for it.

And everything in a balance.

Thanks a bunch! :D

I'm squandering away my Saturday watching the live action cam at St. Johns.
At any given time, I'm seeing several people digging through their smart phones, but not as many as I'd suspect. Most places I go to have a lot more people zombified on their phones. Ultimately though, I find myself needing to squash those thoughts, as it is more a reflection on my own judgmental self than them.

I think you are looking at the wrong bar. Try this one also in St. John-;)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1626543725.jpg

Any cellular device would be in harms way and soaked in short order. I bet the people here are doing much better simply because of this.


I think you've hit the nail on the head with social media/phones/etc. I believe there needs to be a new subject in school right next to reading/writing/math- and that is Internet/Social Media/Connected information studies. This would focus on the new world of the net, and effective ways to sort through it, both in sifting through to pertinent info, as well as how to treat others, etc.

Sure, the net is monetized, and people push agendas on each other. At least teach the next generation of users what they are getting into.

How do you define the American culture?

Hmm.
I can find all sorts of problems with culture from before the US was even a country.
Letters complaining about how bad things are could be found from colonial times to present..

A lot depends on where you look.
What we have now is it is very easy to look, and lots is put out there.
My advice, the world is always in decay,
If you take your time to look for the worst, you will see the worst.
If all you do is go where the worst is presented and you have no influence you will be depressed.
You can fix up what is around you.
You might even be able to improve some of the people around you.
Take at least one effort with anyone you come in contact with.
Look for that, do that.

I'd like to know that as well. Looking the word up doesn't help because if you follow the definition to the letter, we are multiple cultures.

Cross culture respect has always been in short supply.

Beer drinkin and party'n it up?

That's prolly the favorite part for many.:D

Doesn't matter - it's a data point.

We are sliding backwards from that data point (is the point of my thread).

Cell phones social media are a huge negative impact. My 7 month old granddaughter is already eyeballing and showing interest in cellphones, unbelievable! So many neighbors that want no relationship with their neighbors. Religion on a downward spiral is also a problem. Much more I could say but don’t want to PARF it up.
Tim

Milt, you nailed it there.
Eurocentric thinking discounted the wisdom of First Nations cultures, prohibited any vestage of African culture (apart from the Blues), and even marginalized Mediterranean culture. Throw in Central and South American cultures, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern cultures and some folks heads are likely to explode.
The problem with expecting everyone to be like you is that you aren't perfect. No one is. Until we get our prejudiced heads around that fact, we will not be able to move ahead.

Nothing is like it used to be and you know something? That's the way it always has been.

Best
Les

Main problem is religious nutballs trying to force us to rely on the principles of their god.

When I was in my teens and 20's...I remember my parents asking the same question.
"Those GD hippies...where are is this world headed?"

Everything changes....today will seem mild to the newer generation.

I think we also need to remember to put what we see on social media in perspective. The people on there are just a small segment of society. Most Americans are still decent individuals. For example, this week we have the national high school rodeo finals here in Lincoln Nebraska. There are 1700 riders in town along with their friends and family. Throw in another 10,000 that are going to go watch the rodeo. You see these kids all over town. And there isn’t a one that isn’t both having fun and being respectful of others. But maybe it’s what the original poster mentioned, I would imagine most of these kids have a fairly moral compass.

The bolded text is what approximately 10 to 15 members of this forum who dominate most discussions do day in and day out. I can't imagine what it must be like to live with that kind of outlook. Multiply what they do by several million and you get yourself a nice little dystopia.

Or is the problem the non religious group trying to make the religious group accept their P.O.V??

I was raised in the Catholic faith. I've never tried to force my beliefs on others. I have had others tell me I must accept their way of thinking or I'm "bigoted". That seems odd to me.

you aren't everyone - if the religious nutballs trying to force their views on others is something you are unaware of, then you need to wake up

and yes, accept that others have different P.O.V.s

I am not a religious person never have been . I have no issues with anyone if they are or aren't . But in my opinion religion is only a small piece of if a person is " good " or not . If you were raised right with some boundaries/discipline/guidance/encouragement you have a fighting chance of being a positive member of society .

But being raised right just plants the seed , as an individual you have to keep at it on a daily basis . Even though my parents are long gone ( RIP ) I ask myself all the time what would my parents think of my behavior or decisions . In a small way it helps keep me on a good path .

Our society is quick to blame others but usually it's the person in the mirror that is responsible for the issue . Not always but many times . Just my 2 cents keep the change 😁

Both of your posts are "spot on", Rick.

And FWIW.....I'm just posting my opinions here. If someone disagrees or has a different take - that's OK.

(I say that as a tribute to my parents who raised me to respect the viewpoint of others).

But having an opinion on the way our culture is in decline shouldn't be considered a personal attack on anyone. It's just commentary by someone looking at the big picture and giving his take.

I'd think maybe a good topic for discussion here - as long as everyone keeps their "micro-aggressions" in check! :D

And FWIW.......for me as a 67 year old....I think some of this really started in the 60's. It's not a "damn hippie" thing. It's a lot larger. Stuff like adults getting too lazy to put in the work raising the kids proper. Or too self-centered. The concept in society that we just let everything go and be free. When in reality it's the furthest thing from being free possible. Enter the age of the cell phone and Internet. Putting people in jail. They aren't free. They're stuck.

I'm not saying the world is coming to an end or anything. It's just filled with too many selfish lazy adults.

The kids are the ones who need the help. At that young age - they are open books with unwritten chapters....waiting for us adults to help guide them as they write the novels of their lives.

This is pretty good.......makes a good point......

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Then, in the comments section there's this gem.......

And there it is.

Then there's our obesity problem....getting worse every year........

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^^^ Portion control.
People have enough money today to buy whatever and how much they want to eat.

And THIS video is from TEN years ago.......we we're still getting fatter and fatter!

It's the year 2021 and the future is now. Yet with all the new gadgets and doo-dads......most are designed to make our lives easier. To counter-balance that - emphasis should be on living a healthy lifestyle.

Some say "Work smarter - not harder." I say "Work smarter AND harder."

But that requires work and being thoughtful.

I don't really see as much emphasis in our media (just to name one faction) for "us" to be thoughtful. It's more along the lines of "special effects" and "shock and awe"....as mentioned upstream.

This video has a little political slant to it - sorry. But still makes the point we can't change for the better...even though we KNOW we are screwing up!

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When our kids were growing up, the one thing I tried to implant in them was that first and foremost when they were out in the world their behavior represented our family first. How they acted in public, while at school, out shopping, with friends or on a sports field all reflected on me and my wife first. I let them know that we had certain standards which weren't to be crossed under any circumstances. If they were, there were consequences.
A lot of what I see on TV and witness when out in public is the result of parents not doing their job. IMO there are way too many people having kids that should have no business having kids. They just aren't capable of raising them to be productive contributors to society.

From the outside looking in; it looks like your culture is worshipping East LA street gangsters. Rap, body language. Dregs of society waving around big wads of cash and guns. That's the guys. The women are fat arsed b1thes with attitude, hanging out wit the before mentioned guys.

Then... In New Zealand our moron classes think that's so cool and copy them all they can. But over do it. We've had a few guys shooting cops then posturing around thinking they are some sort of movie star while a cop dies on the road in front of them.

Sure BLM, but us white guys should be able to live without constantly apologising for our existence.

That's my rant for the day LOL

Great point and much respect to your parents, Scott. They are/were not alone in their battle against evil. ;)

Parents - and OTHER adults...are charged with this responsibility.

MANY are HARD workers and doing a great job! And we thank them! :) Doing ALL they can do, in fact!

God bless them!

But as I commented upstream.....too many adults have become lazy and too self-centered to really put their children's well being as JOB #1.

Important point here - parents can NOT do it all. Other ADULTS influence our kids.

This.
Sin has always been around. Cain killed Abel... The problem is that what used to be shunned is now applauded. What used to be hidden is now thrown in your face. We glorify perversion and abhorrent behavior that used to be considered unhealthy, unnatural, and/or ungodly. Even if you don't believe in God, if you follow the Judeo-Christian ethics that this country was founded upon you were a better citizen, better friend, better father or mother. The farther we push God away, the more He lets us reap a harvest of our sinful nature.

And there it is. I rest my case.

Then:

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Now:

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Its the promotion of self that is the root of societies current situation. I'm better than you, my agenda, you listen to me, I'm right, its not my fault. We have been driven away from thinking of others. Remember the golden rule?? Questions kids to day and most would not be able to tell what the gulden rule is. WE can build all the guess's in the world, and while some are plausible, it will all boil down to self over others.

Oh, FFS. People have been making literally exactly this complaint for thousands of years. There were people just like the OP saying the same thing in Latin in Ancient Rome.

Sums it up quite nicely!

BTW...Linda is the 8th Wonder of the World, isn't she? :p

They were probably onto something too! :)

And look what happened to Roman civilization...

You might be proving his point. SmileWavy

I would say this is a foundational idea you've mentioned.
However to narrow it down there is promotion of specific aspects.
Namely, feelings and emotions;
Which are more easily manipulated than reason.
A lot of people are becoming the monkeys from the looney toons movie.