What's wrong with our culture?

[Baz]

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.

[asphaltgambler]

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.

[oldE]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

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

[island911]

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.

[rfuerst911sc]

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 .

[Baz]

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.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Thanks a bunch!

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-



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.

[flatbutt]

How do you define the American culture?

[Tervuren]

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.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

How do you define the American culture?

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.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

How do you define the American culture?

Beer drinkin and party'n it up?

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Beer drinkin and party'n it up?

That's prolly the favorite part for many.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

How do you define the American culture?

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

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

[timchar]

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

[oldE]

Originally Posted by Zeke

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.

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

[thor66]

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

[stevej37]

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.

[Rot 911]

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.

[hbueno]

Originally Posted by Tervuren

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.

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.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by thor66

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

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.