About 6 years ago, the Air force Academy decided to include a new required curriculum in their cadet’s academic schedule-Integrity 101 (not the actual course title). When asked why the course was added to this elite institution’s curriculum, a spokes person replied that a high percentage of their cadets were no longer receiving the basic moral training at home which produced honesty, integrity and a sense of loyalty in individuals. Academy authorities felt it was paramount, in order for cadets to be able to function in the kinds of careers for which they were slated, to have these qualities lodged firmly in the fabric of their psyche.
The up and coming generation, and actually those starting from “X” (a horrible social stigma in that assignment) have been characterized by apathy, moral malaise and a waning sense of integrity. What have we sown into our young that is producing this kind of fruit? I would like to suggest three areas of social change that I have observed: The disintegration of the “traditional” family, the lack of integrity in authorities in all areas of society, and the change in attitude societally toward offspring.
In the beginning of the 1960's there were relatively few single parent homes, the “blue laws” were still in place (laws that prohibited businesses from operation on Sunday) and most social institutions, education, occupation, religion, and government, regarded the institution of the family as the core of society and participated in it’s protection and nurture. Within the 60's subtle changes occurred in all those arenas. Divorce became more “acceptable” in the church, the blue laws were lifted, and non-traditional families received more government validation. The increase in single or double career parent homes increased “latch-key” and daycare and left children in the care of an uncommited public. Our educational institutions became more about the propagation of the individual than the family. All of these contributed to the disintegration of what we term “traditional” family.
These changes in social conscience have had a dire effect on our young people. The disintegration of the family has severely damaged the ability of our young to grow up feeling secure. It has also altered the training ground on which honesty, integrity, and commitment are modeled, formulated and tested. As a result, young people today lack the interpersonal skills necessary for developing and sustaining healthy relationships.
Also in the 60's and 70's we began to see more overt instances of gross violations of public trust in all social institutions. While corruption in government, corporate America and the church have always existed, at no time in American history have we had the kind of public moral lapses we have seen in the last 50 years. This lack of integrity has resulted in a violation of public trust.
The lack of integrity in people in authority in all areas of society has produced a society with no “heros”. The would be “Greats” of these generations have become objects of public ridicule and scandal because of their moral lapses. The effect on young people is two fold: a distrust and disregard for authority. The social implications are tremendous when the glue of any society is based on trust and a mutual commitment to cooperate for the good of that society. Our young people lack the basic faith in society which has resulted in apathy regarding it’s direction and worse yet its survival.
Finally, there has been a subtle change in attitude societally toward offspring. While at one time children were esteemed and valued, they have become societal parasites. At the outset this may seem harsh, but it is a fact that children, for the most part, are not needed in families. They produce no income and are rarely required to take on family responsibilities. This is a change from the turn of the century when children were necessary to both carry on the family name and help in the working of the family farm or business. This attitude continued until the 60's, when children were still doing chores, contributing (when age appropriate) to the household income, and in essence carrying their weight in the household and later in society.
Children have become a commodity. We have them when it’s convenient. We don’t let them interrupt our lives or careers. We can even choose their genetic make up. We have created multiple social situations in which to warehouse our children while we pursue our individual goals and we justify ourselves with the doctrine of personal fulfillment.
Participation in the family and society, is the primary source from which young people derive a sense of purpose, value and belonging. Without it, they are unable to take their places in the adult world with a sense of significance and ownership, two qualities which are essential for productive participation in any thing. The result is apathy and a decline in the value of life.
The conclusion is simple but not easy:
A society will reap what it sows. Our children are a mirror, reflecting the reality of the values and beliefs we have embraced as opposed to the values we espouse to believe. Wake up! The buck stops here.