As time passes, we observe an exponential progression of moral degeneration. Turning on the news for a matter of minutes reveals extreme levels of corruptness in our society as well as those around the world. Racism and brutality plague our homes and cities, while illegal drugs and underage drinking are prevalent in every community. I cannot confidently say that the United States is the moral “role-model” for the world as I once could.
Although we often blame politicized people, corrupt politicians, hate groups, and large corporations and industries for wrongdoing, we neglect to realize that we are just as guilty for moral incorrectness as the obvious sources. Failure to understand that everyone is corrupt in some form is the root of the problem. Once this simple fact is accepted, we can work together to reshape our nation (and our world, for that matter) into something more beautiful than it once was.
It is important, however, to understand that some progress has been made in the past century: our country has made discrimination unlawful, given rights to those who did not have them before, and promoted equality in the workplace. Although this is excellent, we have diluted this success with our own desires and actions. Remember this: the progress for justness our country has made does not surpass our moral disregard; instead, it undermines it.
How then, have our inward morals changed as our laws have? They have most certainly declined! In our culture, the “outsider” is the one who follows traditional morals. Why is doing what is unlawful and medically inadvisable promoted, such as underage drinking, while abstinence from drugs and sex is frowned upon? It is time we return to the “beaten path” of correctness and take back our pride as role-models!
We have reached the climax of corruptness. What will be for the future if what we experience now is the worst in our history? We need to pass on our honorable morals to future generations to ensure an end to this madness is near. If a change does not happen in our lifetimes, I pray that we give the next generation the tools to make a difference. As Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of our country, once said, “To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.”
Although we refuse to believe it, we can make a difference. Take a stand for what is right! Be strong and persevere when the temptation for “what is fun” seems to overtake “what is correct.” Remember, we are the leaders of the new age. We can do this!
