America’s Modern Crisis: Little Self-Examination, Little Character

by Candace Hardin
Clash Daily Guest Contributor

Why do so many people follow the crowd and refuse to stand out?

Is it simply the need to be liked and fit in, or is it a rejection of their own thoughts?

Is it too much work to be original and lead rather than copy and follow?

For one of these above mentioned reasons, so many people are willing to accept the moral and economic decay of our society. It is why a generation of sheep – like voters and citizens — have emerged. Wishy washy has become the new order of the day.

The majority come into this world with the same tools at their disposal.

All are born with the instinct to survive.

All are born with the same desire to perceive and understand the world.

While it is true that all are nurtured differently, human nature is basically the same.

What one does with that nature and the nurture is what builds character.

Society has evolved through technology to overcome many things that were once insurmountable.

Generations past had little to no access to plastic surgery.

If a person was born with a cosmetic facial or physical defect, they were taught to develop other traits that would draw attention away from the flaws. The flaw became less noticeable and the character was strengthened. It changed how a person was perceived by themselves and others.

Adversity made a better, stronger person.

Now the norm is too quickly to have the defect corrected with surgery. Everyone wants to be perfect, and all are judged by perfection standards. It is the superficial that counts more than the integrity.

Instead of many with unique and interesting appearances, you have a vanilla look that everyone desires. (Of course, I do not speak of defects that affect the health, only the superficial vanity.)

Bullying was once just a rite of passage. Everyone was bullied by someone. How one handled the said bully was the first step in developing confrontational skills.

Bullies, by their nature, have to be properly put in their place. If they are never challenged, they will continue to harass. Usually, some physical confrontation is necessary to stop the problem. Overcoming a bully is another way character is built. It is not something a law can control, it is something that has to be done by any individual confronted.

Ever wondered why today’s general public allows their lives to be completely governed and dominated by cellular devices?

A meal cannot be shared by a family or a group of friends without the handhelds in evidence. Less actual conversation happens than texting, surfing, gaming or the phone attached to the ears. What is the true point of being together? It is no longer a social occasion, but a technological cacophony of noise and sound.

I cannot imagine either of my Grandfathers allowing such distraction at the table. By the same token, I cannot imagine either of them, one die hard Democrat, and one Republican, standing by as the country goes to Hades in a hand basket without a protest.

What is the reason that John Q. Public is accepting of this noise overload? Is it because quiet time infers quiet self-reflection?

Self–reflection and examination are tools to make yourself a better person. In the quiet of meditation and silence your conscience can tell you things you may or may not like to hear.

The “go along to get along” way of life might not pass muster if held to too strong of a light. Things that are wrong in your own life and in the country would need to be addressed. After being addressed, something would need to be done about the problems. This step requires the maturity to accept the truth.

The problem we are experiencing is not just a lack of quiet, but an extreme lack of depth of character and scruples overall.

Image: Courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/andybeatty/2715799788/

Candace Hardin resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She fluent in Spanish and a student of Latin and history. She is a columnist on PolitiChicks.tv. and has a blog, kandisays.blogspot.com. Originally from North Carolina, her writing and beliefs have been heavily influenced by the Appalachian culture and tradition.