Are you surprised? Americans’ patriotism, faith, and work ethic are on the decline, so says the latest polls conducted by the Wall Street Journal (links provided below). I’ve listened to a couple of discussions on this topic. People blame smartphones or the pandemic as the cause.
I think there is another cause—selfishness— which takes many forms over a long time:
The “Me” Generation
Latchkey kids
Moms want to spend more time on social media than with little ones who understand time is love.
Parents are seeking to “find themselves.”
The desire for no commitments or restraints
Spousal desertion
Moreover, our forefathers understood a strong work ethic as essential to building a nation. They also had faith, believing they were accountable for the one and only life they’d been given. Keeping one’s word, loyalty in hardship, neighbors helping neighbors… it all adds up to a well-lived life.
Today, the poll results indicate our faith and work ethic are declining. Why is this? I think people feel left behind. They don’t see a reason to live unless they can gain extreme notoriety for how “cool” they are or the fabulous (often fake) life they live. We don’t know our neighbors. Loyalty is considered passe’. Getting something from “the system” is the goal. Giving without expecting something in return is gone. However, we are not victims. We are participants if we prioritize being a part of the “cool” culture that is a myth, I think.
Do you agree with the latest polls results? More importantly, do you think we can survive as a nation without a strong work ethic, faith, and patriotism? If the poll is accurate, how do you live amid cultural drift? I’m interested in your thoughts as I continue to hear concerns about the state of our country and where we might be headed.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6336787-19305-NBCWSJ-August-Social-Trends-Poll.html
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