Attack on decency
Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" is the newest thing (other than Nicollette Sheridan's towel) to give a sign of a new culture that has emerged among Americans, and those two things are just the tip of the iceberg.
Years ago, the lowest of lowdown men would not use the kind of language that is routinely used today not only in the presence of women, but to women. Children addressing adults by their first name was also unthinkable, not to mention how children use foul language the way they do with adults present. How about guys and girls walking down the street whilst the guy has his hand in the girl's rear pocket?
Can we say "wrong"?
What might explain the difference in behavior today versus the years of yesterday?
A significant part of the explination is seen by recognizing that society's first line of defense is not the law but customs, traditions, and moral values. Customs, traditions, and moral values are those important thou-shalt-nots. They also include respect for parents, teachers, others in autority, plus those courtesies one might read in books of etiquette.
For nearly a half-century, the nation's liberals, along with the education establishment, pseudointellectuals and the courts, have waged war on customs traditions and moral values. Many in my generation have been counseled to believe that there are no moral absolutes. Instead, what's moral or immoral is a matter of convenience, personal opinion, or what they might or might not get caught doing.
Fools, I say, fools.
2005-01-07 - 4:20 p.m.