History is a unique concept; just when you think you understand it, or grasp the patterns, you lose it. Many people believe the United States is heading for a strenuous path. Our youth today are unlike anything seen before. Ignorance is not only accepted but expected among the adolescents and juveniles who take part in ludicrous activities like “anonymous” or rioting in cities like Baltimore. Where has respect gone?
Respect is commonly believed to be among the elder generations, these are the people thought to have the most honor. However, is history replicating past events? During the 1960s, the Vietnam war was in full swing. The Black Panther and Klu Klux Klan were competing for attention with race wars. Roe vs Wade has legalized abortion and reduced American morals and values beyond recognition. Nixon would be impeached to further aggravate the situation. These times were arguably the worst for the United States, however, we can see our elders today were the adolescents of those days. Do our aunts, uncles, grandparents, or even parents deserve the same respect associated with the coming of age?
Becoming older does not guarantee wisdom, which then guarantees respect. Wisdom is learned from mistakes; we know that in order to receive respect and be revered, we have to guide in a wise manner. Respect is thought to be less among the younger generations today. Fatherless families have relied heavily upon the law and justice to preserve law and order when traditional methods failed.
In the 1980s and 90s, we saw a rise in the popularity of gangsters and pimps in music and society. Nowaday kids not only lack the male presence, but also mock the traditional household and discourage families. While the generations of disrespect grows, discrimination and prejudice actions have risen in unexplained ways which has caused deep tension among peaceful races. Orthodox ideals and morals have become politically incorrect, views that differ from the media are seen as hate crimes.
In so many words, no one can control the next generation. By the time adolescents today become adults and leaders tomorrow, the problem will only have become worse. The technological advances of each generation will out pace the last, leaving each group to be seen as stagnant and outdated.
The lack of respect is not an issue that has a clear solution. The problem has continued from the 60s and still haunts us today. The sins of our forefathers can not be used as an excuse, however they can offer some reasoning.
The shortcoming of respect for elders of today’s society is not out of hatred or villainy. They are out of ignorance and are aided by a leftist media who controls the masses of under educated. Recent decreases in the standard of teaching has increased the erosion between our generation and the last. Important events like the Korean War are censored out from history books. Information becomes disregarded or altered due to controversial events.
Older people should be respected and acknowledged for their knowledge and wisdom. They have presided upon this Earth longer and have experienced many more events than you or I will for many years. However, they did not participate in the same environment as today’s youth. Just the same, today’s youth were deprived of the great values and morals instilled by loving, caring parents.
Overall, youth have become dangerous, they are unpredictable and ignorant and oblivious to the hard working dedicated elders among us. In contrast, many factors are to blame for the disregard for those who have lived longer and rougher lives than we. We need to rise above these issues and stand up for what we believe in and be tough, something Americans have forgotten how to do.
Respect is not something that can be lost, it is essential to everyday life and well being. Imagine if officers weren’t respected, if teachers could not control their classrooms, if riots were started over lies and manipulation from the media. Without respect this is where we will remain.
Caleb Zapata is a Junior at Wider Horizons School in Spring Hill.