Introduction
Societies develop and promote unique norms and values that all members need to follow. Those who fail to do so might be identified as outcasts and be treated indifferently by their relatives, colleagues, and even friends. Some of the current global forces, such as the wave of globalization and technological proliferation, have supported the creation of new cultures across the globe. The present American culture has emerged as the best example of how young individuals are destroying traditional societal values.
Modern American Culture and Traditional Social Values
Many societies share specific practices and values that historians and anthropologists view as traditional in nature. For instance, different communities across the globe have been known to promote patriotism, equality, honesty, fairness, decency, and respect for others. Individuals should maintain strong family bonds and ties, be involved in solving social problems, and promote norms and cultural practices that resonate with the goals of their forefathers (Chowdhury 4). Unfortunately, the situation has changed significantly in the United States since the modern generation continues to support the establishment of a new culture that promotes new behaviors and traditions.
The article “The Decline of Neatness” by Norman Cousins offers powerful arguments that give a comparison between modernity and traditional American values. For instance, the author indicates that the current reckless generation is a unique “sloppiness virus that has spread to all sectors of society” (Cousins 78). Many young people have been keen to reconsider their experiences and pursue all ideas in order “to appear uncombed, unshaved, and undressed” (Cousins 78). These individuals do not care about the importance of dressing decently and ensuring that they remain groomed even when associated with their elders or parents (Cousins 78). This malpractice has become a norm that different scholars need to analyze from all perspectives.
Another issue that supports the outlined thesis is that the modern generation is no longer interested in communicating effectively and using complete sentences. This malpractice has gone further to affect the vocabulary of the American English language (Cousins 78). Many people are currently using chopped-up terms and phrases to make their communication processes incoherent. Consequently, the United States has been unable to make the vant progress in the English language in comparison with other nations (Cousins 78). These outcomes have worsened the situation for young individuals who are unable to focus on their future goals and engage in practices that can improve their competencies.
The integrity associated with the traditional society has become a thing of the past in the United States. The consumption of mass media information has encouraged more individuals to engage in immoral behaviors. For instance, the level of untidiness in speech and dressing has resulted in negative human relations and experiences. Many people have unprotected sex more than ever before in this country. This malpractice has created a new culture that allows its members to do whatever they want without considering the possible repercussions. These aspects explain the society is presently recording high cases of divorce and troubled marriages or relationships (Chowdhury 8). These changes have worsened the situation for many young mothers and fathers who lack adequate moral principles to guide and ensure that their children become disciplined members of society. These aspects differ significantly from the experiences and examples recorded in my country (Chowdhury 8). The majority of the people remain modest, use language effectively, and focus on the foundations laid down by their cultures.
The emergence of modern technologies is a development that is worsening the situation in American society. Such innovations have empowered more young individuals by ensuring that they have access to handheld digital devices. These tools are making it hard for them to meet frequently and engage in meaningful conversations. Instead, they rely on chats and messages to share ideas and focus on their goals (Crystal). Unfortunately, such a practice is making it impossible for them to record meaningful gains or achieve their maximum potential. The class materials revealed how texting was a major obstacle to language development and promotion of cultural values. For example, John Humphrys indicates that young people who engage in chatting are “vandals who are doing to our language what Genghis Khan did to his neighbors 800 years ago” (Crystal). Similarly, John Sunderland remains convinced that texting is a “bleak, bald, sad shorthand” (Crystal). These direct quotes from the materials analyzed in class explain how and why such technologies make it impossible for more people stick to the traditional values of their cultures.
From these arguments, it is evident that American society is deviating from the traditional values and norms that have been practiced for centuries. These developments might worsen the experiences of more citizens and make it impossible for them to lead decent and meaningful lives (Crystal). However, it is worth noting that the diminishing adherence to social values is a trend that is recorded across the globe. More young people are deviating from their norms and focusing on new ways of expressing themselves. Modern mass media outlets, social media networks, and globalization have made these changes a reality.
Despite these arguments regarding the current practices that are destroying most of the traditional American values, some skeptics still think that they are invalid and debatable. For instance, some indicate that culture change is a new norm that has been recorded over the years. This outcome is associated with human movement and immigration. Such arguers believe that those who prefer traditional values are individuals living in the past and finding it hard to embrace new ideas (Chowdhury 9). Others indicate that America is not the only country that is experiencing such a shift in cultural behaviors and norms. The best response to these individuals is that there is a need for communities to have strong values, behaviors, and practices that are ethical and capable of taking all members closer to their goals (Crystal). Such aspects explain why policymakers and elders in the country should be involved to guide more American citizens and encourage them to behave decently and consider the best ways to strike a balance between modernity and tradition.
Conclusion
The above discussion has presented valid arguments and insights to explain why the mn American society is destroying its traditional values. More youths have decided to remain unkempt, dress indecently, and engage in texting. These explain why the present American culture is characterized by many individuals who are actively destroying traditional societal values. Those in leadership positions and policymakers should, therefore, consider these issues and offer timely advice in order to protect the norms and practices that have defined the spirit of American for many decades.
References
Chowdhury, Mohammad. “Emphasizing Morals, Values, Ethics, and Character Education in Science Education and Science Teaching.” The Malaysian Online Journal of Educational Science, vol. 4, no. 2, 2016, pp. 1-16.
Cousins, Norman. “The Decline of Neatness.” Time, 1990, p. 78.
Crystal, David. “2b or Not 2b?” The Guardian, 2008, Web.