Posted June 30, 2005r

     Here at South Boston Online, we are becoming increasingly disturbed with certain ominous patterns of behavior, both local and nationwide.  We have been free enough in our criticisms of younger people, when we think they’ve deserved it.  This editorial is for the adults among our readership.  It’s both a plea and a call for change.

     Here are a few examples, as we see them:

     Incidents of road rage are on the upswing.  Supposedly mature people using cell phones are cutting others off.  They then curse loudly at the top of their lungs, giving that well-known salute as they do it.  Often, their children are with them in the car.  This is not drunken driving, although that’s a serious problem as well.  “Road rage” comes from adult drivers who have let their tempers become so frayed that they are using their cars as weapons.  What on earth is the matter with them?

     Recently, steroid use has been in the headlines.  Does anyone think that steroid usage started with children?  The answer, of course, is a resounding “No!”  Some professional athletes, many fanatical body-builders, and the steroid suppliers are at fault.  All of these people are adults.

     And the ripples are spreading.  Now, young girls are into steroids.  It is well known that steroids damage male reproductive systems.  Who knows what effect steroids will have on women?  Whether these girls are imitating the boys in their towns or not is immaterial.  The whole steroid mess started with adults.  We are responsible for it.

     In recent years, adult misbehavior has ranged from priestly pedophilia to outrages committed on the playing fields and in the rinks by angry parents.   These are well-worn topics by now, but no one can say that they started with young people.  Again, adults, including many who should have been role models, are responsible.

     We are bombarded every day by politicians screaming at each other, in an attempt to protect their own narrow interests and agendas.  The last time we looked, most politicians were middle-aged or beyond – adults, in other words.  Is it any wonder that younger people show little interest in the political process?  Simply stated, it turns them off.  Like, totally!

     In addition, each day brings new revelations about misconduct by leaders in the business world.  Not only do they line their own pockets, they also gut stockholder value and entire pension funds in the process.  Yet, one of the key character traits that companies ask of their new employees is “loyalty”.  Do you see a “disconnect” here, as we do?  Perhaps “hypocrisy” is a better word for it.

     We could go on, but that’s enough to prove our point about slipping behavioral standards.

     The real problem with adult behavior is far-reaching.  Throw a rock into a pond, and you’ll create ripples.  Do something wrong in front of children and you create “moral ripples” of bad behavior, which can last for years.  And make no mistake – children not only notice adult behavior around them, they will imitate it (or exceed it).

     As adults, we are responsible for our society.  Our behavior must improve.