Shallow Society?
posted April 3rd, 2007 in CultureAs I was watching the local news this evening with my parents I noticed a particular trend in most of the stories presented. The majority had little to do with the goings on of the world, but rather had more to do with how people can look better, feel better, who’s going to win on American Idol, the latest fashion, newest trend and the buzz on what’s going on with the latest actors.
I generally block all that out and wait impatiently for news on the hostage situation in Iran, and the goings on of the US congress, and the State Legislature. Today was different however as I sat watching the “news” which gets more depressing by the day, I found myself sincerely hoping that we aren’t as decadent as is portrayed. I was hoping as I watched a segment called “The war on wrinkles” That we really aren’t so vain that we’ll actually spend 2k per needle to get rid of a wrinkle!
Unfortunately, the more I observe and interact with people in youth group, leadership positions, different events or just watching the nightly news, the more I find that we are indeed a shallow society. Often times I’ll bury my head in my hands and ask “are we really THAT shallow?” to be shown yet again, that we are.
The encouraging aspect is that there are a few who aren’t caught up in the hype of “me” that is so prevalent. America, if we want to remain the best and most powerful nation on earth, we can not focus only on “self”. No nation that is strong is shallow. If we wish to remain strong we must start making a difference and impacting the people around us. Our focus must be on The One who raises up nations, and The One who alone can deliver us.
America, if we wish to go out with a bang rather than a whimper, we must turn back to The Creator.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14
I think you’re missing the point. Our welfare is much more important than what goes on around the world. Yeah, its great, but that’s not our concern. After all, as Patrick Henry so wonderfully said, “Give me commercials or give me death!” Or something like that…I forgot. Oh well, history’s worthless….right?
Hehe…
I agree that the US is going down hill in self pitty and want. What do we think is going to happen if all we think about is ourself? We won’t be a nation in unity. If you ask me. We aren’t.
You are right. Our people are more focused on themselves than on God. The Daniel bible study by Beth Moore really opened my eyes to what was happening in our culture. Our people have adopted the Babylonian philosophy, “I am and there is none beside me”. How can we win if we can’t stand together?
I feel the same way, everyone on my floor is so shallow also. They didn’t even know there was a hostage situation in Iran. It gets very frustrating.
Jered
Well said! I am always amazed how many of my friends don’t even know or care about current events. Just the latest video game. We need change in America.
Keep on blogging! =)
The American public is doing what it has been taught to do. “look out for number one”, “be yourself” etc. It’s all about YOU in America. (haha, just think about the names of popular things. [YOU]tube, [I]pod ) I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard someone my age or younger (or in some cases, OLDER O_o) say “I couldn’t care less”. Unless it has an immediate detrimental effect on them, most people quite honestly couldn’t care less. sigh… That bombing in Baghdad isn’t nearly as important as learning about anna nicole smith’s death. OY.
Indeed, we need a balance of the serious and the fun. And I think the just equalibirum of those two has been upended.
Sorry to tell you this folks, but this isn’t just a U.S phenomena, it’s global.
Although down here in Latinamerica, we aren’t as shallow, hedonistic, or individualistic as U.S youth (not American youth for God’s sake,When are you going to learn America is a Continent and not just the U.S.A!! It stretches from Alaska to Patagonia!) Maybe that’s the advantage of being economically poor, but culturally and morally rich.
We also suffer this constant deformation of popular culture.
Which is truly a sign that leads us to address the issues regarding evangelization, reevangelization of our American peoples, and the unity of Christians, a.k.a ecumenism. Without a consistent and joint Christian testimony, with a split army we can’t advance as much as we could against the evil forces corroding our societies.