LIFE AS WE KNOW IT IS OVER
In recent years, more than ever, we have all seen a loss of culture and beliefs. The integration of different values, the expansion of the generation gap (especially in the western world), and the failure to pass down ancestral philosophy is the cause. This decline has been changing the way, type, and quality of life in the world. If we do not solve this problem, then life as we know it is over.
Being a person that moved from one country to another in the same region; I had the opportunity to see such a vast difference in the countries’ people and way of life. It has honestly been an amazing and enjoyable experience. One would expect to see the same Caribbean culture, but every island has a unique way of life. Much of the core values remain the same. However, these values seem to decline the closer you get to cities. This is because cities and their large populations are melting pots of different culture and beliefs. Where values get distorted and integrated until syncretism becomes the universal culture.
This may seem like a way to world peace, something that the world talks so much about. However, I feel that the only real way to world peace is to learn, understand and appreciate the uniqueness of the different cultures. God has made all of us with these beautiful differences. Whether that be color of skin or different ways of doing the same task. Thus, how are we supposed to appreciate any of God’s creations if no one knows their own culture to share it with others? Therefore, in the end, all we have is a bunch of hearts and minds filled with hate and no value of culture or heritage.
The only real way to world peace is to learn, understand and appreciate the uniqueness of the different cultures.
Another thing that truly worries me about the entire situation is that there are not enough elderly forward minded leaders in our community. This can come in the form of teachers, parents or mentors in general. Please don’t get me wrong; I know there are some out there but the numbers are so small, and as a result, they cannot have an impact on the ever-growing population. Some mentors are so stuck in their old ways of thinking that they cannot lead the new generation nor will the new generation allow these ancient people to guide them. This is mostly because it’s too late of a point in a young person’s life when some elder tries to correct them. It does not help that this correction usually comes in the form of a command, which is seen as disrespectful to a young person. We can always learn from each other whether it be young or old, but the problem comes when the old can’t see that they can learn from the young and the young don’t want to learn from someone who thinks they don’t know anything.
The young people are our future and what they learn now is very important. I learned so much from the people around me when I was younger, at the same time I know that I will never stop learning from the people around me now. Whether it was good lessons like going to church and hearing the word of God or wrong teachings like when an adult made a mistake and admitted that mistake. Children learn the essential skills very early in life, and I would like to think it’s in the first count of years when they are learning right from wrong. So it’s imperative that parents and elders around them teach and expose them to all the right values and proper essentials for life. Instead of sticking them in front of technology that promotes violence and other ungodly values.
By interacting with the young population, it teaches them that it’s better to have quality human interaction. Saying to yourself that you are allowing them to watch something “educational” and calling it a day, just isn’t cutting it. A lot of children are growing up and coming into society without the proper skills and guidance for life. Learning how to interact, socialize and stay true to oneself is as important as academics.
This decline in culture and beliefs is a dangerous path we are heading down. If the number of good mentors continues to lessen, there will be an increase in a population of individuals without a care for the world or the proper values. This includes things like a family community, strong faith, and pride of culture. Then the bad will outnumber the good and life as we know it is over. But there is always hope, and it’s never too late to look at our current mistakes and take action to change them. We must help to shape the people that can form the world and make a difference, even if we can’t change the world ourselves at this moment. Therefore, be the change you want in the world.
Devin
- What two years of marriage taught me {Husband’s view} - November 15, 2018
- Life as we know it is over - November 12, 2018
