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Rant & Rave
Society tries its best to find solutions for a breakdown in morality, but few of us see improvement. Put family first
to foster moralitySome believe that enforcing stricter laws and tighter security will help to re-establish morality. This might work, but we'd soon come to a point where we'd have to give up our personal freedoms in exchange. That's not right. It's time to realize the breakdown of morality and fix it.
I hope that people realize the real problem is our lack of values. It may be we're avoiding this problem because we don't want to change, or are too blind to see the root of the problem, but either way, our indifference is not helping.
The most effective and simplest solution for ending moral decline is family unity. The family, too, is in decline, but there is promise ahead if we can work on building stronger relationships at home.
The main reason for the breakdown of the family is the lack of love and appreciation for one another. Without love, a family cannot operate. At home, caring and nurturing are critical. It's the first place that allows you to find out who you are and establish your beliefs. If you don't know what you stand for and what you believe in, someone with the power of persuasion could easily lead you to do something wrong.
Lack of communication is another factor in family problems. Today we are able to communicate through so many devices, like the telephone, the Internet and satellite, yet, we sometimes can't get through to the people we are supposed to love the most.
When we try to communicate the feelings we have bottled up, our words sometimes come out wrong and fighting occurs. When two people are talking at each other, nobody's listening, and that makes it hard to solve problems.
The last reason for family breakdown is the lack of a parent, through divorce or desertion. Having a single parent play the roles of mom and dad is common. A study from the Hudson Institute found that four out of every 10 children are being raised without a father. Sadly, it's too convenient to get a divorce or simply skip town.
The study also found that among long-term prison inmates, 70 percent grew up without a father, as did 65 percent of rapists and 75 percent of adolescents charged with murder.
Gangs thrive because they function like second families that allow members to feel a sense of belonging. Everybody wants to feel like he or she belongs.
When the family breaks down, depression is likely to occur. For children, this affects studies, which can result in bad grades. Some youths try to escape the sadness by running away, doing drugs or indulging in pre-marital sex. These things can bring temporary satisfaction, but cause long-term damage. Sex can result in AIDS and death, or early pregnancy, causing more devastation when another life is brought into a world of misunderstandings.
It's important for families to know that their contributions are important. A family functions well when everyone helps out and does his or her share of work around the house.
It's nice to appreciate and praise one another. Positive time is critical. Simple activities, like going to the park, beach or carnivals together is good. Try to do something that everyone enjoys doing or take turns focusing on different interests. We have to take time out from our busy lives to share our lives with the ones we love and care for. Nothing is more important than spending time with your family.
Jana Yanagisako is a junior at Kaiser High School. Rant & Rave is a Tuesday Star-Bulletin feature
allowing those 12 to 22 to serve up fresh perspectives.
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