Changing Times

In the beginning, I imagine things were easier. People lived simpler lifestyles and enjoyed the little things. It wasn’t about the house you had, the car you drove or the clothes you wore, but about who you were. Not about comparing materialism and success, but enjoying the company of one another and the time shared with them. People cared about each other and made an effort to get involved in their lives, not only for their own good. Helping one another out when times were tough was an instinct, not a favor. Things weren’t done for the fame, fortune or acknowledgement, but from the goodness within. Values and morals stood strong and abundant. People were happy about who they truly were, not creating a façade to believe they are somebody else. People were praised and idolized for being real life heroes and role models, doing great things to contribute the world, not for having money or status. People actually had time to spend with their family, not just completely consumed by work. People didn’t flyby with everywhere to go and nowhere to hide, but were able to slow down and take it in. Chaos and commitments weren’t controlling lives. Technology didn’t take over yet and people actually communicated on a personal level. Stories and traditions were passed down, not DVD’s. People entertained one another, not i-pods, cell phones and wiis. Family dinners were home cooked, not fast food. Families stayed together, not in different states. Reputations were something to be proud of, not give up on. Kids actually played outside, not zoned out in front of the TV or video games. Parents felt safe letting their children out in public, not worries they may go missing, raped or killed. Houses were left unlocked, trusting their neighbors, never thinking about criminals, intruders or thieves. Sunday was a day of rest and religion, not another day to get things done. School was a safe place to learn, not buy drugs and get shot. People read books, not computer screens. People were living off of cash, not credit. Being in debt wasn’t the norm. Sex was for married couples, not kids. Punishment was brutal, but lessons were learned. You did the crime, you paid the price. People had to work hard for everything they had. Welfare and government assistance wasn’t handed out. Families could afford houses, not struggling to pay rent. The ratio of births to deaths each year was relatively equal, not imbalanced. News was of actual importance, not celebrity gossip. Outer image didn’t distract from inner beauty.

Sure a lot of things have improved from previous eras. Segregation, healthcare, technology, education and globalization, just to name a few. As the days go bye, weeks pass on and the years turn into generations, everything transforms. When the times change, so do the people and so does society. Is it for the better or is it only getting worse?