What Happened To Manners And Morals?

What ever happened to "bad words?" Why has marriage lost its value? Are there any politicians or celebrities out there who haven't committed a crime or cheated on their wives? What's going on? The answer is simple - morals have become a thing of the past.

I remember when children used to say "ooh, I'm telling the teacher" when another student cursed. But nowadays, a lot of students hear profanity on a regular basis from their professors. I guess they decided, "if you can't beat them join them." It's irritating enough to walk around campus and here foul language from my peers, but do I have to here it from my professors too? The individuals in the best position to set a positive example are no longer doing much that is worthy of following. Of course the youth must demonstrate some personal accountability, but our elders and "heroes" are not doing much to help the cause.

Professional athletes provide us with a lot of entertainment and give kids someone to say they want to be like when they grow up. But do they really? Even sports have been tarnished by both male and female athletes because of steroids. They're telling kids that to get ahead you have to cheat. For young men, growing up to be like their favorite basketball player means either cheating on your wife or having a bunch of kids before you get married. It might seem unfair to ignore the many success stories these athletes offer and how they make many of their supporters feel anything is possible. But how about setting an example as a man. When you are given the spotlight, you become a "hero" whether you deserve it or not. It's not hard to see the impact you have on your supporters. Young men probably don't think about star players cheating on their wife when they are in a relationship and decide to do the same, but every moral transgression committed adds to the ever-present culture of immorality.

But athletes aren't alone. People have always regarded politicians as crooked, but now they can say that just about all of them are adulterers too. I am not bashing men, it definitely takes two, and those females need to realize that they are making women out to be objects. But of course, the person in authority is expected to demonstrate more morality, because they will be subject to more scrutiny. Looking back, so many men have fallen when it comes to upholding the standards of marriage - Presidents, mayors, governors, and civil rights leaders alike. Does cheating on your wife mean that you can't do a good job in office? Of course not, but what makes us think these people care about us when they took vows under God and didn't hesitate to defy them? Taking an oath in office can easily become null and void. Of course I believe in second chances because no one is perfect, but even those who try to talk about morals and values - like Spitzer - seem to fall, so it appears it's impossible to actually be a moral person in the midst of such corruption. A lot of people feel that same way living in this world, so they lower their standards and expectations.

Take UConn officials for example. I got a survey about the Spring Weekend activities saying that it includes "various gatherings at Carriage, Celeron, X-lot, etc." It is as if UConn is advertising the drunkenness and debauchery of Spring Weekend in case you didn't already know about it. Earlier in this semester the UConn police officers even visited one of my classes and said they don't really try to keep kids from getting drunk that weekend, they just look forward to the event ending. They know underage drinking is happening, but they have just decided to let it happen and not be the "bad guys." And not just Spring Weekend, I'm sure every night on campus there is underage drinking. If they keep turning their cheeks to unlawfulness then they shouldn't expect to see a decline in DUIs. I'm sure my feelings don't echo the majority of my peers, but does it take people dying for them to step up and do their job to enforce the laws? More importantly, like profanity and adultery, drunkenness (espcially under age) will become the norm. The New York Times actually ran a story last week about parents considering sharing wine with their kids to perhaps curve their desire to binge drink. So if your parents let you drink with them, you won't want to get drunk when they're not around. Are they serious?

I don't mean to sound bitter, but I hope some people wake up and look at what they are contributing to. Parents, stop lowering the standards for your kids, and instill morals and values in them. I think some figures admit to experimenting with drugs or they talk about having a beer and watching a football game for some kind of credibility, but the American people don't need homeboys, they need leaders. I want professors to know that although a lot of students think it's cool when you curse, about the same amount either dislike it or are slowly losing respect for you. Athletes, politicians, and men in general, maybe you need to discover or rediscover the true meaning of marriage and the covenant relationship you are entering into. I am not saying that anyone's contributions should be overlooked, or that those who commit transgressions are unworthy to lead. But in the end, the life you lead, both public and private, leaves a mark-either good or bad. I used to look up to so many athletes and celebrities growing up, but I had to learn a lesson the hard way. It's fine to admire and respect people, but don't put all your trust in ordinary men or women-that receive extraordinary amounts of media coverage - for they can't help but disappoint you.

But there is hope, because there is someone who has yet to fail, and never will. And he is not trying to be your homeboy; he wants to be your Savior. If you're looking for a hero, his name is Jesus. He's someone you can always look up to.

Staff columnist Caresse Spencer is a 6th-semester political science and journalism double major. She can be contacted at Caresse.Spencer@UConn.edu.