Jun 6, 2015 2 min read

In the 1950s, people believed moral and ethical behavior was the way to success. Television shared that in its programming. Slowly, however, television changed, the language changed, and then the moral and ethical behavior of television characters changed. Life wasn’t defined by one’s success, but rather in the quality of the fun one had.

Parents began openly drinking. Their children partied though college. Life wasn’t any longer a path to adulthood, but a Peter Pan-like lifestyle of never growing up.

This has changed schools. They now need to act out DUI crashes before the prom. Why should this be a problem, when the drinking age is 21? Drinking is glorified, and to be “in” one must do it. Then we must teach sex. People in the 1950s figured it out without school instruction.

Now, there’s talk of legalizing marijuana. Is this because addiction is fun? Is it good for society?

Many adults behave like children. The goal isn’t to be responsible, and it isn’t to be successful. Television has shown this generation that overindulging in alcohol, drugs and sex leads to happiness. Yet they continue to look for happiness.

Gay Vroble

Amity