It’s becoming a very different world and a not so good in

It’s becoming a very different world and a not so good in many ways!

Tim Connor

As I reflect on where we seem to be today as a society versus just a few short years ago I have to wonder – will we as a world and society in the US like where we end up in a few years if we keep heading in this crazy, dubious and out of control direction?

Just consider a few of the simple things like – common courtesies, basic manners, caring more about others than yourself, the ability to share your thoughts and ideas freely without concern for retribution or backlash, the ability to dress, yes respectably, but freely.  The ability to travel without fear.  The lack of selfie-oriented behaviors.  The ability to challenge people who are misrepresenting the truth that is evident to everyone but the person talking.  The ability to freely express your spiritual values or beliefs without getting thrown out of school, work or the local pub. Need I go on?

And then there are the family areas where you used to spend time together sharing and talking, guiding and helping and listening.   And now, “Alexa” telling you what to do, how to do it and when plus letting a device with batteries and a screen rule your every waking minute.

I could go on for pages but I’ll keep this to three simple areas of concern that I believe everyone should have at the forefront of their minds and agendas before it’s too late and we are too far down the wrong path as a society with no chance of ever getting back some sanity, common sense, dignity, and civility.

For those of you who have ever read one of my many books or articles, you are well aware that I am not a negative or pessimistic person but do my best at all times and in all situations to deal just in my take on current reality.  The basic problem is that everyone sees and often defines reality differently depending on their own experience, education, values, expectations, and beliefs.

Yes, there are many more areas to be concerned about that I feel are critical but I believe the three I am mentioning are interwoven into all of the others; such as; freedom, security, financial issues, global issues and many more but I’m sure you have a lot on your plate so I’ll just deal briefly with the three. Please keep in mind – I am not dealing here with politics, race, religion, ethnicity, age or lifestyle - so if you choose to read that into my message – you have indirectly proven what I have implied by much of this article.

Here are the three primary areas I mentioned.

 1)The freedom to speak your mind, thoughts, values, beliefs, opinions and yes in a respectful and compassionate way without the concern of someone who may disagree with you slamming you on social media, even physically or in some other public or private way.

2) The gradual erosion of uniqueness, to be able to be you regardless of the world's opinion of you.

3) The loss of spiritual and religious freedom to worship without having to have the police guarding your church, synagogue, temple or mosque or the public mocking of people demonstrating loudly outside while you are trying to worship inside.

Think I’m wrong about the direction of these and other areas of dramatic social change ahead?  Then wake up. 

1)The freedom to speak your mind, thoughts, values, beliefs, opinions.

Let me be clear - I am not; anti-technology or any government, most laws, or against any legal movement by any group, but I am anti anything that takes away our freedom to be who we are, to be who we can become in the future and say what we believe or feel as long as we respect the rights and freedoms of others. When we change or shut ourselves down with the concern for disapproval or rejection of others for what we do or say – let me repeat – with respect and compassion - we lose our freedom to be, our independence and the right to be and grow.

In many ways, this trend of editing behavior and speech is negatively impacting simple lifestyles, common sense, everyday courtesy, and simple manners.  I actually said thank you to someone last week for a simple thing they did and then they spent the next two minutes bashing me verbally to mind my own business – and all because of a simple thank you!

2)The gradual erosion of uniqueness, to be able to be you regardless of the world's opinion of you.

Yes, folks, there are males and females on the earth regardless of how you want to define gender.  Yes, I am free to wear shorts in the middle of winter and yes, I don’t have to agree with old guys getting earrings, young women plastering their body with Tattoos and kids living off their parents in their 30’s – and so many more.  You have a right to be you and I have a right not to like who you are or what you do but I don’t have the right to stop you from doing it.  Get it?  We both are unique in so many ways and if I let you or society rob me of my uniqueness than what’s the point of living?

Yes, many politicians, government employees, and people, in general, have some really far out beliefs, opinions, and attitudes and I’m ok with that because I have a mute button on my remote or I can walk away from a conversation and I can always unfriend you.  But I don’t have the right – as a boss, parent (once my kids hit 18), spouse or stranger to tell you what you can believe, do or feel.

3)The loss of spiritual and religious freedom to worship without having to have the police guarding your church, synagogue, temple or mosque or the public mocking or demonstrating loudly outside while you are trying to worship inside.

Over the years due to any number of rules, challenges by certain groups and a variety of other social pressures – spiritual values, behaviors, and attitudes have gradually left the classroom, college campuses, government agencies and any number of communities at large.

I’m neither supporting or arguing against these practices just asking you to consider – is there a trend here with the purpose subtle or overt to rid us of the ability to worship, pray or even often care about others in our society whether neighbors, fellow employees or just fellow citizens. Look, folks, If I want to say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays – that’s my right and don’t try and make me feel guilty or belittle me because I do it.  You don’t have to say it, and I won’t care what you say or how you refer to it – it’s your right too.

My concern here is, in general, that we as a society and country are giving in too easily or quickly to the pressures from often minority groups or even just a few individuals to change us.

If you are offended because I wear a T-shirt with a cross on – “get over it.” If you don’t like Christmas trees in your community – move to another community.  If you don’t like our basic and fundamental rights where you live - yes, move to another country.