Radio Commentary
An
ethic of caring is worth fostering among our children if we want to live in a
society that is compassionate and kind.
Research
confirms what common sense tells us: the more a young person values compassion,
kindness, and helping people, the more likely he or she is to actually help out
when the need arises.
That’s why it is important to
promote values of caring in our communities, our schools, our families, and our
congregations.
This
is especially the case in modern times, when the media messages that bombard
our young people are filled with conflicting values – violence, celebrity
worship, materialism, and very little of the old-fashioned “sweet” stories
young people used to hear and see at every turn.
It’s unlikely a young person will
develop caring values unless he or she is constantly exposed to adults who
model and reward them.
This
would include parents and teachers, plus a broad array of other adults and role
models as well.
What’s more, it is critical that
these values be reinforced in young people’s everyday lives, in order to
override the competing messages that surround them through music, videos, and
games.
Though we live in times when the
country appears polarized and fragmented, the goal of fostering an ethic of
caring is not impossible to achieve.
It will take a concerted effort
among those who value that outcome. It’s clear we ALL have our work cut out for
us if we want to succeed. I, for one, feel deeply that it is worth the effort.
