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Growing up in the 1980s, it was not uncommon to hear about children that were grounded. The term meant that a child not only lost their privilege to play with friends, but they may also be confined to their room with no toys. Some of my friends were spanked, and others had a belt used on them. Parents would yell at their kids and let them know they were disappointed in them.
The discipline model of the eighties and nineties was similar to what my own parents experienced in the fifties. Discipline was placed alongside values. One did not talk back to their mother or father as it was a sign of major disrespect. That would be met with equal punishment. A boy hitting a girl would likely get the boy beat up by other boys, as it was a society that enforced this value.
Chivalry was taught to me about how to be a gentleman. Walk on the proper side when a lady is next to me, get the car door, and be willing to stand up for her. I was not raised in a toxic manner; I did not see my childhood as teaching me values that were harmful to others. In fact, I was taught to be a protector that respected and honored a woman.
On Sunday, I would spend time at mass, and then head to my father’s presbyterian church for service. They were long Sundays that were reserved for prayer and hearing the gospel message. My family would stay for the church events and volunteer to assist in the community. My brother and I were brought along and learned the importance of serving others.
A recent poll shows that values are declining in importance to individuals. We are seeing a less friendly world. Yesterday a trans-ex-student shot and killed three nine-year-olds, and three adults at a Christian school. Many will be quick to blame guns. We should be blaming the demise of values and discipline — today’s show attempts to bring common sense to the conversation.
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