Several people here have touched on other symptoms, as well. But surprisingly, given what this site is about, I didn't see anyone hit the target. (I only skimmed the bottom, so I may have missed it.)
The issue is role models and leadership. Most teachers are not good role models, yet they see the children more than their parents. Parents are often focused on themselves, their careers, and financial struggles, not the children. So when they reach adulthood, many just kind of shrug and ask why they should bother. There is no one in their lives to lead them forward and show them why the struggle is worth it.
The solution is not simple.
We've lost the family structure. Even otherwise intelligent and decent women no longer see any purpose in family structure. Their mental concept of life is for themselves and their children, and men are largely rotating and incidental to their desires. This leaves a void in the home.
We've also lost community. Strong men in churches and other organizations were once surrogate role models for those who lacked one in the home, but now the person who would have filled that role has been poisoned as "patriarchy," or, if they take on roles of mentoring for children, they're often cast as potential child molesters. Only women are acceptable now, and women are (in general) nurturers, not leaders. They build the nest, not lead the path out from it. Thus a generation who has never taken flight.
This may sound a little misogynistic, but it is not meant to be. Women are amazing. Especially when they embrace being women instead of trying to be men. It's no different for men. They thrive as men, not in trying to be women. We can't escape our biology.
Everyone can find ways to make a difference in their personal lives. But to turn the tide culturally? History suggests that only happens when a tragedy occurs. A great war, a plague, genocide.
Not wrong.
Several people here have touched on other symptoms, as well. But surprisingly, given what this site is about, I didn't see anyone hit the target. (I only skimmed the bottom, so I may have missed it.)
The issue is role models and leadership. Most teachers are not good role models, yet they see the children more than their parents. Parents are often focused on themselves, their careers, and financial struggles, not the children. So when they reach adulthood, many just kind of shrug and ask why they should bother. There is no one in their lives to lead them forward and show them why the struggle is worth it.
The solution is not simple.
We've lost the family structure. Even otherwise intelligent and decent women no longer see any purpose in family structure. Their mental concept of life is for themselves and their children, and men are largely rotating and incidental to their desires. This leaves a void in the home.
We've also lost community. Strong men in churches and other organizations were once surrogate role models for those who lacked one in the home, but now the person who would have filled that role has been poisoned as "patriarchy," or, if they take on roles of mentoring for children, they're often cast as potential child molesters. Only women are acceptable now, and women are (in general) nurturers, not leaders. They build the nest, not lead the path out from it. Thus a generation who has never taken flight.
This may sound a little misogynistic, but it is not meant to be. Women are amazing. Especially when they embrace being women instead of trying to be men. It's no different for men. They thrive as men, not in trying to be women. We can't escape our biology.
Everyone can find ways to make a difference in their personal lives. But to turn the tide culturally? History suggests that only happens when a tragedy occurs. A great war, a plague, genocide.
Maybe this time can be different.