REALLY, ARE THERE NO LONGER ANY STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR?

OUR PRESIDENT HEEHAWS IT UP WITH PRIME MINISTERS OF
UK AND DENMARK AT MANDELA MEMORIAL SERVICE

Many of those who comment on what passes as "culture" in 21st century America perceive a land where there are no longer any standards to break.  In other words, virtually all of what were earlier thought to be society's standards have been violated; therefore, a culture without standards has become the new paradigm. And it has all become so monotonous and uninteresting.

WHAT'S THE BIG DIFFERENCE, PRAY TELL?

Jonah Goldberg, writing in National Review, suggests that the common culture in America, has no decency left to its name. And, in fact, if one wanted to truly be "counter-culture,"  in 21st century America it would mean adhering to the standards of conduct that applied perhaps 4 or 5 decades ago.

Looking for shock-value and hoping to gain name and fame, the Miley Cyruses of the world have virtually no new ground to break and nowhere to go, as Madonna, Janet, Gaga and the other grande-dames of vulgarity have already been there and done that.

Even what used to be sacrosanct is now subject to the tasteless and the shabby.  It is not unusual to view individuals entering church who appear as if they are dressing for an evening in a disco.  And, rather than flying the Christian flag, some parishes are now running up banners having to do with what are euphemistically called "civil rights," but more properly relate to matters of sexual preference.

If popular culture consists of all the ideas, images and attitudes that permeate society at any given time, then, dear readers, we are in a great deal of trouble.  One need only browse through the offerings of various cable channel providers to be convinced that the overwhelming mass of programming is of a tasteless and offensive manner.  

Formerly, dignity was to be expected of those who occupy the highest offices in the land; however, that would no longer seem to be the case.  Now, it is all about "me," and to be seen and to make an impression.  The flippancy of Hollywood has now invaded the corridors of power, and gravitas would appear to have gone with the wind.  And, with our current president's proclivity to pass as much time as possible with the denizens of tinsel-town, the dissolute celebrity life-style receives further endorsement to be aped by the millions who are captivated by popular culture.

OBAMA CUTS UP WITH DANISH BLONDE P.M. AT
MANDELA MEMORIAL, WHILE 1ST LADY LOOKS ON

That President Obama is a through and through narcissist is undeniable.  Nevertheless, it is to be hoped that the man could curtail himself on occasions of state.  Recently, at a memorial service honoring the late Nelson Mandela of South Africa, our president was caught taking a "selfie" photograph of himself, along with the prime ministers of Denmark and the U.K.  Prime Ministers Thorning-Schmidt and Cameron, along with President Obama, look like three buffoons out on a lark, not like representatives of three countries at the   funeral of an eminent personage.

From an historical perspective, the persona of Barack Hussein Obama may be seen as a metaphor for 21st century America.  In the guise of a public figure who is supposedly focused on the eradication of the evils of poverty and inequality, our president, in fact, is a creature of his age, self-centered, other-directed and totally fascinated with himself.  So fascinated, actually, that the resulting defect of character has led from one policy disaster to another  in his administration and has brought on a diminution of power and prestige of the greatest country in the world.  If one is so engrossed in oneself, how can proper attention be rendered to affairs of state?

Would that my fellow Americans will eventually recognize the image of Obama as a representation of too many of us, who are self-absorbed, self-indulgent and unable to grasp how the lack of standards and decency will severely affect the fates of future generations of Americans.  At this juncture of history, perhaps we should reflect on how far we have come from the stirring words of John F. Kennedy: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country!"  If our American Republic is to survive and prosper, it is a matter of no little importance that decency and uprightness should be restored to both the social order and to the body politic.

Deo Vindice!

May God bless Texas, and may the Lone Star State remain forever red!