Where has our discipline gone? My daughter just graduated from high school and we attended multiple functions. At each of these functions, or celebrations of achievement, it was impossible not to notice the lack of discipline displayed. After watching this behavior first hand I began to look at other facets of life and how discipline was exhibited there. There was very little.
Discipline is by definition when used as a noun: “The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.” Further explained as: “a lack of proper parental and school discipline.” The word can also be verb as shown thus: “train (someone) to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience”. The following is a further clarification: “many parents have been afraid to discipline their children.” I reluctantly admit that I live within the definitions above.
In case you haven’t noticed, I am a junkie for politics, news and talk shows, both TV and radio. I am rapidly approaching the point of turning them all off just to maintain what sanity I claim to have. It is becoming almost impossible to hear any points being made by know it all experts because of the rudeness practiced by talking over each other. They think the loudest one will win, not so. There is no decency expressed between persons with differing opinions. I think the liberals and democrats are the worst of the bunch.
This past weekend we took our daughter to her graduating class Baccalaureate services. Out of a class of 464 there was a massive turnout of 28. One would think that managing that number to march in and out in a disciplined manner would not be that difficult. That was not to be. Students had mortar boards tilted in every direction on their heads and dresses or pants of every color imaginable and were unable to walk side by side or in step. This after explicit dress codes were explained and instructions were given on how to march.
The next day we attended the graduation exercises. The morning was spent practicing on how and in what order they would enter the auditorium. Dress codes were reinforced and unity was stressed. I didn’t know so many graduates were deaf and unable to understand simple directions. As the march began with the band playing Pomp and Circumstance, students with robes flying open doing the jive dance pranced in, the show began. As the Star Spangled Banner was sung and the flag stood proudly on the stage, half the young men did not remove their caps. At least they were standing and not kneeling. Once again every color of dress that could be found could be seen through the robes and a couple of fellows had to raise their fists and turn flips as they received their diplomas. The yelling and rowdiness displayed as certain individuals received their certificates was overwhelming blocking the announcement of other individual’s names.
As the ceremony ended an announcement was made for all to remain standing until the graduates had exited the hall. Within thirty seconds pandemonium ran wild. Pushing and shoving of the adults while the grads marched out was unbelievable.
I have wandered and roamed around in this essay, and for that I apologize. The bottom line comes down to one thing. We as parents and adults are to blame. We have not instilled discipline into the lives of our offspring. We should each and every one of us be ashamed of the lack of training we have given the next generation of leaders. I know my parents would be ashamed of my not having passed down the guidelines for basic discipline. How can we expect politicians to act orderly and wisely when they display no discipline either?
Without discipline we will cease to exist a civilization. If this fall the liberal left and democrats happen to succeed in their quest for control of Congress, we are doomed. We must use discipline to our benefit to survive and excel.
You may think I’m wrong, but I’m still right and I will try to use discipline when arguing in the future.
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