In previous generations adults valued and protected the young from those who would hurt or mislead them. In fact there used to be laws against pandering, the definition of which is; “To cater to the lower tastes and desires of others or exploit their weaknesses.”
In society today pandering is accepted and even encouraged as a successful business model. One of the best at this has been MTV. They certainly have catered to the lower tastes and desires and have exploited the weaknesses and inexperience of the young for profit. But they are by no means alone. From an early age our kids are targeted by businesses to exploit their desire to be accepted. For many years we have seen television programs and movies that present rebellion against parents as cool and a normal part of growing up. We see parents and older people presented as buffoons and out of touch. We see presented deviant behaviors as acceptable, good and cool.
Does that sound a lot like the behavior of another group I mentioned earlier? One of my favorite sayings is, “if you keep doing the same old things, you're going to get the same old result.”
For the most part, we as adults have done nothing. Our concern about being thought of as narrow minded and judgmental has made us ineffectual as guides. The result has been that both young and old have all been reaping the consequences. Many say the best teacher is experience when it is really just the most painful.
Yes, it is more work to have a higher standard and to enforce it in your home, but it works. Helping our young to see the benefits that a higher standard brings them and to others, works. Take a stand. Make sure that you protect your children from the panderers.