In an excerpt from a chapter titled “Everybody does it” in David Callahan’s book “The Cheating Culture,” several reasons are given for the increase of cheating in today’s society. One of the reasons given is income gaps have increased greatly over the past twenty-five years. The old saying of The Rich Get Richer applies here.
In the article, Callahan states, “the top one percent of households has more wealth than the entire bottom ninety percent combined.” (Callahan 20). This has put a large gap between the upper and middle class, and continues to widen each year. Income, for the middle class, has not kept up with the upper class, or the inflation rate. Many middle class American families struggler, financially, in today’s society.
My mother and father raised a family of four children, on a Meat cutter’s (butcher’s) salary. This was in the nineteen sixties and seventies. Back then, a new three bedroom house cost fifteen thousand dollars, a new car under three thousand, and gas went for twenty-seven cents a gallon. That family was considered middle class, and had a comfortable life. Knowing, what the cost of living is today, and what the average meat cutter’s salary would be, it is easy to see, that my family of the Sixties, would not have a chance today. You would not be able to raise a family on a meat cutters wages, in today’s world, and be considered middle class.
Financial pressures, I believe, have forced many Americans to get an edge financially. In many instances, this edge comes in a less than ethical way.
Notes
Callahan, David. “The Cheating Culture.” NextText. Eds. Anne Kress and Suellyn
Winkle. Boston: Bedford/St. martin’s, 2008. 19-24.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Family Ties
Could any man resist the temptation of evil if he knew his acts could not be witnessed? This is a question posed in an excerpt from an article entitled, “What the Bagelman Saw,” by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. I would like to simplify this question by asking; if you knew you would not get caught, would you cheat? I believe more people would answer yes to this question in the twenty first century, than would have in the nineteen sixties. The decline of the family is one of the reasons for this difference.
I was a kid in the sixties. Life was much slower then, and families were able to spend much more time together than today. They had time sit down and eat dinner together. I’ve heard this called the family table. In those days, most moms did not work outside the home, allowing them time o prepare the evening meal. I remember this being a time of sharing with one another. Family matters were discussed, and family values were taught. A sense of right and wrong was instilled in me during those family times, and the important thing to remember is that this happened almost everyday.
I think things are much different in today’s society. Families are so much busier today. Kids are involved in many more activities. Most households have both parents working fulltime, and as a result, the family unit has been weakened. Families don’t have the time to sit down and have a meal together on a regular basis. I believe, for the most part, the family table is a thing of the past. That time of sharing, and parental guidance happens all to infrequently. Families are unable to spend enough time discussing right from wrong, and without spending time together as a family unit, how can values be instilled in our children.
Let’s get back to the question. Would you?
I was a kid in the sixties. Life was much slower then, and families were able to spend much more time together than today. They had time sit down and eat dinner together. I’ve heard this called the family table. In those days, most moms did not work outside the home, allowing them time o prepare the evening meal. I remember this being a time of sharing with one another. Family matters were discussed, and family values were taught. A sense of right and wrong was instilled in me during those family times, and the important thing to remember is that this happened almost everyday.
I think things are much different in today’s society. Families are so much busier today. Kids are involved in many more activities. Most households have both parents working fulltime, and as a result, the family unit has been weakened. Families don’t have the time to sit down and have a meal together on a regular basis. I believe, for the most part, the family table is a thing of the past. That time of sharing, and parental guidance happens all to infrequently. Families are unable to spend enough time discussing right from wrong, and without spending time together as a family unit, how can values be instilled in our children.
Let’s get back to the question. Would you?
Monday, December 10, 2007
NON-TRADITIONAL
NON-TRADITIONAL
With the completion of this final piece, I will satisfy all the requirements of an English composition class I have been taking this term. It’s been an interesting class, and I’ve learned quite a bit about the writing process. Some of the assignments have challenged me, and caused me to look outside the box.
The instructor made the classes interesting and worth showing up for. Although, the class was worthwhile, and will go a long way towards helping me in future writing endeavors, the most enjoyable part of the class was the make up of the class itself. Being an entry-level composition class, all of the students, except for one, were eighteen or nineteen year old freshman. If you have not figured it by now, I am the one. I am what is called a non-traditional student. What I am is a fifty-year-old LPN, who is taking classes toward a registered nursing degree. I usually take night classes, where the age of the students is more diverse, but because of some conflicts, I was forced to take some day classes.
It felt a little strange at first, but after a couple of days, I was just one of the class. As the term went on, I got to know a couple of the students, and enjoyed talking to them
.
Next term will be more of the same. Another English composition course is on the horizon, and I predict that I will again be the elder statesman on the group.
With the completion of this final piece, I will satisfy all the requirements of an English composition class I have been taking this term. It’s been an interesting class, and I’ve learned quite a bit about the writing process. Some of the assignments have challenged me, and caused me to look outside the box.
The instructor made the classes interesting and worth showing up for. Although, the class was worthwhile, and will go a long way towards helping me in future writing endeavors, the most enjoyable part of the class was the make up of the class itself. Being an entry-level composition class, all of the students, except for one, were eighteen or nineteen year old freshman. If you have not figured it by now, I am the one. I am what is called a non-traditional student. What I am is a fifty-year-old LPN, who is taking classes toward a registered nursing degree. I usually take night classes, where the age of the students is more diverse, but because of some conflicts, I was forced to take some day classes.
It felt a little strange at first, but after a couple of days, I was just one of the class. As the term went on, I got to know a couple of the students, and enjoyed talking to them
.
Next term will be more of the same. Another English composition course is on the horizon, and I predict that I will again be the elder statesman on the group.
JUST PLAY THE GAME
JUST PLAY THE GAME
I’m a football fan. I’ve enjoyed watch professional football since I was a kid. To me, there is nothing I’d rather do on a Sunday afternoon in the fall, than to sit down and watch a game. Football has change over the years. Today’s game is so much faster and more explosive than it used to be. Although I love to watch the games, there is something about present day football that I could do without. The showboating has gotten out of control. It used to be that when a player scored a touchdown, he would get some congratulations from his teammates, give the ball to the referee, and head off to the sidelines. There are players presently who still handle a touchdown that way, but too many players today act like they’ve just saved the world when they score a touchdown. Elaborate dances are performed, the opposing team is mocked and in general, unsportsmanlike behavior is displayed.
I heard a quote from Joe Paterno, the football coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, who said to his players “Act like you’ve been there before.” It’s a touchdown. Touchdowns are part of the game. It’s the player’s job to score touchdowns. Sometimes the game seems more like a circus than a football game.
Touchdowns are not the only times when these excessive celebrations are performed. I’ve seen players make good tackles, or sack the quarterback, and then carry on like they’ve just won the super bowl. A team can get penalized for excessive celebration, but the call is rarely made. The game would be better off if the players would just play the game, instead of turning football into a circus.
I’m a football fan. I’ve enjoyed watch professional football since I was a kid. To me, there is nothing I’d rather do on a Sunday afternoon in the fall, than to sit down and watch a game. Football has change over the years. Today’s game is so much faster and more explosive than it used to be. Although I love to watch the games, there is something about present day football that I could do without. The showboating has gotten out of control. It used to be that when a player scored a touchdown, he would get some congratulations from his teammates, give the ball to the referee, and head off to the sidelines. There are players presently who still handle a touchdown that way, but too many players today act like they’ve just saved the world when they score a touchdown. Elaborate dances are performed, the opposing team is mocked and in general, unsportsmanlike behavior is displayed.
I heard a quote from Joe Paterno, the football coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, who said to his players “Act like you’ve been there before.” It’s a touchdown. Touchdowns are part of the game. It’s the player’s job to score touchdowns. Sometimes the game seems more like a circus than a football game.
Touchdowns are not the only times when these excessive celebrations are performed. I’ve seen players make good tackles, or sack the quarterback, and then carry on like they’ve just won the super bowl. A team can get penalized for excessive celebration, but the call is rarely made. The game would be better off if the players would just play the game, instead of turning football into a circus.
Socializing from your room
Socializing From Your Room
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article titled “Where’s The Spirit.” I’d like to follow that up with where I think some of the spirit has gone. Back when I was a teenager, the way to socialize with friends and classmates was to physically be with them. We did have a telephone, but you could not spend a great amount of time on it. First, it was corded, so you could not take the phone to a private place to talk. Secondly, there were five other people in my household. Five people and one phone meant short conversions. School social and sporting events was when you got together with your friends. Outside of actually being in school, that was best opportunity for communication.
Things are a bit different today. Cell phones, text messaging and not to mention instant messaging, are the teenagers methods of communication and socializing. Don’t get me wrong, kids today still get out and hangout, but it is not as much of a need as it used to be. With cell phone in hand, a teen can talk to a friend anywhere and at any time. Text messaging allows unheard conversations to go on. This allows the user to communicate in private even when they are with their parents. Instant messaging, on the computer, allows for multiple conversations among these electronic age kids.
All a teen needs is a cell phone and a computer, and they can do the bulk of their socializing electronically, from their bedroom.
The electronically plugged in teenager doesn’t have to be at the game to be with friends. This can be accomplished from the comfort of their bedroom.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article titled “Where’s The Spirit.” I’d like to follow that up with where I think some of the spirit has gone. Back when I was a teenager, the way to socialize with friends and classmates was to physically be with them. We did have a telephone, but you could not spend a great amount of time on it. First, it was corded, so you could not take the phone to a private place to talk. Secondly, there were five other people in my household. Five people and one phone meant short conversions. School social and sporting events was when you got together with your friends. Outside of actually being in school, that was best opportunity for communication.
Things are a bit different today. Cell phones, text messaging and not to mention instant messaging, are the teenagers methods of communication and socializing. Don’t get me wrong, kids today still get out and hangout, but it is not as much of a need as it used to be. With cell phone in hand, a teen can talk to a friend anywhere and at any time. Text messaging allows unheard conversations to go on. This allows the user to communicate in private even when they are with their parents. Instant messaging, on the computer, allows for multiple conversations among these electronic age kids.
All a teen needs is a cell phone and a computer, and they can do the bulk of their socializing electronically, from their bedroom.
The electronically plugged in teenager doesn’t have to be at the game to be with friends. This can be accomplished from the comfort of their bedroom.
CHRISTmas
CHRISTmas
It is the Christmas season. Everyday, I notice another house has been decorated in the spirit of the season. Every day there is talk of Christmas shopping, decorating and Christmas parties. Christmas music is playing everywhere you go. At church, we have been lighting the advent candle each Sunday in preparation of Christmas day. Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ. With all the commercialism that goes on around Christmas it is sometimes hard to keep in mind the true meaning of this time of year. Jesus is the reason for the season. This is why amongst all the gift giving, and the decorating, I try to keep the Christ in Christmas.
One of my least favorite expressions heard at the Christmas is “Merry X-mas. What does this mean? It’s hard enough to keep Christ in Christmas as it is, without eliminating Christ from the title all together.
Another phrase I have a problem with is “Happy Holidays.” When ever I am greeted with this expression, I always answer with “and Merry Christmas to you.”
This year, while you are celebrating the Christmas season, remember to keep Christ in Christmas. Keep in mind that Jesus is the reason for the Season.
It is the Christmas season. Everyday, I notice another house has been decorated in the spirit of the season. Every day there is talk of Christmas shopping, decorating and Christmas parties. Christmas music is playing everywhere you go. At church, we have been lighting the advent candle each Sunday in preparation of Christmas day. Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ. With all the commercialism that goes on around Christmas it is sometimes hard to keep in mind the true meaning of this time of year. Jesus is the reason for the season. This is why amongst all the gift giving, and the decorating, I try to keep the Christ in Christmas.
One of my least favorite expressions heard at the Christmas is “Merry X-mas. What does this mean? It’s hard enough to keep Christ in Christmas as it is, without eliminating Christ from the title all together.
Another phrase I have a problem with is “Happy Holidays.” When ever I am greeted with this expression, I always answer with “and Merry Christmas to you.”
This year, while you are celebrating the Christmas season, remember to keep Christ in Christmas. Keep in mind that Jesus is the reason for the Season.
CHOICES
CHOICES
I find it quite ironic that the all time hits, and all time home run leaders in Major League Baseball history, will never be inducted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame. Pete Rose holds the record for most hits in a major league career. Pete was banned from baseball, making it impossible to get into the hall of fame, after it was found he had a gambling problem, and bet on games that he played in. This year, Barry Bonds surpassed Hank Aaron as the all time home run leader in major league baseball. Barry has admitted to using steroids, and was indicted, this past Friday for lying in federal court about his steroid use. Barry, like Pete, will not be voted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame.
Choices! I have always told my kids that it is the choices we make in life that define us. Not always, but a good bit of the time, when they are going out, they are reminded to make good choices.
Pete Rose made a choice to place bets on baseball games that he played in or coached. This is direct violation of Major League Baseball policy. This choice cost him the opportunity to be enshrined in Cooperstown.
Barry Bonds made a choice to enhance his athletic ability by taking steroids, which is also in direct violation of major league Baseball policy. This choice will eventually cost him the opportunity to become immortal in Cooperstown.
For most of us, the choices that we make on a daily basis, will not decide our fate as hall of fame inductees, but our choices will mold us into the type of person we become.
I find it quite ironic that the all time hits, and all time home run leaders in Major League Baseball history, will never be inducted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame. Pete Rose holds the record for most hits in a major league career. Pete was banned from baseball, making it impossible to get into the hall of fame, after it was found he had a gambling problem, and bet on games that he played in. This year, Barry Bonds surpassed Hank Aaron as the all time home run leader in major league baseball. Barry has admitted to using steroids, and was indicted, this past Friday for lying in federal court about his steroid use. Barry, like Pete, will not be voted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame.
Choices! I have always told my kids that it is the choices we make in life that define us. Not always, but a good bit of the time, when they are going out, they are reminded to make good choices.
Pete Rose made a choice to place bets on baseball games that he played in or coached. This is direct violation of Major League Baseball policy. This choice cost him the opportunity to be enshrined in Cooperstown.
Barry Bonds made a choice to enhance his athletic ability by taking steroids, which is also in direct violation of major league Baseball policy. This choice will eventually cost him the opportunity to become immortal in Cooperstown.
For most of us, the choices that we make on a daily basis, will not decide our fate as hall of fame inductees, but our choices will mold us into the type of person we become.
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