Adapting to positive changes for a better life

WE live in a world that keeps changing at a rapid pace. Looking at our television screens at the hourly news and events telecast, is a reminder of the dynamics of this change. What is sensational in terms of its occurrence and impact on a given day is soon to be forgotten, often replaced by an event(s), of an equal intensity, or higher.

In this defined communication pace-driven world, are announcements on new developments surrounding the frequent introduction of innovative technology, that have brought about groundbreaking changes that make obsolete the ways of yesteryear. This is reflected, for example, in the pervasiveness of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), with its revolutionary communicative components of the social media that have reduced the perceived large globe to the size of a global village.

Because of this medium, information of whatever import, is instant. The growing impact of ICT on globalisation can be evidenced by the fact that it has led to a rapid application of recent scientific advances in new products and processes, a high rate of innovation across various countries, as well as a shift to more knowledge-intensive industries and services, together with rising skill requirements.

Even traditional conclusions and beliefs, derived from early scholastic works on issues such as health and medicine, religion, humans, and about the world in which we live, have been modified or overthrown, because of new discoveries and reconstructed theories. This is extended to include fashion of every kind that continues to evolve, in both design and wear, and related accessories.

In this day and age, there is a growing realisation that science, technology and innovation have served as keys to improving a nation’s economic performance, as well as its citizens’ social well-being

Another example of change, and its impact on society, has been the new genres of music, inclusive of lyrics, which interpretation and meaning, supported by explicit videos, have influenced the moral behavioural interpretation about women, their persons and roles, sexual deviancy, and the laws of society. Added to this visual will be the video games that are just as revealing for what they entail.

It is inevitable that these changes, gradually diffused from wherever their origin, will certainly impact daily lives, influencing behaviour patterns and habits, in bringing changes to societies and often posing challenges to the moral status quo.
These are the challenges of the modern world in which parenting is constantly being put to the test in raising their young in an environment that is vastly different to that of their parents’ upbringing. In fact, it is instructive to note that there is not much of a difference in the growth and development experience of today’s parents and children, as the former now frequently commences in the early teen years.

While we accept that many of the modern changes are to the benefit of mankind, they have also been consequential in exacting negative influences throughout societies.
And since no country is ever immune from these influencing factors of social change, it is no surprise that there have been marked changes even in our own society, which involve the younger segment, and also adults, who should be giving guidance, but have instead become lost along this racy highway of change.

It is not uncommon for caps, particularly, and hats not to be removed by their male wearers on entering a building, even in schools; or removed when being a pall-bearer. Offering an apology for coming into body contact, whether along the roadway, or aboard public transportation has become a courtesy of the past. In return from the errant party, is mostly an acknowledging stare, or verbal abuse against a justifiable protest.
Giving the salutation of good day is often met with stares. Probably victim to the now constant travel to other societies where such courtesies are not extended.

Using profanities and other perverse language by adults, inclusive of parents, as verbal reprimand in many instances, has become the norm in some households; and even in conversations that may include children. Added to this, is also the growing habit of allowing children to consume alcoholic beverages.
There is the argument that because of modernisation and a changing world, such should herald the need for adaptation. The latter should only embrace the former where it adds to, and enhances, those positive mores and values that are absolutes for a better human, and in the process make for a stronger moral society.

For any other reason can only result in constant social decay, implicit of a human that adds no value to self, or to society.
There will always be changes as long as there is life; but we must all be careful in understanding what they mean — first, for the wider world, and second, for us as individuals, especially where there are young children to guide and mould.

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