by J D

Created on: May 29, 2009

Our Founding Fathers firmly held faith in the character of men. They believed human beings were inherently good-natured, capable of possessing strong moral values, and responsibly exercising our natural freedoms. For the past two hundred years we have upheld their belief and lived up to the goodness they viewed in men; fighting for what is right and opposing what is wrong. We have combated slavery, promoted the rights of women, and opposed suppression throughout the world. Yet can we continue to live up to our honorable reputation, sustain confidence in this free society, and resist all temptations that plague the minds of men: wealth, power, and control? Can we continue to uphold the firm moral values this country was founded upon? Unfortunately eighty-seven percent of Americans have lost faith in the moral values of this nation and our ability to uphold our integrity, honor, respect, and truth in all aspects (Elshtain 2008, 80). It seems there is a solid consensus among the American people. There has been a breakdown in the moral fabric of society. Evidence of this decline in morality can be seen in our growing infatuation with material wealth, the rise of American cheating culture, the disintegration of family, and the explosion of random acts of violence and indecency. As a result many have begun to fear the future of a democratic, self-governing society.

Evidence of America's materialistic moral decline surrounds us everyday. Just take a look around. Constantly we are being bombarded with advertisements and messages to buy the latest automobile, pair of jeans, or Ipod because we are told they will satisfy our needs, ease our discomforts, bring happiness to our lives, and achieve success. Many of us could continue to live contently without these goods, yet we give in to these messages and our greed, and decide to purchase billions of dollars worth of toys; money that could be donated to non-profit organizations or public projects to improve the state of society. It seems we are becoming less concerned with the overall state of society and are becoming more self-absorbed on decorating and entertaining ourselves: one notes first the poverty or narrowness of man's outlook, motivated as he is by a desire to possess things (Paul II 2008, 156). Some argue that we surround ourselves with objects to create an identity. They are tools that enable us to express ourselves and ideas to the rest of society, an individual freedom we are enforcing.

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