Social Change: The Shift in the Value of “Us”
Has modern society influenced and impacted our commitment to what makes us whole? There was a time when gender roles shaped the foundation of relationships and provided a simplified blueprint for what it meant to be us.
I remember being a kid and hearing about what was expected of me when I grew up to be a man. I was to work hard, pay the bills, go to church, and watch the game. Love my wife, but make sure she knew I was the head of the house. What I said went. Love was measured differently back then, tied to actions rather than words or emotions. You showed love by keeping the fridge full and the roof over their head. Grab some roses here and there, follow the blueprint, and you’d be fine.
But times have changed. Long gone are the days when the idea of pure, unconditional love—“for better or worse, richer or poorer, till death do us part”—was enough. That love, deeply rooted in the Christian values that shaped it, now feels like a distant memory.
Why?
We live in the Information Age, a time when we know more than ever before. Our brains have become bigger than our minds. We are experts on nothing who claim to know everything. We’ve traded depth for breadth, gaining snippets of knowledge on countless topics but lacking a true understanding of ourselves and our roots.
In this era of self-proclaimed enlightenment, we often look down on previous generations. We ridicule them for keeping their vows and for being content with the simplicity of life. We question everything, and every one of us is exceptional. Everyone is a King or a Queen, and anyone who doesn’t think like us—or agree with us—is dismissed as irrelevant.
We place value on the invaluable, idolizing the superficial. We wear the names of people who wouldn’t acknowledge us if we stood in front of them, decked out in their overpriced clothing. Intrinsic value is a term we like to throw around to sound intellectual, but our actions suggest otherwise. Through our behaviors, we imply that some lives are inherently less valuable than others.
Groupthink Over Individuality
Today, groupthink dominates. It’s the only acceptable way to think. If you dare to reject the consensus of the group nearest you, you’re more likely to be shamed than understood. Social diversity has always existed—cultures influencing cultures—but now it seems that anti-culture has become the new wave. And it’s waving boldly.
Anti-culture rejects the roots that once connected us, opting instead for detachment and rebellion. But in turning away from tradition, what are we building? Are we forging a new path forward, or are we simply drifting further from the values and commitments that once grounded us?
A Deeper Look at Our Roots
I acknowledge that, despite the grandeur of the “old school” blueprint, it wasn’t perfect. Underneath the surface, there was a shadow culture—a hidden layer of issues that were ignored or swept under the rug. Many of the frustrations we have with today’s society were born from that very culture. But there’s a benefit to the light being shone on those shadows and the rug being pulled back to reveal the trash beneath.
Yes, we’ve drifted from our roots, but if we’re being honest, that drift started a long time ago. Should we go back to the ways of old and try to do things “right” this time? That depends on who you ask. As for me, I believe we need to sit with yesterday’s society, have an honest conversation about its strengths and flaws, and reflect deeply on how we can improve today’s society to make tomorrow’s even better.
Let’s Return to Genuine Connection
And no, this conversation doesn’t belong on social media. Let’s get back to house visits, genuine connections, and real conversations. Let’s return to proper value placement—respect, understanding, empathy, faith, and love for our fellow human beings.
Let’s take all the information we’ve gained and structure it for the good and betterment of us all, not just the selfish individual. If we can shift our focus from “me” back to “us,” perhaps we’ll find the balance we’ve been missing and create a society we can all take pride in.
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Letha's Real Talk 