The Death of Decency in America

Let me begin this article with a story that inspired me. It was a story about a man who lived in a small town and noticed that his neighbors were struggling to make ends meet. So he started a community garden where people could grow their own vegetables and share the produce with each other. Soon, the whole town joined in and it became a thriving community of support and kindness. This man’s simple act of decency and compassion brought people together and created positive change.

The Death of Decency

Unfortunately, stories like this are becoming rarer in America today. The death of Bobby Kennedy, a man who embodied the values of decency and kindness, marked a turning point in our society. We’ve since lost our sense of manners, formality, and poetry. The American dream, once an achievable goal for many, has become increasingly exclusive.

It’s not hard to see the evidence of this decline. We’ve become a country of divisiveness, where political discourse is characterized by insults and name-calling instead of reasoned debate. We’ve abandoned the art of civil conversation in favor of shouting matches and sound bites. We’ve lost our respect for diversity and inclusivity and have alienated entire communities in the process.

Emilio Estevez and the Power of Storytelling

One person who understands the importance of decency is Emilio Estevez. Estevez, an actor, director, and writer, believes in using the power of storytelling to bring people together. His films, like The Way and Bobby, depict the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people who demonstrate exceptional kindness and compassion. Estevez believes that these stories have the power to change hearts and minds, and to inspire people to make a difference in their own communities.

Estevez’s work is a testimony to the power of simple decency. By focusing on the everyday acts of kindness and compassion, he reminds us of the importance of treating others with respect and empathy. His films remind us that we all have the power to make a positive impact on the world, no matter how small or insignificant our actions may seem.

Examples of Decency in Action

Despite the challenges we face as a society, there are still many examples of decency and kindness in action. Just like the man in the inspiring story at the beginning of this article, there are individuals and communities who are actively working to make the world a better place. Whether it’s volunteering at a local food bank, mentoring a young person, or simply holding the door open for someone, these small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the world around us.

• The #KindnessChallenge, a social media movement that encourages people to perform random acts of kindness each day
• The #MeToo movement, which has brought attention to the prevalent issue of sexual harassment and assault
• The work of organizations like Habitat for Humanity, which provide affordable housing for people in need

“I believe the death of Bobby Kennedy was in many ways the death of decency in America. I think it was the death of manners and formality, the death of poetry and the death of a dream.” – Chris Matthews

Three Ways to Bring Back Decency

It’s not too late to restore decency in our society. Here are three practical ways we can bring back kindness, manners, and inclusivity to our communities:

1. Listen more and talk less. In order to have civil discourse, we first need to listen to each other and try to understand each other’s perspectives.
2. Practice empathy. Put yourself in other people’s shoes and try to understand their experiences and struggles. This can help build bridges and create a more compassionate society.
3. Take action. Don’t wait for someone else to make a difference – start small and do what you can to make the world a better, kinder place. Every action counts.

Conclusion

We live in a society that desperately needs more decency and compassion. By following the examples of Emilio Estevez and many others who have committed themselves to promoting kindness and understanding, we can help bring about a more inclusive, equitable, and empathetic world.

Hashtags: #DecencyMatters #KindnessWins #InclusivityNow

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Article Category: Social Issues