The young worship the West

The young worship the West

From Bisnis Indonesia

We are facing many challenges in this era of globalization;
these challenges exist in economics, politics, social matters and
culture.

The young are vulnerable to the influence of alien cultures.
Children like to copy what they see as admirable; they may take
on the positive or the negative aspects of a different culture.
It depends on those responsible for their upbringing.

I have noticed that our youngsters are infatuated with the
West, in their ethics, food, clothing, lifestyle, relationships,
independence, and drugs. Ecstasy is only one of the more
immediate problems in this country.

There are several factors causing these social problems.

* The rapid flow of information and culture from the West.

* The declining intensity of religious education, ethics and
morals, and insufficient parental authority.

* The growing trend towards hedonism and consumerism, and a
strong desire for material things. Status seems to depend on how
rich a person is.

* The law is weak and the way we deal with criminals is
inadequate.

We should be astute and intelligent around foreign cultures,
which are impossible to resist in this era of globalization.

Parents should revive their influence, and education to
critical, creative, alternative and innovative thought should be
initiated.

Thus the nation would be strengthened. It is said that the
young are the future of the nation. Determined and sturdy they
will write the nation's history.

DESI IRANI

Ciledug, West Java