I was surfing the Internet just now, looking for some good news to share as we begin a new year. There are several sites that specialize in this type of news – at least, they specialize in what they choose to call good news. Today was different, though. Today, it seemed as though the good news was not all that good.
When I saw a headline suggesting that Atlantic City might be changing its spots to attract a younger crowd of people, I thought that would be very good news. If this meant the city was turning aside from gambling, it might be a glimmer of light in their dark world. I selected the article and begin reading.
No glimmer. Not even a small spark. Atlantic City was not choosing to attract younger people by diminishing the number of places one could gamble. Rather, they have added a casino that is saucier. They have added trendier bars and clubs and a more modern music scene. In other words, Atlantic City has set a trap for younger people. Instead of portraying gambling as a vice reserved for senior citizens trying to live on Social Security checks, they have spread a net for the feet of young working people, young married people, and those responsible for families.
Atlantic City has decided to train as many young people as possible to embrace irresponsibility, and make it a way of life. Like Las Vegas, it has decided that immorality is a big money-maker, and it plans to make as much as it can by introducing immorality to increasing numbers of people in their 20’s and 30’s.
Character counts in entertainment choices, though. Opportunity to relax should never be regarded as a reason to bomb the foundations of character. Financial responsibility should never give way to financial irresponsibility, which is the basis of gambling.
Young people need to learn, at least in their teens, the lessons of responsibility taught subtly, but definitely in the teen novel, Date with Responsibility, (Character-in-Action® Series, Vol. 2). They need to prepare for adulthood by building this trait as strongly and solidly as possible before they leave the oversight of their parents. They need to learn exactly how to exercise responsibility in their choice of what entertainment is good and what is not good. They need to learn that part of that decision rests in financial responsibility. It is never responsible to bet one’s money on making more money.
Young people need, too, a solid block of another trait. They need to have the courage of their convictions, as the hero learns in Passport to Courage, (Character-in-Action® Series, Vol. 1). When they are seeking entertainment with their friends, they need to be able to stand strongly and firmly for what they know to be right. They need to have steel thinking to stand against group pressure, to resist peer pressure. When the group wants to participate in poker – which is rapidly imprisoning many young people in our nation – teens need to have the courage of their convictions to stand against the plan, sacrificing their popularity, if need be, rather than sacrifice their moral convictions.
Character counts in entertainment choices, which is why it is vital that we make character education a priority in our schools and in our homes.
That’s the view from my chair. What’s your view?