Deseret News | What is wrong with society?

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What is wrong with society?

Readers sound off on intolerance, families and more

By Jeanne Phillips

Published: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 12:26 a.m. MST

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Dear Abby: Technology has outstripped our growth as human beings. People's basic nature hasn't changed much in the last few thousand years — what we want, need, fear and hate are pretty much the same as they have always been. But in the last 100 years or so, we have gained global abilities. We've created the technology to destroy our planet but have not developed the corresponding maturity — either as individuals or societies — to handle the abilities we've developed.

—Naomi in Bergenfield, N.J.

Dear Abby: It's the personal isolation of people today. Business people will not answer their telephones and speak directly with customers. Individuals won't answer their phones at home, but do respond to e-mail and text messages. A generation has been schooled to keep a cell phone glued to their ears at all times instead of communicating face-to-face.

If Darwin was right, future generations will no longer require a tongue because we will no longer converse. Instead, we'll grow extra fingers with which to type and text.

—Ron C., Soulsbyville, Calif.

Dear Abby: The answer to your question is fairly simple. There's no respect, no discipline, no courtesy and no consideration for others. Is my opinion politically correct? No. Am I right on the money? Yes! Thank you, Dr. Spock. (PC is not my strong suit.)

—Gary in Rockwall, Texas

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Dear Abby: You won't print this, but in my opinion organized religion has a lot to do with why the world is so badly messed up.

Although most religions espouse values of kindness, generosity and good works, in practical application, it seems that religion is used more often to divide "them" from "us," and to give people yet another way to discriminate against one another. It isn't limited to wars between different religions; one need only look back a few years to see different sects of Christians killing and terrorizing each other in Northern Ireland. And look at the state of religious warfare today. Muslims are murdering and terrorizing other Muslims in Iraq just for belonging to a different sect of Islam.

If people were more concerned with doing the right things in THIS world, rather than preoccupying themselves with what is going to happen in the NEXT one, our world would be a better place.

—Kim in Columbus, Ohio

Dear Kim: Your letter has merit, and that's why I printed it.

Dear Abby: I have been in this world a little more than 14 years, and to me, the main problem in our world today is lack of forgiveness. We hold onto our anger and hate, thinking it makes us who we are, but really it destroys us.

Abby, I am not naive. I know not all people are good, but I believe people's actions depend on their circumstances and past, and we cannot judge them solely on what they do. If we could forgive people's bad decisions and move on, the world would be a better place.

—Katie in Jamesville, N.Y.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. © Universal Press Syndicate