An area where my perspective has shifted is the concept of decency. I used to think of decency as simply adhering to social norms and being polite in public settings. However, over time, I’ve come to understand that true decency goes beyond surface-level manners. It is instead about empathy, integrity, and consistently treating others with respect, regardless of the situation. This realization has made me strive to practice decency in everyday interactions, even when no one is watching, recognizing its impact on both personal relationships and the broader community.

The climate in this country now makes it very hard to balance decency with the insanity of chaos that seems to be seeping into every aspect of life. I have been attacked verbally, spat at, and called names and cursed at for reasons that defy understanding other than just being me, being responsible, doing what I felt was right for me. A MOVEON bumper sticker that was for women’s rights prompted me being spat on in the courthouse parking lot in my poor southern Georgia county. I know surreal right?

To be really honest the one issue that simply makes my head feel like it is going to implode is ignorance… I know this is tied to decency as well. I am aghast at the reality of how many people I know and grew up with, and I am even kin to that this affects. It is so sad that education, wisdom, and common sense are not a common trait in society today. I do feel that decency has declined because of this. I do not know that we are going to get past this without something horrific happening and even then, I am not sure the results will be in favor of decency… Social norms are not normal anymore.