Our current landscape of celebrities and popular culture is a glaring representation of this shift. Our movies, TV shows, and books glorify protagonists whose character flaws are not only prominent but are key to their popularity. Their flaws are their badge of identity and, paradoxically, the source of their ultimate success. Characters who bend the rules, flout conventions, and challenge societal norms are portrayed as heroes. Consciously or not, I suspect that the popularity and acceptance of these reprehensible characters can and has subtly shifted the perception of what we believe is desirable in a personality, suggesting that perhaps bending the rules is more advantageous than adhering to them.
Our political arena reflects a similar trend. Politicians, including some of the highest offices in the land, have gained fame and support not by upholding traditional values of integrity and decorum, but by mocking and defying them. The political discourse is often dominated by those who can deliver the most memorable sound bites, not those who speak with wisdom and dignity. This focus on outrage and spectacle over substance and integrity is troubling, as they, our leaders and representatives, influence the values of future generations.
I can’t help but think that the rise of social media has further exacerbated this issue. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram reward short, catchy content that garners immediate attention. The ability to craft a viral 30-second video often overshadows the ability to engage in meaningful, thoughtful dialogue. This has created an environment where celebrity, wealth, and outrageousness are valued more than integrity. It is a world where a social media influencer can command more attention and respect than a seasoned journalist or a respected thought leader.
In this current climate, one might wonder if figures like Walter Cronkite, known for their unwavering integrity and commitment to truth, would find it challenging to compete for public approval against personalities like Kim Kardashian, whose fame is built on a different set of values. And I can’t help but asking: have we, as a society, lost our appreciation for integrity as a core value?
I recognize that it is a rapidly changing world. But in the face of all of the change, what do we want to remain true, of our society, of our beliefs, and of the qualities that make a society successful and productive? It's important to reflect on what we truly value as immutable truths. Integrity, once a cornerstone of personal and professional respect, seems to be losing its luster in favor of more superficial traits. Yet, the importance of integrity cannot be overstated. It fosters trust, builds strong relationships, and creates a foundation for genuine success.
So, does integrity matter anymore? If we look closely, we might find that the answer lies not just in what society celebrates, but in what we, as individuals, choose to uphold – what we expect from our social institutions, our government and representatives, and, at a fundamental level, what kind of society we want to live in. As we witness the rise of celebrity culture and the decline of traditional values, we must ask ourselves: Do we still find integrity to be a critical character trait, or are we content to let it fade into the background? The answer to this question will shape the future of our society and the legacy we leave for the generations to come.
