Have American morals changed for the worse

Submitted by Patrick Grote on Sun, 06/08/2008 - 3:06pm.

Before you continue reading, stop, watch this video:

What did you think? Were you shocked that people weren't running to help? No one chased the hit and run driver? No one simply comforted the victim?

When I watched the video I had first read the New York Times piece discussing the situation. It revolves around Angel Arce Torres. Ponce as he was known to friends, which he had an enormous number. Ponce was crossing the street when two cars swerved into the opposite lane and hit him. The second cause Ponce to shoot into the air like one of those plastic army men with a parachute. Ponce didn't have a parachute, he had gravity. Ponce is going to live, but he'll be paralyzed for life. Another tragic accident, but it's opened a conversation about how Americans have changed.

The conversation was laid bare by Hartford Police Chief, Daryl Roberts.

At the end of the day we've got to look at ourselves and understand that our moral values have now changed. We have no regard for each other.

Piercing, biting and sharp, his comment encapsulates what many Americans perceive as a definitive shift in the morals of Americans. We car too much for ourselves, our safety, than we do helping those in pain, hurt or trouble.

Watch the video again. Notice the number of drivers who pass by. None think to stop and offer aid. None think to block the lane so other cars cannot pass. No, they let a person lie in the street.

Watch the video again. Notice the number of pedestrians stroll by. Sure, they steal a peek of the man in the street, but none offer comfort, aid or peace.

Have American morals changed? Is this reflective of how we've evolved as a society?

According to press reports a few people did call 911. A few more even said they didn't approach Ponce because they knew you don't move an accident victim. There was talk the neighborhood is known for drug dealing. One would suppose that people didn't get involved due to violence. The neighborhood is also a haven for homeless. Maybe people didn't think a homeless person's life was that important.

Now, watch the video again. How long does it last? 1:35. From the time Ponce was hit until the police arrived is one minute. Understandably, some of the people would have been confused or afraid to do something in that 60 seconds. By the 50 second mark a group of people has formed next to Ponce. More than likely they were discussing what to do.

No, my problem isn't with the people who saw the accident or came upon a man in the street, my problem is with the drivers involved in the hit and run. Notice that neither car's brakes are engaged during the hit. They simply continue on with their lives.

Disgusting.

We see this everyday in the United States. Communities have become more insular. Communities have become more divided. Communities look not to themselves to solve their issues, but the government. This all leads to a shift in the moralistic outlook people have. Keep to yourself. Don't judge. Standards are flexible. Accountability is antiquated, which is what Ponce found out.