Not starting trouble, Just bringing up a question for debate?

Question

With each generation we become more liberal as a society and with each generation we become more decadant as a society. Is there a connection between the two?
Try not to answer just yes or no but give details in your answer.

boogity man- I'm talking about American society not ancient past!

Answer 1

It's a very good question, and it happens sometimes in civilizations, and the reasons are usually the same. When you said "boogity man- I'm talking about American society not ancient past!"

You overlooked what he was getting at. If we don't know our history, we are doomed to repeat it.

Here is the quickest source I could find for you to read,

"Roman decadence defines the gradual and moral decline in the ancient Roman republican values of family, farming, virtus, and dignitas.

Some contemporary critics of Roman decadence, such as Cato the Younger, attributed its rise to the influence of the Hellenistic philosophy epicurianism, while modern historians such as Edward Gibbon and Cyril Robinson also attribute increasing Roman affluence and the pacifying luxury it afforded."

* The increasing popularity of orgies: in the Roman world, the term orgy did not necessarily contain its modern sexual connotation. It referred to a party of unrestrained indulgence during which guests consumed copious quantities of food and drink to such excesses that they often relieved themselves by vomiting.

* The increasing extravagance of popular entertainment: exemplified by the inauguration of the Colosseum under the emperor Titus. Dio Cassius said that 9,000 wild animals were killed in the one hundred days of celebration which inaugurated the amphitheatre opening.

Decadence of the emperors (read rest at link if interested)

Good question btw!

Answer 2

Well we are under a Republican administration for the last two terms now. Perhaps the failures of the Republicans tend to push more people to the left, As far as becoming more decadent, the poor economy suffered by the lower classes and minorities create a trend where people dont have time to parent as well, the hip hop culture has definitely spread some of its less ideal ideas out into society, therfore children are more sexually irresponsible etc.. I dont think Liberal politicians really have anything to do with the cavalier attitude of society as a whole at all, and all the conservatives in the world being elected would most likely have no affect on this climate as well. Them making stricter legislations of morality will just create more outlaws since behavior wont change based on their laws. More people are realizing religion is false or seeing contradictions in religion and becoming disillusioned. No there is no connection between the two. Just worse parenting and hypocrisy from religious conservatives pushing children towards the lowest common denominator.

Answer 3

i think decadance in any society is more a question of a societies affluence. the more affluent a society is the more time and money is available for exploring "things".

another factor is education. the more educated a society is, the less they are apt to be grounded in spirituality. and of course spitirituality is where a lot of people get their moral compass.

please don't mis-understand me. i'm all about affluence and education, both are just great! but i believe these factors contribute more on a society level than politics.

BUT finally, there are freedoms a society gives it's people. not that long ago in texas, certain homosexual acts were illegal, (and that may still be the case but i don't think they arrest gays for f)(*&*^ anymore.). so when a society allows things like porn and other stuff, it allows decadence to grow exponentially. however, what is the trade off? doing away with freedom of speech? i hope not......

Answer 4

There may a connection depending on how you define "decadent".

Liberal philosophy -- at its core -- demands freedom of individual choice and freedom for personal behavior, even if those freedoms allow actions that many other people don't like.

Decadence, by definition, means "state of being degenerate in moral qualities" -- so, it seems that decadence is purely defined in terms of whether the activities are "moral" or not.

That's the problem -- morality is relative. Morality depends on the religion or culture that defines the moral code. So, if people are doing something that a particular culture or religion defines as immoral, then they are decadent -- EVEN IF their actions are moral (or mandatory) under their own moral code.

If you assume that one particular religion gets to set the moral standards for everyone, then you might be right -- we might be becoming more decadent RELATIVE to that one particular religion.

So, that's your answer -- as we allow more and more people to pursue their own religious and cultural practices, as we allow more and more people the freedom to live their lives -- of course we would be running into more and more conflict with the views of any one particular religion.

Such is the nature of freedom.

Answer 5

With each generation we become more educated – at least until recently.

Conservatism is institutionalized, largely by organized religion which is, essentially, a well organized brain-washing social institution.

Liberalism has no such structure and it is largely left to the brightest individuals of each generation to renew the fight for personal liberty and freedom. Liberalism does have the US Constitution on its side; however the Constitution has been under constant attack by conservatives for over 200 years.

Answer 6

It seems there's more concern for the criminals then victims today.

I also think rap music brought in a thug mentality (to black and white kids). Not to mention,the music itself blows.

Answer 7

(Sarcasm) Yeah its so horrible that the equal rights movement and womens sufferage have came about in our country. If only the conservative mindset of 200 years ago were still around we wouldn't have had our culture destroyed by such revelations.

Answer 8

Well, a liberal government in my opinion creates a larger government, and more entitlement programs. Entitlement mentality creates less personal responsibility.

I think there is a connection, but that is just my opinion.

Answer 9

So we're more decadant than the ancient Romans? They created sport out of capital punishment! They also had a special room for puking, just so that they could shove more food into their mouths. I think they have us beat on decadence.

Answer 10

I can't agree that we are becoming more decadent. Look at the lavish parties of the "roaring twenties."