The decline in society’s morals has been on the rise for some time now. It seems to be hitting a fever high in that the high temperature of a fever can kill, so can the decline of morals.

Thinking back to where I learned morals, I found that although I did learn some from my parents, most were learned in school. In the education setting of elementary school, I learned the “Golden Rule”, I learned about discrimination, I learned about different religions, I learned about acceptance.

I grew up in a predominately Hispanic community with Caucasians, Blacks and a few Asians thrown into the mix. The religion most popular was Catholic. I did not attend church, as my parents did not believe in the hypocrisies of those who did attend. I did, however, talk to my friends about church and what their religions were about. At one time, I wanted to go to Catechism just so I could learn, but my parents forbade that. I was told I was Protestant and not Catholic and could not go. I found this a strange reason of refusal because I didn’t even know what Protestant was, but they were my parents and I had to obey. After many requests and denials to attend Catholic functions with my friends, I was informed that a Protestant was a Christian religion, not Catholic. So, that was that.

I did attend a few Baptist Christian services, but the “teachings” were spoken in such a way that my child mind could not understand. So, my religious education came from asking friends about their religions.

I remember in the third grade there was one student who did not recite the Pledge of Allegiance nor put his hand over his heart. Our teacher must have been asked about it several times because eventually, she taught us that some religions do not “allow” a person to pledge allegiance to anything other than God. And guess what, nobody threw stones at him, nobody hated him, and nobody attacked him for his beliefs. I remember asking him what religion he was though. He was a Jehovah Witness. I also learned that Mormons did not drink hot drinks or alcohol from another friend.

In kindergarten, there was a poster on the wall, “The Golden Rule”, “Treat others as you would want to be treated”. I remember asking my teacher what that meant. She willingly and easily explained it to me. It wasn’t explained in a religious manner, it was explained in a “right way to act” manner.

Sometime during the seven years of elementary school, I also learned the word "morals" and was taught that they were also known as the Ten Commandments in religion. I also larned that in society you did not have to be religious to understand the meaning of the Ten Commandments, because they were rules to help guide you in life from deciding right from wrong.

I learned about prejudices from my father and yes, even hate. I hated his attitude about people’s skin color determining the person’s character. This was a constant battle between us as I grew up and still is to this day.

I also experienced discrimination at the ripe young age of 11. Being in a Hispanic community with very white, blonde hair, light complexion and obviously not of Hispanic decent, I was ostracized from a group of friends by a “newcomer”. These friends and I had grown up together since kindergarten. We would play at each other’s homes. Then along came the “new girl”. Although we were also friends and she was welcomed into our group, she decided she was going to “protect” me and informed me that I was no longer welcomed in the group because I was white. That people were talking about beating me up because I was classified as a “wanna be”, as in; I was white but wanted to be Hispanic. I did not understand this as I grew up with my friends and the color of our skin was never discussed between us, except in the tan versus burn aspect of the sun. In fact, the previous year, I with three others, participated in the school talent show by dancing a traditional Mexican dance, dressed in traditional Mexican clothing. So, to be told I was no longer welcomed was very hurtful and confusing. Later, the new girl moved on and I was welcomed back with my friends. We did discuss the event as the hurt was deep for me and the confusion persisted. This is when I learned about peer pressure and cliques. Not to fear, apologies were made and accepted which also provided a new understanding and even created stronger bond with us. We remained friends throughout high school.

Where did you learn your morals?

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