The note I wrote in my son’s 9th birthday card today says, “Character is everything,” and I listed the many traits of sound character he has of which I am proud. I’m even proud of his hijinks at school for which he gets in trouble. He immediately takes responsibility, his punishment, and does not lie, evade or implicate others.
After he left for school this morning, I turned to my coffee and local newspaper. The frontpage carried a New York Times article about how Disney is trying to discover what TV shows will appeal to boys, “a group that Disney used to own way back in the days of ‘Davy Crockett’ but that has wandered in the age of more girl-friendly Disney fare such as ‘Hannah Montana.’ “ Disney’s consultant focuses on Black Sabbath T-shirts and such as their key.
Instead, Disney should refocus on Davy Crockett. Disney, and other children’s programmers, used to present tales of heroism and character. Beaver Cleaver and his big brother were to be emulated and not the worse than Eddie Haskells that are the lead characters today on Disney and Nickolodean. Parents were guardians and guides, not dolts.
I looked back at when the change started in the late ‘60’s, the chronological root of many of today’s cultural ills. By the 1980’s, when I had risen high in corporate life, I saw the ramifications as the up-through-the-ranks World War II generation who were my mentors began to retire or be pushed aside by a new breed with big degrees but relatively little experience and even less earned character. They measured themselves and others by smooth talk, quick tricks and personal profit, over the hard truths, diligent effort and contribution to all’s success that their predecessors emphasized and demanded. The new scorecard was perverted.
The current economic fallout is a direct result of this replacement of character with selfish and reckless aggrandizement.
Excellence requires that we provide consistent value, not cut-throat abandon of values.
Investment produces lasting benefits to many, while speculation chases the fastest – and usually elusive -- buck.
Simple, straightforward information delivers meaning, while mumbo-jumbo complexity hides empty promises.
Reasonable, factual expectations leads toward tangible accomplishments, while “irrational exuberance” and greed lead toward being a willing target for schemers.
Looking to honestly satisfy others’ needs creates bonds of lasting trust, while exploiting others’ fears and ignorance creates temporary dupes.
Competing to be best and to earn trust creates standards of worthy behavior, while unearned honorifics and facile words and actions breaks down society’s bonds and future.
Making a positive difference in society and in others’ lives leaves a legacy, while hollow charisma leaves a vacuum.
You can’t have too much character. Character is life’s scorecard.
