Unfortunately, our generations are descending. Its evident in all aspects of life and in all communities. Tznius is lacking, Ahavas Chinom is lacking, people are lax in business issues, even when dealing with fellow Jews ,and principles have changed for the worst.
But I think the typical example of yeridas hadoros can be seen in the mitzvah of 'Kabed Es ovicho V'es Imecho'. I've spoken to elderly people who were brought up in pre-war Europe and they cannot believe how things have changed. They would speak to their parents in third person, they would stand up for them when they entered a room. Its seems that they were in total awe of them.THEY NEVER DARED GIVING THEM MUSSAR or questioning them in anyway. Raising their voices to them? Unheard OF!
My father once told me how he came home from cheder once crying because the Rebbe had hit. When his father heard that, he smacked him again. Why, ? 'Because if the Rebbe hit you, you probably deserved it'
Nevertheless, the love they had for them was geniune.
Today we have erhlicher Yeshiva Bochurim who come home with 'freshly baked' chumras, impose it on parents, speak disrespectfully, and whe parents criticize them, it doesnt seem to have much affect.
I know its like this all over, some better and some worst. Who's to blame? Are we spoiling them too much or not enough? Do selfish parents have better children because they dont allow themselves to be taken for granted?
Or is it perhaps the educators who are at fault? Do they not emphasize 'Kibbud Av' as they should? Its in the Aseres Hadibros afterall! Isnt that the ultimate reason to expect it be taught and
properly and enforced?
Most importantly, why did it deteriorate to THAT extent in a period of 60 years?
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