It’s times like this (the current society) that make me want to pack up and move to a log cabin 1000s of miles away from anyone else... haven’t used my TV in a decade (don’t even think it works with the new ‘cable’ system.. I believe it changed from analog to digital.. or something along those lines... Get the news and tv I deem ‘safe’ from the net now.
I am more connected to popular culture than you are, but I understand your reaction. Cable TV and the Internet allow people live in cocoons of their own making. You can find a lot of high-minded, educational programming and websites, but even more titillating entertainment that’s bad for one’s soul.
It is harder to raise kids now in a time of omnipresent depravity than it was 40, 30, or even 20 years ago. These parents and their indifferent or permissive attitudes do their child no favors. Finding the balance can be difficult in what you allow your kids to do so they can develop into responsible adults. These parents allowing their kid to travel under these circumstances is extremely negligent IMHO.