Expect more...

We're frequently told by commercials to "expect more" from this or that product. But what about ourselves? It seems the opposite applies: "Just do it," "You deserve a break today," and hundreds of other self-centered, non-restrained perspectives rule the roost. After a couple of generations of digesting this narcisism, the results shouldn't be surprising:

"I think the early 20s are the new teenage years," says Rea, 26, a college student studying to be a history teacher. "There are no parents telling them, 'You can't do this.' It's pretty much a free-for-all..."

And recent demographic trends don't help: Young people today are delaying settling down into careers and marriage, both of which tend to reduce risky behaviors, sociologists, psychologists and historians say.

This "extended adolescence" increasingly is being acknowledged by those who have focused on teens. For example, in May, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy announced an expansion of its mission to include those in their 20s and 30s.

Of course, the article has to explore the possibility that all this irresponsibility simply is the result of the 20-year old brain not having yet developed the capacity to regulate poor behavior.

What a load of biological deterministic bovine excrement.

Society used to expect--demand, even--much higher standards of conduct from not only the 20-something set, but their younger, adolescent siblings as well. Kids had chores to do, studies to master, and consequences to suffer if they failed to meet expectations. Parents tried to help their kids find a "nice guy/girl to settle down with." There was such a thing as "falling in with the wrong crowd," with attached social stigmas. You were either a contributor to society or a louse, and were treated accordingly.

Not anymore. Today, those who show self-restraint and discipline are considered chumps. Instead, we hold up for emulation those who would have been shunned from society not 60 years ago. So what if science shows the frontal lobe isn't fully in charge (*) until age 29? All the better reason to be more--not less--strict in raising the next generation to think of others, not just themselves.

"Isn't it time to expect more" again from ourselves and each other?

(*) I find it no coincidence the ancient Jewish traditions viewed age 30 as reaching full maturity and ability. Ah, the wisdom of the Ancient (of Days)...