This Week's Herman Trend Alert Purpose Emerging as Important Driver of Engagement

The Herman Trend Alert April 28, 1999 A Shift in Values 248 days until January 1, 2000 The recent Columbine High School shootings in Colorado highlighted something we have long believed: it is not good for us—especially children—to be exposed to violence that exists on television, movies, and video and computer games. Psychologists and social scientists consistently report a correlation between exposure to violence and violent behavior. Throughout history, significant emotional events have changed attitudes, behaviors, and social mores. As a society, we have become numb to violence. It's all around us—locally, nationally, internationally—from our own communities to genocidal slaughters in distant lands. Some recent events have exploded into our senses, causing more people to want to get to the root of all this to change the causal factors. If enough of a critical mass of citizens cry "enough!" . . . . Have we been shaken deeply enough? Maybe. Maybe not. We may have to endure even more senseless violence before we reach the critical mass that will begin to change how violence is glorified—or even accepted—in our society. There are other trends influencing possible outcomes. The current issue of American Demographics Magazine reports that women in America are becoming more religious. The study, conducted for the Center for Gender Equality, revealed that 75 percent of women feel religion is very important in their lives, compared with 69 percent who gave that answer in 1996. Does this trend indicate a strengthened moral movement that might rise to overcome the permissiveness of violence? Religious organizations can exert a powerful influence over advertisers, retailers, and movie theaters. Boycotts, letter-writing campaigns, and similar efforts can have an impact. We sense that we're approaching critical mass. The movement may not start very soon; one or more man-made disasters like Columbine may have to shake us up before the societal shift begins. If the popularity of violence in our society diminishes, what will replace it? We see another trend developing. Motivational rallies have returned. These upbeat programs attract thousands. Thought leaders like Oprah Winfrey refuse to glorify violence, opting to promote positive things instead. Perhaps there is a better way . . . © Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." WHO SENDS OUT YOUR NEWSLETTERS? We are convinced there is no better choice than ours! We have happily used DataBack Systems to deliver The Herman Trend Alert for over 10 years and. Visit their website (http://www.databack.com) or call Byron directly at 503.941.0427. You'll be glad you did. IS YOUR EMPLOYER AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE®? Our effective, onsite seminars, workshops, and consulting can help you get there. We offer 1-, 2-, 3-hour, and full-day programs to help you communicate what it takes to become an Employer of Choice® and inspire your folks to get it done. In the future, being an Employer of Choice® will not be optional. Call Carol at 336-210-3547 to arrange a no-obligation conference call. Or order the electronic version of the Employer of Choice book on your desktop for only $17.80 @ http://hermangroup.com/store/books_all.html#2. STRUGGLING TO FIND THE PEOPLE YOU NEED? VETJOBS CAN HELP! Recently, hundreds of thousands of jobs remain unfilled due to a lack of capable people. If you are looking for qualified candidates, you need to hire a veteran using VFW-sponsored VetJobs, the largest military employment site on the Internet. Thousands of returning veterans are looking for good jobs now. Mention this ad in The Herman Trend Alert and receive a 10% discount on job postings. Call Ted Daywalt at 877-838-5627 or inquire at info@VetJobs.com. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

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