We Need A Code of Ethics

By Dr. Sterling Lands, II

Three Black teenagers walking through the shopping mall caught my attention. They were talking loud and using some of the most profane and vulgar language I have ever heard. I worked industrial construction for 10 years, as a professional engineer and card carrying IBEW electrical instrument tech. Profanity was the language of choice, north or south, east or west. The profane and vulgar language that these teenagers were using was the worst that I have ever heard in my 61 years of life.
The sociologist and crippling psychologist immediately draw attention to the socio-economic circumstances that incubate this type of behavior. However, I believe that there are certain principles from the Proverbs in the Old Testament that should never be ignored.
For example:
A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness, but discipline will drive it away.
A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash.
Foolishness brings joy to those who have no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.
Unfortunately, many of our youths are infected with UIPD - “unskilled immature parent disease.” The dominant characteristics of UIPD are ignorance, arrogance and pretension. We need an immediate cure! We need a code of ethics that help reverse self-destructive behavior. Let us teach kids and hold them accountable for the following behavior:
At School
Be real and courteous.
Earn and give respect.
Never disrupt class.
Aim high.
Excel in school.
Finish school.
At Home
Be neat.
Share cleanup responsibility.
Keep things in their proper place.
Be generous.
In Relationship with Brothers/Sisters
Never start fights.
Never use profane or vulgar language.
Never call anyone a derogatory name.
Respect the opinions and wishes of brothers/sisters.
Be straight forward and honest.
Protect and respect our sisters/brothers.
Never touch a female/male inappropriately.
Treat sisters/brothers with respect and honor.
Talk to settle problems and resist the temptation to hit.
Never force a sister/brother to do what she/he does not want to do.
Dealing with Children
Teach children the difference between right and wrong.
Teach them to respect their elders.
Spend more time with the children.
Help them with their homework.
Give financial support to my wife and children.
In the Community
Never litter and always clean up the mess.
Take part in building things in your community.
Help the elderly.
Vote regularly.
Support politics that benefit Black people.
Create and support Black businesses.
Abstain from premarital and extra marital sex.
In the Work Place
Arrive on time.
Upon entering offices cease talking and engage in assigned activities.
Do not engage in the following behaviors:
Physical or verbal confrontation.
Profanity, vulgar language, obscene gestures or excessive loudness.
Disrespect toward staff or fellow applicants/participants.
Malicious destruction, theft or alcohol.
Possession of any type of weapon.
Use of (or evidence of using) illegal drugs or alcohol.
Smoke.
Loiter in front of the building, the parking lot or halls.
Wear hats in the building.
Take unscheduled breaks.
Maintain good personal hygiene at all times. This means daily bathing, using deodorant, brushing teeth and keeping hands and nails clean.
Applicants/participants may not receive visitors on job site. This includes the parking lot, without prior approval from Supervisor.
Dress appropriately for work and class.
At Church
Worship and praise GOD.
Work for, and serve one another.
Learn to witness to the lost.
Listen, learn and live free and pure.
The code of ethics is a start not an end. You take it and add to it as you use it. Treat UIPD with the code of ethics.