There were reports of babies out in the cold for hours in Houston.  In Indianapolis, two-dozen police officers used pepper spray to control an unruly crowd that pried shopping center doors off their hinges.

These were just a few of the scenes caught on video across America as people tried to get their hands on a pair of sneakers in December. These instances point to a moral breakdown of our society – especially among young people with misguided priorities who are not held accountable for their actions. 

Named after legendary basketball player Michael Jordan, limited-edition Air Jordan XI Concord sneakers by Nike retail for over $200; they sell on the black market for over $500. Getting them was considered worth the risk of freezing or getting arrested.

How did this happen

The sneaker riot, caught on video, was deplorable. The looting of mall kiosks, robbing of shoppers, forced entry into stores and trampling of shoppers were disturbing to watch. How did America get here?

Young adults imitate what they see, and what they see is bad behavior being glorified – on reality television, in movies, music videos, video games and on the Internet.  These media are rife with demeaning language and behavior, violence and examples of blatant disrespect towards others. Yet some of the rawest and craziest acts on video are not derided for their incivility, but lauded for how many "thumbs up" they get on YouTube. Misbehavior is so prevalent that, in some households, it seems to be accepted as normal behavior.

The Occupy Wall Street movement provides another example of contemporary bad behavior.  While claiming to support a middle class that allegedly can’t win playing by the rules, youthful Occupiers are nonetheless preoccupied with the forgiveness of their own school loans (often for useless degrees) and credit card debt and seem more interested in growing big government than helping anyone succeed. 

What’s worse is that Occupy efforts receive support and sympathy from President Obama and other prominent leftist leaders and celebrities.  Their support for the Occupiers sends a message that it’s fine to be disruptive and not expect to be held accountable. In fact, former Obama administration official Van Jones proclaimed that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was "the original Occupier" and warned that 2012 would be a "turbulent" year.

No personal responsibility

Several ministers and activists in Houston held a press conference to blame others for the action of the mob.  They called for Nike and Michael Jordan to "do something," giving those who actually caused the chaos a pass. Individuals should be held accountable for their actions.  Nike and Michael Jordan did nothing wrong and are not accountable for the misbehavior of others.

Why are Black leaders largely mute?  Where were the voices of Black leaders standing up against the "flash mobs" in 2011? Why isn’t the White House decrying its former colleague?

Our country is in vital need of a morality surge in which parents, grandparents, church members and lawmakers all play a role. There are thousands of misguided youths who desperately need love, guidance and discipline on a consistent basis. This would help put them on a path towards personal responsibility and success.

Deneen Borelli is a member of the national advisory council of the Project 21 Black leadership network.