Identity ? What Identity?

I have been bugged with this issue for a very long time. Even till now i still can't find the exact words to label it or even describe it. But i am just going to go ahead and blog it in the hopes that some reader out there can help me put my thoughts into words. If they at all comprehend what i am blabbering about in the first place.

We all are living in a multi-cultural society. Bear in mind that the key word is "cultural". Though we all exist as one nation, we too have our own identities. Individual practices and traditions that makes us... us. The recent trend however seems rather scary as all i see in kids across the racial spectrum is westernization ( if there is such a word). Not referring to it in terms of clothing and fashion apparels alone but in the mindset as well. Sorry to sound like a granddad but what happened to family values? teenagers whom i talked to want their own "pad" ( the only pad i knew back then was... nevermind)away from their "old man",when they start working. They want maids. A cheap old folks home for their parents. Lets not proceed further as i feel its not a pretty sight.

However the factor that really astonished me was how detached they really are from the family. There is a clear and evident trend in our youths. Self gratification first then only.... more self gratification. What went wrong? Where did it go wrong?

The degeneration of our cultural and traditional beliefs are the symptoms of negative westernization.

The second sensitive issue is the conflict with religious identities. I am an Indian who has very rich traditional background. I am also a Muslim whose beliefs at times conflicts with the very traditions that makes me Indian. Where do i stand? This is a conundrum that is eating away inside many minds. Then again there is another group. One which is so damn ... nevermind... Its a group that kills traditional practices in the excuses of religious obligations. As i said "excuses". While their motives for abandoning certain practices may seem religiously inclined on the exterior, the truth of the matter is that they want a reason solid enough that the older generation cannot veto as it has a religious backing. Deep down its just westernization.

sigh...