The increasingly superficial nature of society undermines real values and produces a moral vacuum. Gangsters, white collar criminals, and the totally bizarre predominate in the media. At the same time, people dedicated to improving quality of life are often ignored. The drug problem is also linked to violence, and the key question is why so many people are using drugs. Political corruption plays a role in the overall decline of moral values, thus contributing to senseless violence. Violence will not significantly diminish until society is willing to change. Teachers, churches, school administrators, parents, and politicians need to instill a new sense of idealism and purpose in society and include such fundamentals as respect for life and the environment, social justice, racial equality, and common kindness and concern for others.