Category: Elder Folk
One of the things that comes to mind when thinking back over my life, is the fact I'm a baby boomer. I grew up in the early fifties, was raised on Captain Kangaroo, Bugs Bunny, and innocence.
Looking back I think of what our generation contributed. Yes, there were negative aspects of us:
the sexual revolution, the drug revolution, and the flamboyant attitude that this planet's resources would never stop, that there would always be an endless supply of water, nutritious soil, and oil.
But still, we gave a lot back. We were called hippies, radicals, flower children, and bums. We were the ones who shaped the Civil Rights movement, the college curiculum, and changed the views of industralism, walked on the moon, and protested everything from the Vietnam war, to dress codes in school. We defined music with rock ean roll, defined clothes with mini skirts and quote far-out end of quote sun shades. We stood up for our rights, and decided the old ways weren't always the best.
Conclusion:
We were no different than the kids today. Now, the only difference is we are maybe a little wiser, a little older, but still as rebellious as we were then. We hate corruption in government, hate the high cost of getting by, hate to be confined to the stereotype called "Old", or "elderly". We're still eighteen in mind and spirit, and that will never change.
Good topic, as usual.
I wish to take umbridge with something you said.
You said: "Looking back I think of what our generation contributed. Yes, there were negative aspects of us:
the sexual revolution, the drug revolution, and the flamboyant attitude that this planet's resources would never stop, that there would always be an endless
supply of water, nutritious soil, and oil."
I took part in the sexual revolution and glad I did. Those are experiences that can't, and shouldn't, be had today without fear.
The same goes for the drug revolution.
As far as our disrespect for the environment, I think you have me there. The only thing I can say is, I think we inherited that from our parents.
However, your conclusion is right on. We are realizing what our forebearers knew, "young is a state of mind, not a state of body."
Very good topic.
Bob
Well, Bob you're right. Still, the sexual revolution of that time has brought on today's unwanted pregnancies, STD's, and abortion. The drug revolution has opened doors to rampant drug use today. And we're to blame. We experimented, and now, we're seeing the offspring of our experiences. We are the reasons our kids are losing their way today. Our rebellious attitudes, and devil-may-care platitudes are spilling over.
Still, we can't take the blame forever. There comes a time when responsibility has to be assumed by this generation. Years from now, their grandchildren will say, "You really went to mars ! Wow ! And they will have to take into account what they did in 2007, but also stop taking the blame. It's a paradox, a never-ending cycle. And each generation is criticized for doing things their way. We were, they are, and their children and grandchildren will be.
Well, I guess I'm a year past the upper limit of the baby boomer thing, having been born in 1965, but here are my thoughts. Somehow I tend to identify with the times of the mid and late Sixties. I think a lot of the music from that time is my favorite stuff, from perhaps the British invasion in 1964 to perhaps 1970 and 1971 when Sixties influence slowly started going away and was replaced with mellow singer-songwriters and lots of more urban sounds. I also really feel for what all the hippies and revolutionaries and experimenters did because although most idealism makes me cringe, they took idealism a step farther than just wishing and hoping. They actually tried to do something about all they thought was wrong with the world and society, for whatever the results might have been in the end. Yeah, the Sixties may have failed, but at least people actually tried. I scoff at those who claim that the Sixties revolutionary times were the ruination of society. These people are just folks who can't stand change and not only do they want the Fifties back, but it's not even the real Fifties they want back, it's the TV Fifties. And finally, as for feeling old, at 42, despite any assorted aches and pains and things, I don't see myself as old. In fact, I feel at least in my mind I'm more rebellious now than I ever was in my teens or twenties. I've decided to not be self-conscious or apologetic about stating my opinions. I've come to believe that society is not always right and neither is the majority, whoever they might be. I question things others seem to take as a given. Yeah, I don't do much with my rebelliousness outside of this computer, but there ya go.
Well, godzilla, you're right. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if there hadn't been idealists. I don't think we'd be where we are today.