What did we Learn from the 60's?

[IslandHopper]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=13JK5kChbRw

[Southern Star]

Newt, there will always be a 'generation gap'. Many of those who matured in the 60's viewed people who matured in the 30's through 50's as up-tight, conservative, status-oriented materialists. Many of the hippies (and even radical 'Yippies) from that period, however, moved on in the 70's and 80's to become stock-brokers, high-priced lawyers, real-estate developers, etc., etc.

In any event, the 70's and 80's were hardly a period when selfishness and greed disappeared; indeed, those who came of age then became aptly known as the 'me-generation'. One can argue that even the music of that period reflected this societal shift: the late 60's anthems against greed, prejudice and violence were replaced by the mindless, 'let's party' period of disco. Furthermore, 'free love' continued and STD's were on the rise until the terrible spectre of AIDS had a dampening effect. Certainly drug-abuse also continued largely unabated - although hard drugs such as cocaine and meth had become even more popular than in the 60's.

So yes, many of us find an attitudinal gap between ourselves and the group who matured in the last decade and a half. I too find the apparent lack of work-ethic and self-reliance to be troubling. That being said, I wonder if the society that our generation has created has not contributed to this shift - not only by providing more for our children than we had received ourselves, but also by creating an environment in which 'upward mobility' is more difficult than ever before.

We export good manufacturing jobs to third-world states so that we can buy cheaper products that are made in China, Vietnam, India etc. Who cares if it puts our neighbours out of work? We have enabled the gap between rich and poor to become greater than it has ever been - and often provide the greatest rewards to those who have built their success on weak and shifting sands. Consider the fate of many of the investment funds, banks, internet companies etc. over recent years. Does anyone really believe that the best way to succeed is through hard-work and providing a good quality product, or service at a reasonable price? We have allowed huge box stores selling low-quality, third-world produced crap to dominate retail sales to the point that it is almost impossible for someone to succeed in most manufacturing and retail sectors by starting out small and local. Those opportunities have all but dried up.

I for one may find the attitudinal shift of this generation disheartening, but I can also understand at least part of its genesis.

Brad

[Stu Jackson]

Ah, now I get it, the 80's.

It's all Regan's fault.

[oldragbaggers]

By no means do I underestimate the younger generation. I know amazing, talented, smart and ambitious young people doing great things in many areas of life from defending our country, to protecting our streets, to teaching our kids, to starting creative new businesses. Just saying that in my experience, with my own life and that of friends, and also with families I encounter through my work (in a large public school system), usually when you have an entitled, lazy, unmotivated young person you have a parent who at the very least contributed something to making him that way. Often times they were well meaning and just wanted their kids to have better than they had, sometimes they're too busy trying to make ends meet to do the hard parenting stuff, and sometimes they are just too lazy themselves. Fortunately a lot of kids rise above all that and become very successful adults despite their parents. It is definitely a cycle.

[Travelnik]

There were no Vulcans at the OK Corral!

The 80's were much better!

[onestepcsy37]

never drive a motorcycle down a dark country road after smoking a couple of joints.

[Greenhand]

Originally Posted by Travelnik

There were no Vulcans at the OK Corral!

I am pretty darn sure Spock *was* in that episode.

[s/v Beth]

I am definitely not trying to start a generation war. I blame their lack of interest in history, the world and working hard on us. We created the environment in which they thrive. I guess it is a cycle. My parents worked so hard to get us out of the ranch, I purposely put them back in for a while. While some of them are doing new and creative things, I take care of alot who don't. Who eat cheeseburgers and wonder why they don't feel like getting up in the morning.
Don't trust big business? Yeah that was a take home lesson. But now everyone wants to be that big business- so they can do it to the next person.
What about just being proud to be you, and helping others because it is the right thing to do. Is that gone? That is what I wanted to pass on, not to eat at McD's...

[Travelnik]

Originally Posted by Greenhand

I am pretty darn sure Spock *was* in that episode.

Spock was in that episode, but when we visited Tombstone on our vacation, I asked the tour guide about the Vulcans. He laughed and said there were no Vulcans at the OK Corral.

I was a heartbroken little kid!

Later on, I found out there was no Santa either!

[sailorboy1]

To be truthful, I'm glad I never taught my kids what I learned in the 60s!!!!!!!

[Canibul]

I learned how to roll my own cigarettes.
Austin was very educational.

[Badsanta]

I remember a history teacher stating that the ancient Romans complained there youngsters drove their chariots too fast and the girls used to much henna on their lips. Sounds similar.

[weavis]

Originally Posted by s/v Beth

As most of you know that have hung around here for a while, I am a child of the 60's. As I work with people every day who are younger and younger, I am impressed with the complete lack of deep thought and the overriding impression of impatience and materialism. They want the boat, but they have no idea what they are going to do with it.
Our generation was not perfect. But we did learn a few things.
1. Free love is expensive.
2.Work is important.
3. Things given to you take too much of your time and can destroy your life.
4. Communes don't work with selfish people.
5. To be selfish and greedy is bad.
How come we didn't pass this down?

Nothing really has changed in mans history. The 60s brought out everything that we experience today. Self seeking people. Theoretical models of socialism. A "screw you" attitude. A "take what you can get" mentality.
The 60's was the ultimate of of hedonism and selfishness. Of rebellion against society, of utter disregard for everyone but self.

we didnt need the 60's to realise the benefits of hard work, or kindness, or working together for a common goal. It happened in part as a backlash against constraints, and partly because it was directed by those in power to enable a more secure method of constraining people financially, and throught the illusion of self determination. Anyone who got in the way of the controllers was removed permanently...... just look at the list of the 60s people of change that are no longer with us.

The most telling condemnation of the 60's is that the people in charge today, the ones lying, cheating, stealing, self seeking and destroying America and the world......... are of the 60s generation.

We didnt learn anything newt.......... only that we 'think' its a different world...... its the world that was planned for us and continued by us..

[boatman61]

You can't beat 'De Man'... he'll just beat ya down n bust ya bones...
The youth try in every generation if you stop and look.. but usually most elders are to cowed to back em..

[weavis]

Originally Posted by boatman61

You can't beat 'De Man'... he'll just beat ya down n bust ya bones...
The youth try in every generation if you stop and look.. but usually most elders are to cowed to back em..

I was gonna give you ***** about that saying............ then I realised I knew it well...

As you were.....