Wikipedia defines the term 'Baby Boomers' as the generation born between 1944-1964. It also mentions the words 'rejection or redefinition of traditional values'. We are also associated with 'privilege, education, and self perception'.
Sadly, this just might be the core of the real legacy we will leave our children. How did we end up making so many mistakes along the way? More importantly, why??
While the life experiences were (are) so vastly different for different people, there are many similarities in all of our mindsets and the choices we made. The burden must be shared across both color and socio-economic lines.
Over the next few days I will address the time frame that I can directly relate to.
By the time we officially became adults, the historical changes within this country were life changing for most Americans. The impact of the Civil Rights Movement, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and John F. Kennedy speaks volumes. The divided mindset of this country was at its peak.
The questionable objective of the Viet Nam War, combined with the loss of life for so many young men has left a permanent cloud over this time in history. The shameful manner in which the soldiers were treated upon return is a permanent scar, that was left unacknowledged for too many years. These young men returned home to a country that was not prepared to handle neither their physical or emotional needs.
These events alone resulted in mass confusion for all involved. Both black and white people were trying to figure out exactly what they needed to do next. How would these changes impact the lives of their families? Both sides were fully aware that the road ahead would not be easy. Would either side actually survive the journey intact?
Even changes for the best are likely to bring a mixture of anticipation and fear. This division of color was no exception.
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