The term 'BabybBoomers' ( those of us born between 1944-1964) are viewed as the generation that rejected or redefined traditional values, Do you agree?
By the time a young person reaches the age of 18, they honestly believe they know everything there is to know,,, about everything. I am inclined to believe the present generation considers themselves to be wiser than their parents by age 13.
Growing up during the drama and turmoil of the 50's and 60's, it was easy (understandable??) for young people to honestly believe that our generation would do a better job of being in charge. Each generation wants the next generation to be more successful than the one before. The world of our parents had changed in ways most had never imagined. They could only hope (pray) that we were prepared for what was on the horizon.
The pulse of the country was off the charts. For the first time in history, equality was more than an impossible dream. Social consciousness was at an all time high. Poor people of all races would benefit from the provision of their basic needs; such as food, housing, and medical care. The most nagging issue was the facts regarding who was receiving these services. In spite of misconceptions that are still present today; we did good.
On the flip side, the question of losing a lifelong dominate position in society was also present for the majority of Americans.
The desire to live 'the American dream' became more than a dream; for most, it became an 'obsession'. The availability of education and possibility to have a 'better' life became the driver used to reach the ultimate goal. We failed to take the time to ask ourselves just what we might lose during the process.
As the role of women changed, so did the dynamics of the traditional household. The need to seek higher education, acquire wealth, live an affluent lifestyle, and be viewed as a 'success' in their chosen career was equally important to both men and women. Overall, we did pretty good...
Society in general was in the midst of a huge makeover. With the word 'freedom' becoming one of society's buzz words, the shift in priorities was inevitable.
There will always be people who have more than others. Being one of the richest countries in the world does not grant us the option to ignore the poor. A fellow human being should not have to live under a bridge; unless it is their choice. No child should ever be hungry. Period. The basic needs of a sick or disabled person should be provided. There will always be people who 'need' help; they should receive that help. This is one of God's requirements. Period.
Somewhere along the way, we have allowed a mindset to develop that makes perfectly healthy people believe they do not have to work for their basic needs; or extras. God also teaches us the importance of being responsible for ourselves.
I must also add that we have also raised a generation of children who believe they should be paid for everything,,,you know,,,,cleaning their room, helping with chores in a house they happen to live in, and of course for getting good grades. Except for the fact that the first example are adults, and the second children, I personally see little difference.
Many of our children have little or no confidence, but take pride in being arrogant; whether or not they actually know the meaning or how to spell the word. They seem to view respect as a sign of weakness; therefore, not encouraged nor required. They expect to be given any and everything they want simply because,,, they were born.
Did our children learn these untruths from us? Have we mistakenly initiated a 'class system' that is supported by a sense of entitlement and superiority?? A need to be better than,,someone? Anyone?? A need that is projected through bullying and abuse?? Abuse that has been proven to cause deep emotional scars often resulting in some form of death; including innocent victims.
Not all of us rejected the tried and proven values of our parents. In most cases, we can look at our children and say,,,we did good.
Overall, it appears that we have failed to teach our children that who they are is more important than what society expects them to be.
Unfortunately, in our quest to 'do a better job than our parents' we need to figure out if we inadvertently threw the baby out with the bath water.
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