The way things used to be. Life in America during the late 1940s, the 1950s, and the early 1960s was simple, straightforward, and easy to understand. But starting in the late 1960s, American society and culture began to change and become more complex. The speed of change and the growth in complexity have accelerated up to the present day. This dramatic change and complexity have skewed our lives in the extreme. Let me share with you a simple story to illustrate what I mean in a nutshell.
The Meeting
On Monday night, I had a meeting with five other older gentlemen who lived in the same gated condominium complex. Our ages ranged from 70 to 82 years of age. All are members of the Silent Generation, the generation before the Baby Boomers.
We had agreed to meet because we wanted to talk about politics, current events, and changes in American life. Of the six individuals, four were conservatives, one was a libertarian (me), and the sixth was a liberal. All six were relatively accomplished and successful, either in the corporate world, in small business, or in the education or healthcare industries.
We took turns commenting on how we saw life in America and what we saw as the challenges facing our country. We criticized the growing acceptance of socialism, and we commiserated with one another regarding our inability to communicate with the three generations that came after the Baby Boomers. All had sons, daughters, and grandchildren whom they could not relate to because of differences in communication.
The Takeaways
I was the only one who took notes during the meeting. I wanted to record as much as I could.
Here are the takeaways that I noted:
1. These old white men, including me, did not understand what had happened to the America of their youth. The values and traditions we cherished or remembered were being trashed or gutted, and we did not understand why.
2. Our generation and the Baby Boomers could not communicate with the younger generations. A personal note: I believe we must correct this inability to communicate.
3. America had become seriously divided over many issues, with abortion being one of the most divisive.
4. America has become two countries: one half on the right and the other half on the left.
5. We recognized we must invite young men to the meeting so that we hear what they have to say.
6. We also knew we must balance the discussion with different voices on the left as well.
7. From my personal perspective, I realized this simple meeting concept we had initiated lends itself for others to use in similar settings across the country.
8. The value of this grassroots concept is quite profound.
When the meeting ended, we decided to continue the Monday meetings and see where it would take us. I was optimistic because great movements can start with tiny steps.
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