Being a child of the 60s didn’t necessarily make me interested in popular culture. But it turned out to be “one of my favorite hobbies”, that is, to look at each era, the 60s, the 70s, etc.
And though it appeared to us, even this many years later, those of us who were involved in “building the 60s” that is, the fun and creative side of it, the music, the art, etc. it was by far “the most hip” or at least the most original.
I say that without rose-colored glasses. The 60s children, the hippies, the wanderer, the explorer etc. had plenty “of issues” that didn’t work, and some that were downright unhealthy.
Most of us were able to “get rid of the baggage” that didn’t work, and move in another direction. And though I (still feel) the 80s and part of the 90s yuppie movement was also not without its flaws, it turned out to be a positive thing as, whenever a country, community, family, etc. turns out “too far left” or “too far right”, it is automatically going to be more flaws. It swung the pendulum further right, and it continues to swing (left to right and vice versa) each decade or so. That’s actually healthy for any country, though many don’t view it that way.
Too far (of anything) creates an unhealthy extreme, and it is virtually impossible, unless someone really examines their lives, impossible to see one’s own participation in helping steer it “too far left” or “too far right”. The road in the center is the sanest, but often also the loneliest as there is a tendency to feel one is “abandoning their cause”. Not the case at all, however. It is a sign of maturity and healing. And yes it is the “Road Less Traveled” in real life.
So you might ask, “Who needs healing?” Everyone does. Anyone who has “made it” through these eras to the other side did not get through them without scars. There was much confusion and disdain. Babies are not born with hate or prejudice, yet we were able to pick that up along the way (yes whether on the left or right). We learned along the way to be paranoid, to mistrust, and, as Rod Serling and later Scott Peck came to realize, scapegoat others (whether in groups, individuals etc).
One finally has to ask, “Did that ever serve me well”? If so, “Is it still serving me well?” My guess is probably not. Have a great millenium and laugh a bit. Say hello to your neighbor. Learn to speak your mind. Learn to draw healthy boundaries. Learn to love. We all deserve love.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Rick London is an author, songwriter, cartoonist and gift designer. He is best known for his Google #1 ranked Londons Times Offbeat Cartoons and funny gifts. He is involved in autistic/Asperger’s, children’s, animal, and environmental causes.
Rick London Syndication 