“Every generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” George Orwell
What is a generation? It is usually acknowledged that a generation is considered roughly 20-25 years. As I write, there are seven living American generations, all with labels attached that denote certain attributes. I have personally been a part of five generations.
Now, five generations does not seem to be cause for celebration but consider that Jesus is only 81 generations away. Also consider that civilization as we know it is about 6,000 years or 300 generations old. We continue to evolved and regenerate.
Isn’t it the responsibility of succeeding generations to capture the best from the preceding generation, build on it, reject the negatives, and establish its own legacy of progress? Many positive elements of the past can serve as a foundation for the future, but we know that the previous era also needs to be critiqued and amended.
That is not to say that the previous generation’s legacy should be regarded as ill-conceived or forgotten. Remember that those folks represented, rightly or wrongly, the thinking of that time.But the next generations, while taking into account the times of that previous era, should be willing to acknowledge attitudes and values that violate the equal rights, freedoms, and respect of diverse populations. It’s about Regeneration.
For example, it is accurate to celebrate the generation (born between 1901-1927) prior to mine and to name them as the “Greatest.” They endured the great Depression of the 1930s, fought against the grave threat of Adolph Hitler in WWII, and witnessed vast technological advances (telephone, radio, cars).
In addition, they managed to enhance the future by producing large numbers of babies into the generation known as the “Baby Boomers” (1946 – 64) while gracing us with literature, the arts, music, and cinema. The “Golden Age of Hollywood” gave succeeding generations profound insights into the values, issues, and cultural transformation of that era.
Unfortunately, it also reveals gender and racial stereotypes that re-enforced contemporary social roles.
Women and African Americans played movie roles almost exclusively as servants and entertainers. Coming out of the Depression and war, women were portrayed a little kindlier because they were called on to be breadwinners and industrial workers for a time. Both women and African Americans were regarded as inferior to white men at the top.
Many of my white male cohorts sentimentally recall the 1950s as the ideal times, when life was the best. They would eagerly prefer to live that time again. But ask most women and minorities if they would like to relive that era and they would respond differently.
The “Silent” Generation
My generation, the “Silent Generation,” is between 1928-1945. We act much like the “Boomers”, but we tend to “work within the system.” Not known as risk takers, we were inclined to have babies early in life, be thrifty, and fear nuclear war and communism. Only with election of Joe Biden did my generation produce a president.
“I suppose every generation has a conceit of itself which elevates it, in its own opinion, above that which comes after it.“
Margaret Oliphant
Each generation has the responsibility to “regenerate” the previous 20 years, improving the best parts, discarding the worst parts, and creating new ways while never forgetting to respect those who laid the groundwork.
As products of our respective generations, we cannot deny our built-in prejudices and biases. We have been molded in a way that creates barriers to positive change. Change is difficult at any age, but as we get older, we become even more rigid and look our generation through selective lenses.
Those prejudices and biases remain as a part of our core and require continued challenges as we learn more. It might be why we continue to harbor beliefs that emphasize differences, rather than the commonalities, in people.
*Note to the Grandkids
As you read this be aware that your generation, just like every other generation, will be subject to the same patterns and subjective complaints. Already you are being cast as “Millennials” (1997-2012) or “Gen Z” (2010 +). Whatever that means.
But as Socrates said in 470 BC about his next generation:
“The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannize their teachers.”
So, keep the faith, granddaughter Lily, and keep evolving in a positive way. Your generation will do great things.
Braidwood Beginnings 