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When some of us seniors remember what it was like in our country during the thirties and the depression, the forties with World War II and the post-war era, and then when we look at what is gong on today, we can see many very serious problems that either didn't exist in the past or no one was aware of. But on the other hand, if we jog our memories further and look at all that has happened in the last sixty years we can see that much progress has been made in several important areas.
First and very important, women have been liberated. There may still be a way to go with some men, but not only can females vote, work at many jobs that were not open to them then, control their own finances, but they have also become the major influence in bringing about many social reforms. Additionally, they have the freedom to exhibit their personalities in the way they dress- real progress.
Second, look at civil rights. Here too, though there may still be room for improvement, blacks now vote and hold positions of authority and work at many jobs not previously open to them. This is true of other minorities as well. Also, there is greater toleration and acceptance of other groups such as gays and lesbians, vegetarians, vegans, et cetera.
Third, the public schools have improved tremendously. My father was a school teacher in Indiana in the thirties when schools ran only eight months of the year and he had to do painting and carpentry the other four months to survive. Teachers are better trained, curriculums have been expanded and programs have been developed to better meet the needs of all children.
Fourth, with better plumbing, air conditioning and many appliances, we are living in more comfort. I wonder whether or not the development of television, computers and cell phones is really progress. Certainly information is more readily available and we are communicating with each other more, but is this resulting in more peace and tranquility or more frustration and anxiety? Is this real progress? Time will tell.
Finally, that fact that more people are aware of problems such as environmental issues, eating a healthy diet, obesity, air quality, gun control and quitting smoking is a sign of real progress. Though many of our citizens are still asleep, many more are awake and concerned about what is going on today.
It is my hope that when the younger generations understand the progress which has taken place in our society they will not be discouraged as they continue to work on the numerous issues still confronting us.
Harold Blickenstaff lives in Nevada City.
First and very important, women have been liberated. There may still be a way to go with some men, but not only can females vote, work at many jobs that were not open to them then, control their own finances, but they have also become the major influence in bringing about many social reforms. Additionally, they have the freedom to exhibit their personalities in the way they dress- real progress.
Second, look at civil rights. Here too, though there may still be room for improvement, blacks now vote and hold positions of authority and work at many jobs not previously open to them. This is true of other minorities as well. Also, there is greater toleration and acceptance of other groups such as gays and lesbians, vegetarians, vegans, et cetera.
Third, the public schools have improved tremendously. My father was a school teacher in Indiana in the thirties when schools ran only eight months of the year and he had to do painting and carpentry the other four months to survive. Teachers are better trained, curriculums have been expanded and programs have been developed to better meet the needs of all children.
Fourth, with better plumbing, air conditioning and many appliances, we are living in more comfort. I wonder whether or not the development of television, computers and cell phones is really progress. Certainly information is more readily available and we are communicating with each other more, but is this resulting in more peace and tranquility or more frustration and anxiety? Is this real progress? Time will tell.
Finally, that fact that more people are aware of problems such as environmental issues, eating a healthy diet, obesity, air quality, gun control and quitting smoking is a sign of real progress. Though many of our citizens are still asleep, many more are awake and concerned about what is going on today.
It is my hope that when the younger generations understand the progress which has taken place in our society they will not be discouraged as they continue to work on the numerous issues still confronting us.
Harold Blickenstaff lives in Nevada City.
