When my brother was in high school his class did a school musical. It was my first real "show" and I am still amazed at how much I remember about it. The musical was Bye Bye Birdie and it completely rocked my world. One of my favorite songs from the production was originally sung by Paul Lynde in the movie who played the role of Harry MacAfee entitled "What's the Matter With Kids Today". It had a catchy tune, hilarious words and what I thought as a child, a very silly meaning.
I found myself singing that song tonight, and the meaning didn't seem so silly to me anymore.
Have I become Harry MacAfee? I've spent the evening collecting my real estate signs kids have stolen from houses and placed in other yards all over town, only to be topped off with a call from the Marietta Police Department about a vacant house. What IS the matter with some of these kids today? It makes me cringe at what our world is turning into. Such disrespect for others and others' property.
I realize that each generation evolves, but I find it interesting to see how manners have UN-evolved. Excuse me for a minute for some history. Take the G.I. Generation (born 1912-1927) for instance. Hard work, self reliance, respect for authority and civic obligation are characteristics of this generation. The next changeover, the Silent Generation (born 1925-1945), this group includes my parents, is said to have been concerned more with being cautious and conventional, women started to desire a family AND a career. Then there are our Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964). Known for being goal oriented, work-centric, affected by strong political events either drawing them closer to social causes or perhaps driving them away and creating distrust, however this generation is responsible for so many individual freedoms like civil rights, feminist cause, gay rights, privacy rights and handicapped rights. They were a busy group making changes.
When we get to Generations X and Y it is frustrating to experience the vast differences of ourselves and the GI Generation and how far we've fallen when it comes to manners. What kind of children are our generations raising as a whole? What values and morals are being emphasized? WHO is raising our children? Why is it that so many of the grandparents of today are raising their children's children? What is going wrong?
As I mentioned, I received a call from the Police Department about a group of children vandalizing one of our company's listings. The children had been caught thankfully before too much damage was done, and I was asked to come to the property to determine what fate was to become of the children. It was quite a diverse group. Some sincerely sorry for what they'd done, some indifferent and emotionless, others actually brazen enough to laugh about what was happening. With charges of vandalism, trespassing and littering facing them, they were willing to accept responsibility when I gave them the option of restitution for what they had done versus charging them and sending them up to juvenile hall. This was a chance for them to make good for their actions and hopefully learn a lesson.
Who would actually show up?
What I experienced next confirmed my theory of our social deterioration from generation to generation. I witnessed a 75 year old grandfather bring his grandchildren as well as tools and material to make sure they did their job and to "make right what they did wrong". It is important to note that this gentleman was ON TIME. These children are very fortunate to have a grandfather who is doing all he can to guide their paths while it is apparant their actual parents are not. Another child was there with his father and grandfather and ready to do what needed to be done, and had actually shown up early. On the other end of the spectrum I got to witness just why the troubles exist with some of these children. Little to no adult supervision from their parents, starved for attention and forced to be taking care of themselves at too young of an age. Not all of the children showed up. That was a disappointment. Even when given the opportunity to "take the right path", some children still choose to refuse it, and the parent isn't there to make them.
Too much. Too soon. Too fast.
It is sad, isn't it? I'm not a parent but at my retail store, I see these teens, how they act and quite often deal with the destruction left behind. If a teen actually demonstrates manners, they are the exception, not the rule. I find myself wondering if this is just me getting older or is rudeness and irresponsibility becoming the norm? Greet post, darlin'.
ReplyDeletemake that great post(sp)....
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful post, Lydia! I smiled a silly sentimental smile at your mention of Paul Lynde--he was truly one of my Dad's favorites. And you bring much for me to ponder with this...so thankee! (That's Greenhouse speak for thanks. lol)I am reminded of one kid who worked with us, then didn't work with us, then worked with us again very successfully because I realized something simple one day. All he needed was praise. And so we praised. The more we praised, the more he worked. And then he started smiling a lot, too. Sad, isn't it, that something like that had been entirely missing in his life? Again, thanks for another post that makes me ponder. Happy day!
ReplyDeleteKaki
Thanks Kak! It really is amazing that these kids don't have even the simple recognition from their parents that they need. Thanks for sharing your experience. The more I learn about the world, the more I realize what a blessing we had to grow up in St. Marys, WV with so many loving people :)
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