RE: I miss the old people from when I was a child - they're different now
Thanks so much for that. Yes, I was going to get into the issue of "dignity" but I try to be extra careful on here not to insult anybody. But absolutely agree. With old age came respect and a certain authority. As far as I can tell, the 1960s generation decided that we needed to throw all "authorities" out the window in favor of everyone of every age being equally competent and capable in every way. Their distrust of authority is so fundamental that even people who have earned their authority through decades of experience and unique talented in a field are not given the place of honor in their fields anymore.
What they say:
"Everyone is an artist (No one is an artist.) Everyone can make music (No one can make music.) Everyone is special (No one is special.) No one artist, writer or thinker is objectively more talented than any other. We must be constantly on our guard against attributing wisdom or better judgment to older people just because they have experienced something many more times before and have been known to act with good judgment. A 80 year old deserves no more respect than a five year old. They are equal human beings."
Whereas in Japan, elderly people who have mastered their craft and become the foremost experts at them are legally considered Living National Treasures. We don't respect our elderly. "Just because you're old doesn't mean you know any more than I do!"
It's true that now many older people behave just as childishly as young people. I suppose to a generation who said "Don't trust anyone over 30" when they became old they didn't take themselves seriously.
Those are all good points. I understand not being here to insult people. That doesn't mean however an honest opinion isn't allowed to sting once in a while. You've read some of my posts, so I think you know what I mean.
I agree the hippy generation has bequeathed us with a more challenging world in many ways. I can't my finger on it exactly, but the rise of relativism in the states went hand in hand with the late boomers and early GenXrs where everybody was worthy of respect regardless of if they earned it or not, and those who worked hard at making themselves masters of things weren't worth respect because they largely operated within the system and hey, the got money instead of respect. They also voted themselves massive government entitlements that are bankrupting the country today (and guaranteeing a lower standard of living for future generations) and don't seem to realize the corrupt establishment is comprised of people they voted into power some 30 years ago and that are still there. It's a crazy world.
For a more lighthearted read (in keeping with my recent thematic suite), you might like my recent post. Look forward to your future posts. Cheers - CZ