It seems incredibly self evident to me why our country has shifted so much to the right. Beyond the (often credible) conspiracies of banks, business, and government, our population is aging. You look at the countries like Libya and Egypt, they're massively young countries, with the majority under 30 years old. Here in the US, we've got this big bubble of the Baby Boom hitting their old age.
Revolutions and rebellions tend to be more common among the young. Hell, it was this same generation that led during the 60's hippie revolution. Now they're aging, have become conservative, and want security more than they care about ideals. A natural shift, really. Sad for the rest of us, and sad for the state of democracy in general.
And we all know old people vote far more than the young. Plus, kids/young people these days are all hypnotized with their iPhones, iPods, wii games, internet, and the good old TV. We have no time or energy anymore to put towards social rebellion. We guage our ears and get tattoos, which is all pretty bland and safe as far as rebellion goes; even the drugs are largely passe; at least, they don't lead anywhere like one might say they did in the 60s with the psychedelics. Now it's just party drugs, like ecstacy and rave shit.
It's like Tom Petty sang, about rebels without a cause. There's no more idealism.
Not all aging baby boomers have shifted to the right. The older I get, the farther to the left I move!
ReplyDeleteOn March 19th, 2011 I Protested the wars,with Vietnam Vets for Peace here in Chicago. There were about 1500 of us. I would say about half were younger then 30. Some of us old hippies still are involved in activism. However most boomers are more interested in money and pleasure versus activism. They are really worse then the younger group. So I would say you are spot on Brandon. Really a excellent post.
ReplyDeleteYou might want to check the link out
http://jaytalker.typepad.com/pigeon_forge_odyssey/2011/03/what-lawless-rabble-we-are.html
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I've sort of shifted above the fray. I vote; I live responsibly, I love my iThings. I like Tom Petty!!! I like opera too, Western and Chinese. I think I am older and wiser. I have security, and I have ideals, although I would say I have become more spiritual and less socio-economic/political. I think the older generation --that's me, one of the first boomers out of the gate--is supposed to provide some wisdom to the younger, activist generation. We are the grandparents: you have the energy, we have the long view. We should work together.
ReplyDeleteBut, speaking of Tom Petty, wasn't it "rebel without a clue?" I think you mean James Dean in "Rebel Without a Cause." But same difference.
Dang! You're right, it was Rebel Without A Clue. Got 'em confused. As you say, though, it still works.
ReplyDeleteI recognize that not ALL boomers are right wingers, of course not; but it's safe to say that the majority, right and left, are at a point in their lives where security is more important than freedom.
Because they are afraid of death and will never be able to live the present moment earnestly and wisely and it's ok because that is their choice but they don't know diddly about what they are missing That being said, best wisdom is to be a good example. Sitting on ones ass spouting rhetoric is not leading or setting a good example. It's better to keep moving, till the right action arises by itself.
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