Comments on: Which would you deem the “Greatest Generation” in American history? http://jscafenette.com/2007/11/26/which-would-you-deem-the-greatest-generation-in-american-history/ Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:29:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Sue http://jscafenette.com/2007/11/26/which-would-you-deem-the-greatest-generation-in-american-history/#comment-6108 Sue Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:30:43 +0000 http://jscafenette.com/2007/11/26/which-would-you-deem-the-greatest-generation-in-american-history/#comment-6108 I tend to agree that the selfishness of many of the "boomers" both in their morals and in many cases egos driven by wealth and power destroyed much of what was built during the years of the depression. Even with all of that, there were those of that same generation who did contribute positively to society. If we were able to look at percentages of those who have chosen to discard the values handed down to them, I wonder exactly what we would find. Is it primarily those who are in the spotlight and receive the attention who put a black mark on one generation? Sort of like that saying, "If it feels good, just do it." Most of us could never live by that quote. I think I agreed with you Big Mo in your assessment of the "greatest generation." My way of thinking is it takes a lot of little people and events to shape any period in history. Greatness only comes to a few, but not without help along the way from others. I tend to agree that the selfishness of many of the “boomers” both in their morals and in many cases egos driven by wealth and power destroyed much of what was built during the years of the depression.

Even with all of that, there were those of that same generation who did contribute positively to society.

If we were able to look at percentages of those who have chosen to discard the values handed down to them, I wonder exactly what we would find. Is it primarily those who are in the spotlight and receive the attention who put a black mark on one generation? Sort of like that saying, “If it feels good, just do it.” Most of us could never live by that quote.

I think I agreed with you Big Mo in your assessment of the “greatest generation.” My way of thinking is it takes a lot of little people and events to shape any period in history. Greatness only comes to a few, but not without help along the way from others.

]]> By: Big Mo http://jscafenette.com/2007/11/26/which-would-you-deem-the-greatest-generation-in-american-history/#comment-6105 Big Mo Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:31:49 +0000 http://jscafenette.com/2007/11/26/which-would-you-deem-the-greatest-generation-in-american-history/#comment-6105 As for an actual greatest generation, I don't think any one generation qualifies more than another. Usually, American come together and get done what needs to be done, regardless of the generation. That's the nature of the American character. As for an actual greatest generation, I don’t think any one generation qualifies more than another. Usually, American come together and get done what needs to be done, regardless of the generation. That’s the nature of the American character.

]]> By: Big Mo http://jscafenette.com/2007/11/26/which-would-you-deem-the-greatest-generation-in-american-history/#comment-6104 Big Mo Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:30:21 +0000 http://jscafenette.com/2007/11/26/which-would-you-deem-the-greatest-generation-in-american-history/#comment-6104 Not being a member of the "greatest generation" or the one that followed it, I've sometimes thought that the bequeathing of the title "greatest generation" by boomers such as Tom Brokaw was done to assuage their guilt -- guilt as having thrown away in the 60s and 70s everything their parents and grandparents created in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Created for THEM. The boomers had everything handed to them but they rebelled and tore down society's standards and mores. Things just haven't been firing quite right since the 60s. (Oh, I don't mean the end of institutionalized racism, segregation and such -- that was very much needed. I mean the gigantic hissy fit that pampered generation threw and that aging hippies still venerate to this day.) Not being a member of the “greatest generation” or the one that followed it, I’ve sometimes thought that the bequeathing of the title “greatest generation” by boomers such as Tom Brokaw was done to assuage their guilt — guilt as having thrown away in the 60s and 70s everything their parents and grandparents created in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Created for THEM. The boomers had everything handed to them but they rebelled and tore down society’s standards and mores. Things just haven’t been firing quite right since the 60s.

(Oh, I don’t mean the end of institutionalized racism, segregation and such — that was very much needed. I mean the gigantic hissy fit that pampered generation threw and that aging hippies still venerate to this day.)

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