Thursday, September 29, 2005
THE AMERICAN COLLAPSE: THE BABY BOOMERS
No discussion of the demise would be complete without looking at the generation born approximately 1946 to 1960. The dates are a rough estimate as many of their leaders were older and younger folks were part too to a lesser extent.
Nor does this discussion apply to all those born at that time. It is a general view. It applies more to whites than minorities, to the college educated, the more affluent and those that did not serve in Vietnam. Still, few were immune to all the unique aspects of this group.
They were unique in three ways. First, they were such a large demographic bulge, they would receive great attention their whole lives. The market would cater to them. They had their own culture like no other generation. Later, they would severely impact the social programs as they got older.
Second, they enjoyed a great prosperous period in world history. The economy was booming and marvels of science and engineering were continually coming out. It was for the most part a period of peace. They were spared the Great Depression and WWII.
Finally they were raised on television for at least part of their childhood and all of it for the later Boomers. This had dire effects. And these effects only got worse with subsequent generations. First, they read less. Second, their was less play, an essential part of childhood. Third, they had their consciousness to some extent limited to a hypnotic gaze at edited sound and a contrived limited visual field. Finally, their minds were programmed with consumerism, banality, superficiality and infantile gratification.
These factors would indeed become the way of the USA, Western Civilization and the entire world.
Nor does this discussion apply to all those born at that time. It is a general view. It applies more to whites than minorities, to the college educated, the more affluent and those that did not serve in Vietnam. Still, few were immune to all the unique aspects of this group.
They were unique in three ways. First, they were such a large demographic bulge, they would receive great attention their whole lives. The market would cater to them. They had their own culture like no other generation. Later, they would severely impact the social programs as they got older.
Second, they enjoyed a great prosperous period in world history. The economy was booming and marvels of science and engineering were continually coming out. It was for the most part a period of peace. They were spared the Great Depression and WWII.
Finally they were raised on television for at least part of their childhood and all of it for the later Boomers. This had dire effects. And these effects only got worse with subsequent generations. First, they read less. Second, their was less play, an essential part of childhood. Third, they had their consciousness to some extent limited to a hypnotic gaze at edited sound and a contrived limited visual field. Finally, their minds were programmed with consumerism, banality, superficiality and infantile gratification.
These factors would indeed become the way of the USA, Western Civilization and the entire world.
