What Have You Seen in Your Lifetime?

[ph4ever]

I don’t feel this old. I don’t consider myself old. However when I think of what my eyes have witnessed – the change this country has gone through in my lifetime I feel I should be much older.

I was born in the South in the 50’s. It was a time of haves and haves not. It was a time of innocence, to a certain degree. It all pretty much depended on what side of the tracks you lived on. Blacks and whites didn’t go to school together; they didn’t eat at the same counter or drink of the same water fountain. I was probably 4 or 5 before I actually encountered my first black person on a train to New Orleans; a lady and her daughter. They were nice and I really think it was at that point that things clicked – the hypocrisy of the south. Here we were being good Christians – going to church each and every Sunday and in Sunday school we sang the song “Jesus Loves The Little Children” and then over Sunday dinner I would hear such bad things said about the black American. It was conflicting – how could we as Christians only be Sunday Morning Christians. How could we in good conscious not practice what we are taught?

Then desegregation came in, civil right marches – some peaceful and some violent. Marches, protests and sit ins were staged all over the United States for numerous causes, equal rights for women, anti-war demonstrations, civil rights including the rights of gays. Friends made the decision to “come out of the closet” and be themselves despite opposition from other areas of society.

I’ve seen the rise of Rock and Roll, hiphop and rap and the fall of potential world leaders. I’ve seen a man on the moon and a unmanned vehicle land on Mars. I’ve seen the Berlin Wall both rise and fall.

And now – America’s first bi-racial President. At this point it doesn’t matter to me what letter is behind his name, I am again privileged to see history being made in my lifetime. For the most part, I can feel the excitement in the air. Sure there are those that still have the Religious Right (or Reich) mindset. The Urban dictionary defines it as “The 'Religious Reich' is a synonym for the Religious Right. The Religious Reich favor the death penalty and are against abortion. Generally regarded by the sophisticated as puritanical zealots, the Religious Reich would virtually erase all social advancements made by women, gays and lesbians over the last 100 years.“ To me that’s sad – the amount of hate reminiscent of the 60’s. The name calling and simply childish behavior. A true definition of poor sport and bad looser. It does make me realize who are people of their words, and who are nothing more but racist, sexist bigots.

I know there are others of you like me – at this time where history is being made what are your thoughts about what you’ve seen in your lifetime – both good and bad?

[ScarletB]

Good topic These are in no particular order, just as I think of them..

I'm a child of the 50's also but grew up in the Northeast so we had no segregation issues, though, to be fair, we had few minorities where I lived. The few minorities we DID have went to school right alongside us. But I distinctly remember having conversations with my parents about what went on elsewhere.

I saw the start of color TV (remember Wonderful World of Disney??)

I've seen a man land on the moon (alongside my grandmother who didn't even have CARS when she grew up - that part made it really cool) I was at the Cape when the first space shuttle was launched.

I saw the Cuban missle crisis and was subject to regular "duck & cover" drills in grade school
And, like you, saw the wall come down.

I saw the towers fall and the inherent strength and goodness in New Yorkers that followed - in fact the inherent strength and goodness of the entire country.

I've seen 3 good men gunned down because their ideas posed a threat to those who thought otherwise. I saw my generation rise up against a war they thought was wrong. (not me personally, I was going through my Republican period at that point - hey, I was young )
I saw Woodstock happen (didn't go - see above Republican period - D*MN!)
I've seen a President leave office in disgrace.
I've seen women take their place on the world stage.

And I got chills yesterday during the Mall concert and will again tomorrow as our new President is sworn in. I feel very lucky to have seen this.

[Conolulu]

Thanks, Connie...

I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and full of optimism again, for the first time in years....

I too grew up in the South....but never heard derogatory terms toward any ethnic groups. My parents didn't say those things, nor were they allowed in our home. We were aware of them though. I lived more with my grandmother, and it was the same in her home.

A very wonderful woman named Mary Vanderhorst helped raise me...She was a black woman that worked for my grandparents for 39 yrs. She was unmarried, and had one child. My grandfather paid her housing, and paid Social Security for her when it started...He also put her daughter thru College, and she married the first black psychiatrist in this country....

I remember once, coming home from Hampton Park, when Mary had chastised us the whole way home for playing with some children that were always in trouble. Huge Irish Catholic family, with an abusive father, and a drunk mother....She told my grandmother that "These children shamed me in front of all the other Nannies, by playing with those white trash children!" I didn't understand it then...but I do now.It was the times. It was the late 50's , in Charleston, SC.....and that's the way it was.

We didn't lock our doors.
We opened them to strangers.
We had one television set, and had strict viewing times, and what shows were appropriate.
We were taught to respect all adults, no matter what race or religion.
We were taught consequences of our actions.

We watched when TV went to color.
We watched a man land on the Moon.
My father was the top Test Director on the 1st Polaris Missile.

I woke one morning and there was a tank outside my bedroom window in 1968 due to a hospital workers strike..and saw Coretta King, and Ralph Abernathy march ,daily, on the street I lived on.
Septima Clark lived not far from me, and I had the pleasure of getting to spend time with her. (For those who don't know who she is...she was an educator, and Civil Rights activist, and accompanied MLK to Oslo to accept the Nobel Peace Prize..fascinating lady!)

I saw people I respected march during that strike, and they couldn't tell me why. I lost respect for some folks then, and it taught me to listen to people and base my feelings on an individual basis...not on any group or affiliation.

I saw integration in action, and living in the city? We had no problems. Not one fight or disagreement. The suburbs were another matter. They had rioting. Downtown, we had grown up together, and knew one another, even if we hadn't socialized together....

Microwaves, VCR's, watching movies in your home on VCR's, Albums, to CD's to mp3's to ipods....Remote controls, and televisions in every room..... (I still own only one, and didn't have one at all for years....)

I had my first Beatles album when I was 10...

I saw a President assasinated, and 2 other great men gunned down...

Hippies, and lived on a commune for a while. My son teases me that he's surprised he didn't turn orange as a result of all the organic carrot juice he drank...

The end of the hippie era, and horrible murders in California from a "hippie Svengali"..Things we never thought we'd see....

I remember, most of my life...disagreeing with the popular opinions, and even the popular kids way back in school....and questioning, questioning, questioning.....That was Social Suicide back in High School...but I got thru it...Most folks don't ostracize cheerleaders...

I read at an early age..and my love of the written word still gets me through a lot of things....It Teaches me...Nourishes me..Stimulates my mind, and makes me think....and I can't even begin to imagine those that don't read for pleasure ; or to keep learning, all their life long...
I was reading Homer when I was 10 and 11....and still read every day. Fiction/Non Fiction, Poetry, Spiritual, etc....

I grew up in interesting times, and was constantly bombarded with new things...new ideas....new perspectives ...on just about everything....


I like to think that we can always learn and keep an open mind....The day I stop, is the day I just don't want to go on anymore...There's always something new to learn!

Again, I'm caught up in History being made, and find it refreshing, challenging, and educational..What an opportunity this is for this Country!

If we, as a country, accept the challenges, and opportunities, and work hard to bring back the Hope , and Faith, that this Country will come through this stronger, and better? We'll be better off for it.....

[green1]

Sure there are those that still have the Religious Right (or Reich) mindset. . . The name calling and simply childish behavior. A true definition of poor sport and bad looser. It does make me realize who are people of their words, and who are nothing more but racist, sexist bigots.

Do you not see the hypocrisy here? You decry it on one hand and then lash out with it on the other.

Your post up to this point was good and thought inspiring, but then you devolve into this garbage. Too bad.

[buffettbride]

Nothin' good.

[blackjack]

Sure there are those that still have the Religious Right (or Reich) mindset. . . The name calling and simply childish behavior. A true definition of poor sport and bad looser. It does make me realize who are people of their words, and who are nothing more but racist, sexist bigots.

Do you not see the hypocrisy here? You decry it on one hand and then lash out with it on the other.

Your post up to this point was good and thought inspiring, but then you devolve into this garbage. Too bad.

Exactly. Thank you for saying it more eloquently than I would have.

[pair8head]

Sure there are those that still have the Religious Right (or Reich) mindset. . . The name calling and simply childish behavior. A true definition of poor sport and bad looser. It does make me realize who are people of their words, and who are nothing more but racist, sexist bigots.

Do you not see the hypocrisy here? You decry it on one hand and then lash out with it on the other.

Your post up to this point was good and thought inspiring, but then you devolve into this garbage. Too bad.

Exactly. Thank you for saying it more eloquently than I would have.

Try reading the entire paragraph again and not take the quoted section out of context.

And now – America’s first bi-racial President. At this point it doesn’t matter to me what letter is behind his name, I am again privileged to see history being made in my lifetime. For the most part, I can feel the excitement in the air. Sure there are those that still have the Religious Right (or Reich) mindset. The Urban dictionary defines it as “The 'Religious Reich' is a synonym for the Religious Right. The Religious Reich favor the death penalty and are against abortion. Generally regarded by the sophisticated as puritanical zealots, the Religious Reich would virtually erase all social advancements made by women, gays and lesbians over the last 100 years.“ To me that’s sad – the amount of hate reminiscent of the 60’s. The name calling and simply childish behavior. A true definition of poor sport and bad looser. It does make me realize who are people of their words, and who are nothing more but racist, sexist bigots.

I don't see any hypocrisy here, I see a well thought out comment on how a group of people could take a great time in our history and attempt to turn it into a disaster that would forever scar our country if they had their way.

Please don't turn this thread from what it is (Peoples thoughts and wonderments at what they have witnessed in their lives) to one of politically bashing each other for your differing opinions.

[ejr]

I too have the memories from the 50s and 60s, but what is striking me most is some of my memories from Election Day this year. Parents coming in with their kids (and not ones that were with them because they could not be left alone) because the kids wanted to witness their parents voting; an African-American woman coming in with her 3 daughters, gathering around the touch screen, and taking a photo to record the moment, with pride all over their faces. Things that would not have been possible when I was young.

The pride, the sense of optimism, the feeling that anything is possible, is a feeling we have seen too little of, and it is present now.

[green1]

Please don't turn this thread from what it is (Peoples thoughts and wonderments at what they have witnessed in their lives) to one of politically bashing each other for your differing opinions.

She could just as easily have said "his opponents", or something else. She chose to say Religious Reich, and then try to hide behind a dictionary definition. Soryr no dice. She is a hypocrite because she labeled a section of our population one hand and in the same breath does exactly what she is railing against.

[Y-NO-9-O]

Sure there are those that still have the Religious Right (or Reich) mindset. . . The name calling and simply childish behavior. A true definition of poor sport and bad looser. It does make me realize who are people of their words, and who are nothing more but racist, sexist bigots.

Do you not see the hypocrisy here? You decry it on one hand and then lash out with it on the other.

Your post up to this point was good and thought inspiring, but then you devolve into this garbage. Too bad.

Exactly. Thank you for saying it more eloquently than I would have.

Try reading the entire paragraph again and not take the quoted section out of context.

And now – America’s first bi-racial President. At this point it doesn’t matter to me what letter is behind his name, I am again privileged to see history being made in my lifetime. For the most part, I can feel the excitement in the air. Sure there are those that still have the Religious Right (or Reich) mindset. The Urban dictionary defines it as “The 'Religious Reich' is a synonym for the Religious Right. The Religious Reich favor the death penalty and are against abortion. Generally regarded by the sophisticated as puritanical zealots, the Religious Reich would virtually erase all social advancements made by women, gays and lesbians over the last 100 years.“ To me that’s sad – the amount of hate reminiscent of the 60’s. The name calling and simply childish behavior. A true definition of poor sport and bad looser. It does make me realize who are people of their words, and who are nothing more but racist, sexist bigots.

I don't see any hypocrisy here, I see a well thought out comment on how a group of people could take a great time in our history and attempt to turn it into a disaster that would forever scar our country if they had their way.

Please don't turn this thread from what it is (Peoples thoughts and wonderments at what they have witnessed in their lives) to one of politically bashing each other for your differing opinions.

I'm sorry but I have to disagree. And let me preface by saying I stood up for her in a recent thread about a similar topic. This thread was about what she has witnessed in her lifetime. It started out all well and good, but I think she interjected a little too strongly about her viewpoint. I understand that what we see and what we feel about those things are intertwined, but I do feel that she went from history to commentary in that paragraph. Once again, I do not necessarily agree with the people she is attacking, but she did attack. She should have titled the thread "How I feel about what I have seen...". Then, and only then, I feel could she have been right (or reich) in telling her feelings. She chose to make this thread political, others are simply calling her on it.
My 2 cents, that's all.

[blackjack]

I have seen a civil rights leader and a future bi-racial president of my country choose to stand in front of a large, marble statue dedicated to a white, Republican president. If it's good enough for them to show unity, shouldn't you give it a try?

[Tropic_Al]

I was born in the 50's, grew up in the 60's, went to college in the 70's. I've seen so much but for some reason, I don't remember it. I wonder why?








And I'm still waiting for those flashbacks I was warned about.

[LIPH]

The left complains when the right calls feminists "feminazis". The right complains when the left calls the religious right the "religious reich". It's repulsive no matter which end of the political spectrum it comes from. All this talk about coming together is just that, talk, and will always be just talk unless all the bulls**t ends, on both sides.

Feel free to fire away, I can take it. I wore my big boy pants today.

[ph4ever]

Sure there are those that still have the Religious Right (or Reich) mindset. . . The name calling and simply childish behavior. A true definition of poor sport and bad looser. It does make me realize who are people of their words, and who are nothing more but racist, sexist bigots.

Do you not see the hypocrisy here? You decry it on one hand and then lash out with it on the other.

Your post up to this point was good and thought inspiring, but then you devolve into this garbage. Too bad.

Exactly. Thank you for saying it more eloquently than I would have.

Try reading the entire paragraph again and not take the quoted section out of context.

And now – America’s first bi-racial President. At this point it doesn’t matter to me what letter is behind his name, I am again privileged to see history being made in my lifetime. For the most part, I can feel the excitement in the air. Sure there are those that still have the Religious Right (or Reich) mindset. The Urban dictionary defines it as “The 'Religious Reich' is a synonym for the Religious Right. The Religious Reich favor the death penalty and are against abortion. Generally regarded by the sophisticated as puritanical zealots, the Religious Reich would virtually erase all social advancements made by women, gays and lesbians over the last 100 years.“ To me that’s sad – the amount of hate reminiscent of the 60’s. The name calling and simply childish behavior. A true definition of poor sport and bad looser. It does make me realize who are people of their words, and who are nothing more but racist, sexist bigots.

I don't see any hypocrisy here, I see a well thought out comment on how a group of people could take a great time in our history and attempt to turn it into a disaster that would forever scar our country if they had their way.

Please don't turn this thread from what it is (Peoples thoughts and wonderments at what they have witnessed in their lives) to one of politically bashing each other for your differing opinions.

I'm sorry but I have to disagree. And let me preface by saying I stood up for her in a recent thread about a similar topic. This thread was about what she has witnessed in her lifetime. It started out all well and good, but I think she interjected a little too strongly about her viewpoint. I understand that what we see and what we feel about those things are intertwined, but I do feel that she went from history to commentary in that paragraph. Once again, I do not necessarily agree with the people she is attacking, but she did attack. She should have titled the thread "How I feel about what I have seen...". Then, and only then, I feel could she have been right (or reich) in telling her feelings. She chose to make this thread political, others are simply calling her on it.
My 2 cents, that's all.

As far as me attacking anyone have I quoted anyone or mentioned anyone by name? No I haven't because I've seen it EVERYWHERE. I spoke about my feelings about racism and the conflict I felt in my 2nd paragraph but not allowed to speak about it later? I obviously missed the memo that said we're not allowed to discuss our feelings.

The original intent of this thread was to not only take pride and joy in how far we've come but to also see where we still need to do some work. I'm sorry but feelings do play into it - at least for me. Feelings of pride, awe, wonder and yes the negative feelings of sadness and remorse over things that haven't changed that much.

[Y-NO-9-O]

As far as me attacking anyone have I quoted anyone or mentioned anyone by name? No I haven't because I've seen it EVERYWHERE. I spoke about my feelings about racism and the conflict I felt in my 2nd paragraph but not allowed to speak about it later? I obviously missed the memo that said we're not allowed to discuss our feelings.

The original intent of this thread was to not only take pride and joy in how far we've come but to also see where we still need to do some work. I'm sorry but feelings do play into it - at least for me. Feelings of pride, awe, wonder and yes the negative feelings of sadness and remorse over things that haven't changed that much.

Please take a second to step back and think about what you said. I never said you attacked any individual. For you to say you have seen it EVERYWHERE, means you see it in me. And I am sorry to report that you are woefully mistaken. So now you have, with one broad stroke of the brush, included EVERYONE who is not YOU in that statement. It is very much a fact that what you are saying is not true.
But for you to call the far-right the "Religious Reich" is a direct affront to THEIR beliefs. Yes, they do not concur with your beliefs, but they are entitled to theirs as much as you are yours. That, my dear, is an attack. Just the same as others on this board calling people left-wing nuts (or was it whackos), to which you take offense.
I feel one area WE ALL need work on is our "the other side is wrong" attitude. And I feel, and it is my opinion (shared by a few others here), that is exactly what you demonstrated in your post. Until we can all get past that BS (thanks LIPH) we will never realize our true potential. So please discard the righteous indignation (or is it lefteous indignation) and understand that the only way to change "the things that bother us so" is to TALK and not argue!
Again, my 2 cents (and in today's economy that's more like 1 cent!)

[moeron]

What I remember was Polio, Chicken pox. How many of us had the sugar cubes in school? I only know of 1 person who had polio. A kid down da block had it. it was the early 60's. I am 50, but, my Grandmother saw alot. She was born in 1881. The phone was 2 years old. She was married in 1903, A spinster at that age. She lived till 1983 died before her 102nd b-day. Just imagine what she lived thru. My Grandmother only lost 1 child. 1917 to the flu pandemic. At 95, she could say the alphabet backwards! Clear mind till the end. I have seen some, but, she saw a LOT!

[Nighthawk]

I have seen children born.
I have seen 10 month old children buried.

I have seen friends succeed.
I have seen friends die in a hospital bed.

I have seen friends overcome drug problems.
I have seen myself overcome drug problems.
I have witnessed what it is like to be confined to a very small place.
I have witnessed friends in a small confined area.
I have seen friends die from drug problems.

I have seen people I do not know die from tragic accidents.

I have seen family members die in a hospital bed.

I have witnessed many major acts perform in small venues when no one is around.

I have witnessed racial tensions in both school and work.

[karat]

on a light note (pun intended):

38 (okay were mom's but I know what they are) - 78 LP - 45 - 8 track - cassette - cd - micro chips!

oh yeah and so much more that it would take forever to write... I can say the most disappointing thing I have seen....

Today's kids (teens to twentys) are bad, no morals, no parental guidance, no work ethics....relax, I am not saying all, but to damn many

[Y-NO-9-O]

Spoken tonight by the next president of the United States:
"We will not always agree on everything in the months to come, and we will have our share of arguments and debates," Obama said. "But let us strive always to find that common ground, and to defend together those common ideals, for it is the only way we can meet the very big and very serious challenges that we face right now."
What I have seen in my 47 years on this planet pales in comparison to what I think we are capable of. God bless you all.
p.s. I have nothing but the utmost respect for you and your ideals ph4ever.

[C-Dawg]

As far as me attacking anyone have I quoted anyone or mentioned anyone by name? No I haven't because I've seen it EVERYWHERE. I spoke about my feelings about racism and the conflict I felt in my 2nd paragraph but not allowed to speak about it later? I obviously missed the memo that said we're not allowed to discuss our feelings.

The original intent of this thread was to not only take pride and joy in how far we've come but to also see where we still need to do some work. I'm sorry but feelings do play into it - at least for me. Feelings of pride, awe, wonder and yes the negative feelings of sadness and remorse over things that haven't changed that much.

Please take a second to step back and think about what you said. I never said you attacked any individual. For you to say you have seen it EVERYWHERE, means you see it in me. And I am sorry to report that you are woefully mistaken. So now you have, with one broad stroke of the brush, included EVERYONE who is not YOU in that statement. It is very much a fact that what you are saying is not true.
But for you to call the far-right the "Religious Reich" is a direct affront to THEIR beliefs. Yes, they do not concur with your beliefs, but they are entitled to theirs as much as you are yours. That, my dear, is an attack. Just the same as others on this board calling people left-wing nuts (or was it whackos), to which you take offense.
I feel one area WE ALL need work on is our "the other side is wrong" attitude. And I feel, and it is my opinion (shared by a few others here), that is exactly what you demonstrated in your post. Until we can all get past that BS (thanks LIPH) we will never realize our true potential. So please discard the righteous indignation (or is it lefteous indignation) and understand that the only way to change "the things that bother us so" is to TALK and not argue!
Again, my 2 cents (and in today's economy that's more like 1 cent!)

I have to agree with you and with Larry. It's obvious there is still work to be done in the area of tolerance....by BOTH sides.
IMO, calling a conservative Republican the "Religious Reich" is a derogatory term on par with calling a woman the "C" word, or our next President the "N" word. It does nothing more than stir up more hate, and when used against someone, it always escalates the argument. I'd love to see that term banned from use just as the other derogatory names mentioned have been.