Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 31 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
The 1960s were the roughest
Published Friday, January 25, 2008
Jerry Barney
When people say they think today’s cultural-political-whatever atmosphere in this nation is divisive, I have to remind myself that those people don’t remember the 60s very well. Either that, or they weren’t paying much attention then.
Compared with the 1960s, the United States’ atmosphere in the first decade of the 21st Century is downright cohesive. “Troubled” is the word that comes to my mind when I try to come up with an adjective with which to describe the 60.
Studying history tells me there were other periods of time in which the U.S. was as divided as in the 1960s. However, they didn’t occur in the nearly seven decades of my lifetime.
Before I get any farther into this, I should note that I am talking strictly about comparative periods of time in the United States. Things were very different at different times in different parts of the world. (Was that sentence equivalent to a triple negative?)
Also, I should note that there are good things to be said about the 60s. Some people think of the decade in terms of fun music, such as that by the Beatles and the Beach Boys — or in my case, Johnny Cash and Roger Miller. Hey, Lois and I were married during the 60s, and that relationship has lasted more than 44 years. I think we’ll make it the rest of the way. Our daughters, Jill and Sara, were born in the 60s.
And honestly, some of the rougher things about the 60s probably had to happen to bring about needed reforms.
But if one looks at decade itself, the 60s were a tough period to live through.
My “the 60s were worse than now” observation has come to my mind a whole bunch of times in this decade, and probably in the 90s, too. What particularly brings it to my mind now is the fact that I’m starting to read “Boom!” by Tom Brokow. In his “The Greatest Generation,” Brokow talks about the very significant contributions of the World War II generation. In “Boom!,” he shifts his focus to the Baby Boom generation — largely, the children of the World War II generation.
While “Boom!” is primarily about the “Boomers,” it is also about the 60s — the first generation that was largely shaped by the Boomers.
Most of the 60s, Brokow’s book reminds me, “warn’t pretty.” (My phrase, not his.)
Oh, the decade started out hopefully enough, with the Camelot administration of John F. Kennedy replacing the benign father figure Dwight Eisenhower administration. Youthful vigor replaced the tranquility that was later known as “Good Times.” It was a peaceful passing of the torch.
The Peace Corps represented idealism of the Kennedy administration. However, although JFK proposed ambitious legislation, he didn’t have the clout with Congress to get it passed.
Meanwhile, there was bitter racial turmoil in the nation, which involved brutal murders. It would only get worse before it got better. Probably, it represented necessary growing pains on the way to more racial equality. However, when all the bitterness became vicious violence, one had to think, “This can’t be happening in the United States!”
Then, the United States’ first presidential assassination since 1901 stunned the nation. For a short while, the shock and grief over JFK’s murder brought the nation together enough so that the new president, Lyndon Johnson, was able to get several pieces of very significant legislation approved by Congress.
In the meantime, however, problems in a once-little-known part of the world — Vietnam — continued to get more violent. The United States involvement there grew from a minor role in late 1940s and early 1950s to what was, for practical purposes, a full-fledged war by the mid-60s. Lots of young Americans were killed, and this is when the atmosphere in the United States really turned sour.
Events through most of the century, until this time, made many of the pre-boomers feel the United States was obligated to be a “world cop.” And at this time many felt America’s main world responsibility was to fight Communism.
However, many Baby Boomers (and others) saw things differently. They didn’t seem to think the United States should automatically always be the world cop. Also, many interpreted the Communism in Vietnam as being far less dangerous than that in the Soviet Union, China and Cuba.
The attitude toward American involvement in Vietnam wasn’t the only issue that divided United States at the time. More than anything else, however, it spurred bitter divisions throughout the United States about almost everything, including manners, morals and lifestyles.
The United States seemed to be coming apart. Many of the more radical persuasion spoke of this time as “The Revolution,” and didn’t feel United States was united anymore.
Probably the most divided year of the 60s was 1968. Many saw the Vietnam effort as the result of American idealism, but in every way, the failed military effort hurt the United States, its people and its image in the world. And the conflict came to a conclusion which was totally different from the original American objectives.
Some wounds really never heal. However, little by little, things became less bitter. Things continued to change throughout the 1970s, but no longer was revolution a widespread word.
There are still deep divisions in the nation. There probably always will be. But now, the divisions are those of visions. Some feel strongly that the United States should be moving in certain directions, while others have very different visions, some of which are in strong opposition.
Are there problems now? Sure! There always will be problems in this imperfect world.
But at least it’s not the 60s. I never want to live through anything like that again.
Jerry Barney is a Fergus Falls resident. He is a former newspaper editor in Otter Tail County
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by BobWilliams (Bob Williams) on January 25, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the Boomers are depicted much more accurately here: http://aofg.blogs.com/the_airing_of_grie...
Posted by bucksteel (anonymous) on January 25, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I read Cozmo's piece Bob, and it's interesting how he shapes the definition of "Baby Boomer" to fit his own preconceived thoughts. Almost every definition I've seen of "Baby Boomer" is "those who were born between 1946 and 1964" (Wikipedia, US Census Bureau). So his remark that "Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were born in '55, 10 years after the true Boomer(s)" (and are therefore not Baby Boomers) is so inaccurate as to be laughable. And calling Cheny and Newt "Boomers" when they were born in 1941 and 1943 respectively? His article has more holes in it than Swiss cheese.
Posted by BobWilliams (Bob Williams) on January 25, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not saying it's perfect, just like I think you could include someone born in '43 to be a boomer. It's a tad skewed, don't get me wrong, but I like it. Then again, I'm Gen X. 60's and 70's baby.
Posted by kathym (anonymous) on January 26, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have lived in Minnesota for 13 years. It was the biggest mistake I ever made in coming here, People here have no idea what goes on in other places in the states, namely, California. They think everyone in California is nuts just because they hear only bad things about celebrities. I don't think people here who grew up in the 60's know anything about the "real" 60's. Their attire is still from the Sears & JC Penneys catalog, and there is no progression. I have heard that in Northern Minnesota people never saw what musicians looked like, they bought their records in plain white wrappers... There is alot to be said here, but it would take up more time that I have. The times here haven't progressed much past 1975, so I would say that the 60's are like 10 years ago, and not 40 like it is other places.
Posted by chipmunk (anonymous) on January 26, 2008 at 2:05 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by mplsdude (anonymous) on January 26, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are going to get it now chipmunk. I bet your post doesn’t survive until 5:00 p.m.
Posted by chipmunk (anonymous) on January 26, 2008 at 2:19 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by lenny (anonymous) on January 26, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone I ever met in California was from someplace else.
Posted by mplsdude (anonymous) on January 26, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lenny, did you ever meet Pee Wee Herman?
Posted by lenny (anonymous) on January 26, 2008 at 2:36 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by old46guy (anonymous) on January 26, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I totally agree about not having any contact here in Fergus while growing up. I was born here in 1946, graduated from FFHS in 64 and went to college within 60 miles of here and between 1960 and 1969 the only people that I saw either at the FF Armory, Balmoral or in Fargo were Roy Orbison, Brian Hyland, Dell Shannon, Gene Pitney, The Byrds (David Crosby), Beatles (in MSP), Bobby Vee, Trashmen, Kingsmen, Wilson Picket, Bobby Freemen, the 5th Dimension, Peter, Paul & Mary, The Who, Steppenwolf and Bob Dylan. There were many more but being an Old Guy now I can't remember them all, these were the FEW that stuck out in my mind while I was completely "out of touch" with the reality of what was happening all over the rest of the world. Like the reality of 3 very good friends of mine from Fergus Falls HS who were killed in Viet Nam and hundreds of other classmates who fought in Viet Nam. Oh, wait, I'm not from CA so how can I even comphrehend anything outisde of ottertail County. DAHHHHHH
Posted by Redcloud (anonymous) on January 26, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Did I understand kathym correctly, she wants to hold Californians up as a group of clear thinking people who know what’s going on in the world because they are stylish dressers?
Posted by mplsdude (anonymous) on January 26, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I told you chipmunk!!!!
Posted by chipmunk (anonymous) on January 26, 2008 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This will be chipmunks final Post. I’m tired of having my posts removed by thin skinned censors, because I ventured past some imaginary line known only to the editor and subject to his unpredictable whims and paternalistic protection of readers minds. While allowing the most ill written, misspelled, slipshod, timid tripe to pass unfiltered to the reading public, when conceived by some journal employees.
Posted by lenny (anonymous) on January 26, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks a lot site staff. Chipmunk was the only thing worth reading here. Cancel my subscription.
Posted by mplsdude (anonymous) on January 26, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on chip, hang in there. Don’t let these humps get to you. You are the only reason I come here in the first place.
Posted by ffprofessor (anonymous) on January 27, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First Bob Williams, now chipmunk, I nominate the Fergus Falls Daily Journal for the Peabody Award in the
“Most Boring” category
Posted by old46guy (anonymous) on January 27, 2008 at 8:39 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by tracy (anonymous) on January 27, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Chipmunk this is sad. Its not like they were paying you, they got your writing for free. I wish you start again.
Posted by BobWilliams (Bob Williams) on January 27, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey man, the Grade A D-bags are in control of this train wreck.
I'm not surprised.
Posted by sweetpea (anonymous) on January 27, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well there goes the neighborhood. To bad, I enjoyed it while it lasted.
Posted by old46guy (anonymous) on January 27, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry STAFF I'll not call your rag the Fergus Falls Urinal again, promise.
Posted by andtongs (anonymous) on January 27, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh you crybabies make me sick. The pest is gone. Get over it. The world is a better place this morning.
Posted by Vampire (anonymous) on January 27, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What’s going on here? Posts are removed that had no profanity, no slander, no name calling what gives? It’s like Jerry Farwell or andtongs is in charge now. I know one thing, if I were an advertiser on this site I would demand a refund and lower rates until chipmunk comes back.
Posted by mplsdude (anonymous) on January 27, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I’ll bet the site staff have no idea who Woody Herman was.
Posted by Jerry (anonymous) on January 27, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on back Chip, they are just envious of your writing skills!
Posted by BobWilliams (Bob Williams) on January 28, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Do not fret kiddies, especially tongs who I know is wringing her hands in grief at Chip's departure. Rumor has it Chip will be showing up real soon at the haven for Spurinals. Off the Record, of course. www.areavoices.com/Human
Posted by tracy (anonymous) on January 28, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was going to say “I WANT MY CHIPMUNK” but now I know where to find him
Posted by mplsdude (anonymous) on January 28, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Bob, what will chip write about? Going on benders with you or what? If he hangs out in the same places you do, his tail will be in jeopardy.
Posted by lenny (anonymous) on January 28, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey everybody, chipmunk is back at Bobs blog.
Posted by lenny (anonymous) on January 28, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The chip and Bob show are tearing them up over there!!!!!!
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)