We’ve all heard how much better it was to live “back in the day,” right? When life was slower and much more laid back and calm. Yeah, I know you’ve at least heard about it from somebody. Your mom or grandparent, someone. Just ask somebody you trust. I’m talking about the 50s/60s era vs. today.
Then
They’ll probably tell you that back then they didn’t have to lock their doors at night because the world was a safer place. And that then people kept their jobs longer or they could change jobs if their bosses didn’t pay them enough, and get another by the end of the day. And then children entertained themselves by playing outside and using their imagination for long periods of time. Or how then they could ride their bikes over to a friend’s house as long as they came home before dark. They’ll probably mention that then the children had more respect for their parents and elders, and discipline was doled out regularly. The crime rate was much lower then, and neighbors helped neighbors. They might add how much easier it was to buy a house or land. They slept better at night, too because they worked so hard during the day at their homes and jobs. Then when a woman got married, she assumed the role of housewife and stay-at-home-mom in most homes.
Now
Thieves break into locked homes now. Their is little to no job security. Now children entertain themselves with video games, computer, tv, iphones, ipads, cell phones with games, texting, internet, etc. Now it’s not safe to ride bikes anywhere because sexual predators are so prevalent. And because now social media is so polluted with ungodly behavior, attitudes, language, etc., it’s hard to raise proper, respectful teens and tweens now. Not impossible, but hard. When children don’t have appropriate role models in their life, or have
tex playing video games (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
dysfunctional families, problems ensue. Now a lot of times discipline in the home is not as effective because there are no consequences or consistency in the punishment. Teens talk back more now and get away with more, especially if there is an absent/deceased parent. Crime now is rampant. Our neighbors move out of the neighborhood more frequently now and we don’t really get the chance to know them. Some work nights and are asleep during the day. Most of them aren’t as “neighborly” as they were back then. It’s not as easy to buy a house now, or land in this present economy crisis. AKA The Great Recession. Many people don’t sleep well or have sleep disorders now, probably due to being overly stressed. We’re not as physically active now as we used to be. And housewives and stay-at-home-moms are almost non-existent now (except on tv) because both spouses work outside the home. Most households own two or more vehicles. Now couples accumulate much higher debt and feel both parties have to work full time jobs with some taking on second jobs.
That’s it. So…what do you think? Having a reasonably good idea how each era lived/lives–which of the two eras would you choose to live in–then or now?
Just curious. Thanks for viewing.
*These are random views of people I’ve spoken with in day-to-day conversation. I don’t have any real statistics.
Related articles
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- What, Me Marry? – Kate Bolick via The Atlantic In the 1990s,… (underpaidgenius.com)
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