Regrets over ‘60s will shape 21^st century activism

 

Wednesday's column focused on the aging of Baby Boomers and their antagonism and possible struggle with their children. It was suggested that in the 21st century, an event may trigger an outright rebellion by Baby Boomers again.

This time the enemy will be their own adult children who increasingly find their parents costly both socially and economically.

By 2015-21, there should be a vast number of people who are "old." The graying of America should cause alarm to the generation paying the taxes — the children of the Baby Boomers.

Surely, it is not difficult to imagine these two groups struggling over how much will be allotted for Social Security, medical care and housing.

If it is the killing of a prominent leader (like the assassination of President Kennedy) or some other event, Boomers may hit the streets again. But this time, expect something different from them.

If you talk to folks who grew up in the '60s, you'll know their regrets include use of hard drugs, indiscriminate sexual relations and arrogance: their excesses in troubling times. The next time around, protest will be downright redemptive.

For those who are around in the first and second decades of the 21st century, watch for orderly reformist marches, Look forward to peaceful sit-ins where policemen who escort demonstrators to jail will be honored if not embarrassed by the kindness of the protesters.

If the Boomers, who form fields of gray, march, they will do so for not only their own self-interest but for other causes that will affect generations to come. The most articulate and most affluent of the "movement," of course, will look surprisingly young because of advanced technology in cosmetic surgery.

Expect protests that had obscenities in the •60s to be replaced with prayers to Christ, Moses, Buddha and Krishna or to a generic god.

On cable and on radio, there should be numerous stations featuring songs of the •60s. A recent poll of young and old, asked to name their favorite "all time" bands, ranked the Beatles, Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys as the top groups. But expect to hear a host of other groups like the Grateful Dead, the Doors, the Moody Blues.

Be prepared to see young entertainers who are "look-alike" copy bands that either sing or lip-synch records of the big groups of the '60s. The bands will fill coliseums of oldsters, who want to relive their youth by seeing their favorite rock group as they did in the '60s.

You probably will also see Boomers helping the poor, the handicapped, the troubled in both public and private sectors. Expect the death of a member of the movement who died of natural causes will beckon hundreds, if not thousands, to the funeral.

There will also be an air of excitement for those in the movement. It will be a time of talking with old friends about times past and hopes for the future. The sense of community and the ability to have the time to talk with friends until the early morning will be part of the 21st century for these oldsters.

In other words, they are going to do it right next time around. Meantime, the movement may really be more about feelings than protest and ideology. It will also show other generations there was a second part or a third act to the '60s, and it will come to pass in the 21st century.

It will be a time of high hopes. Then, in fits and starts, it, too, shall pass.

 

Joel Snell is a professor of social science at Kirkwood Community College.

Published in the Cedar Rapids Gazette: Thursday, August 6, 1992