My daughter, the AngryWhiteGirl is seven years old. The biggest concern in her life is that she might get something for dinner that she does not like (like fish), and will be forced to eat it or go to bed immediately, without eating. Household money, or lack thereof, is not on her agenda. Neither are the pointless wars the country is involved in, the cost of gasoline, the overabundance of the tired, poor and huddled masses that enter the country illegally on a daily basis, or the broken healthcare system. She lives her life day to day, being a kid, making me laugh, annoying the cat and making sure that I am available to read to her at bedtime. Not a worry in the world.
I have been reflecting on this recently, and went back and thought about my tenure as a seven year old. 1968 was a turbulent year, with Vietnam, assassinations and decay of society. I realized that I, at that time, was oblivious to all that, as well, and my only concern was whether or not I would be home at 4:00 to watch Mr. Cartoon.
I began to lament on what the next ten years would be like for her. Is it getting worse, or is it the same shit that has been recycled from my childhood, just packaged in different forms?
My son, AwesomeWhiteBoy, was seven years old seven years ago. He was five when the when the fucking ghoulies crashed the planes, but at age seven, remembered everything he saw on the magic box in detail. It left him with intrepid fear that, at any moment, it could happen again, and has made him defensive, strong and on guard. He began martial arts at age seven and now possesses a black belt (3rd degree), and is bigger than most of the adults in his classes, regularly defeating them in demonstrations. But his view on the world is a negative one. Some of that came from the ambush, some of that comes from me. I’m not sure I have done things right there. But, things have not changed much from age seven to fourteen in the world, and it’s all he knows now. Will things stay the same for my daughter?
Have things been the same all along? In 1968, financial problems were about to break loose, creating early seventies “recessions”. Gas prices were going up, and there were gas shortages because of tensions in that litter box on the other side of the world. Vietnam was a daily bloodbath and soldiers were dying…for what? California, Arizona, Texas, and of course, New Mexico (the name just invites those seeking a better life) had their illegal problems, it just had not expanded North yet. The healthcare system…seemed like a respectable profession to be in at one point, began to be corrupted by doctors doing unscrupulous things.
So it appears that it’s all the same, whether it be now, seven years ago, or forty-three years ago, when I was seven. The fifties had the threat of the “Reds” pushing the button. The forties had the Big War, the thirties had the Great Depression. Same stuff- recycled packaging. Strangely, after processing all of this, I felt like my daughter will just survive it, like we all have. The future, always full of hope, but rarely comes to that fruition, is really exactly what it used to be.-The counterpoint of that great philosopher, Yogi Berra.
I didn’t like fish when I was seven either.
The Angry White Guy is Chris, a person I’ve known since… oh, I don’t know, pre-first grade? Something like that. He is the man responsible for the world famous Gargoyle Letters, and a million other crazy real-life stories I hope to re-post at the website soon. In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this piece as much as I did. -Jeff
It seems as though AwesomeWhiteBoy could kick my lazy white ass.
Kinda like mexican food – same ingredients, just rolled-up differently.
I try to keep my kids on their toes, I don’t let them live in a fantasy world. For example, I made it perfectly clear that Santa Claus is bullshit as soon as they could talk. And I like to involve them in little games such as, “Go out and find $2,000 by the 5th or we’re gonna lose the house!” Then I send them out to get cash by whatever means necessary – I don’t ask any questions. I think this gives them a nice healthy view of how shitty the world really is.
11:07 PM in Nome, Alaska, and there iis actually CocaCola spurturting out my nose. Jason, THAT was funny!
My son has lived in his rose colored glass world until recently when at 23, he bought his first house. He used to laugh at my rantings about what a pain in the ass homeownership can and always will be.
He’s not laughing now after his sump pump shit the bed on Monday.
I agree with the AWG, it all comes back around.
I forget what comedian said this, but it was: “I can’t believe how much smarter my Dad got after I turned 30!”
I shared that with my own Dad, and thanked him for always being there for me.
It’s the rise and fall of civilizations…and eventually, everything gets worse, and then it gets better. Life is a cycle, and you just have to hang on long enough to get to the high points to make sure you’re taken care of in the low points. Life can be shitty, but if you pull yourself up by your bootstraps, you’ll be able to conquer whatever life throws at you.
AWG…
Terrific post. In some ways, sometimes, you are capable of thinking smaller than the rest of us. Clearly, you are also able of thinking bigger. Well conceptualized, well organized, well written. Thanks.
jtb
…and not to be excessively deconstructionist, your open/close circle is just right. It looks easy, but it’s quite difficult to pull off seamlessly and within the context of the piece. Across the board, a fine piece of writing.
jtb
Thank you, JTB. Sometimes, I can rip things off the top of my head, in five minutes, which is what this took. Sometimes, I overthink, which can pull me fifteen different directions. Instant thought are sometimes the most productive. Anyway, I appreciate your thoughts.
Glad to see you back at it AWG… Yes, the world is full of problems and people are full of solutions. To bad no one is listening.
Everyone thinks their problems are bigger than everyone else’s. Just like this winter will be the coldest or warmest anyone can remember.
In 10 yrs it’ll be the same. That’s why I don’t consider myself any particular political party.
If (President) created a billion jobs (Party that is not the president) will blow it off.
If (President) fucks up a billion jobs (Party that is not the president) will accuse them of treason.
I say no more 3 year election cycles. You have 3 months every 4 years to declare your candidacy, debate, raise money, and vote. That’s it. If you violoate those rules the same fuckers that run the NCAA bitch slap you with sanctions.
Like you can run, but you have to give up one electoral vote per state you won or one entire state decided by the losing party.
I love the guest posts. I miss the old school more frequent guest posts.
As a kid halfway between generation y and generation x, I have to say, your daughter is lucky to be happily oblivious. I was a sophomore in high school on 9/11 and since one of the pilots of flight 4 was (Tom Mcguinness) a father of one of my classmates, shit got real, real fast. I never felt safe or like our country was oorah! strong after I found out the pentagon got hit. I hope to maintain my own future childrens’ innocence as long as possible. Life’s too short to agonize over bills and war and death.
I agree with johnthebasket. Very well written and poignant. Thanks.
I miss Mr. Cartoon…. but not Beeper – fuck that guy.
Yeah, Beeper cheapened the show. A combo of the four Banana Splits costumes. I think Mr. Cartoon (AKA Jules Hoffman, the weatherguy) was high when he did the show. Hence, the big wayfarer sunglasses.
Nicely done indeed, AWG!
And when I was seven we practiced duck-and-cover in the school hallways to protect (!?!?) us from the atomic bombs that were purportedly heading our way. Really shapes one’s world view…
Lucid indeed. The future is exactly what it used to be. Good post AWG.
I expected something involving bowel movements; I enjoyed this much more. I always seem to agree with JTB’s opinions and this time is no exception. Well done in terms of content as well as structure.
I feel smarter by osmosis this morning.
Thanks AWG.
holy shit, what happened? i blinked and there were a dozen more comments. you guys must hover over your computers.
oh, sorrry awg, i meant to mention that i love your guest posts. i don’t always agree, but enjoy them anyway.
It’s the same stuff, different decades. As the years go by, the government and media find different terms to call the same mess. Depression became recession. You don’t get fired any more- you get resourced. It’s all a name game so you’ll feel a little better about how fucked up things really are.
remember – you’re not broke – you’re in a financial downturn!
I need a “like” button.
AWG – I grew up in the 60’s and was much like your son because of Vietnam. I have a huge family and when I was a very young boy, I can remember going to the airport and watching my Uncles, cousins and neighbors going of to war and then being there when they returned. It made a huge impact on me. My dad was a WWII vet so service was big in my family. I grew up thinking the world was a nasty place and then when I joined the Air Force, it confirmed all of that for me. I have shielded my kids from it the best I can, but no matter how hard you try, you can’t protect them from it forever.
These Guest Posts are fantastic, by the way!
I’m guessing the fish wasn’t too excited about dinner either.
The fish is ALWAYS more excited than AngryWhiteGirl eating it. You would think I offered her a plate of turds when she sees it.
Thanks to all for the good words.
I can’t figure out if things are better or worse in our little microcosm that we live in and think is so important. I can remember being a little kid of about 5 year old in the 1960s and not being able to sit down and eat a hamburger at a lunch counter with my daytime-sitter Annie Mae. Now we have an African American president. Like him or not, this represents a huge improvement for us as a society. On the other hand, I can think of numerous things are not going so great these days.
That being said, it is good to remember that the world (the universe, whatever) does not need us. It will go on as it always has after we are no longer a part of it. Kind of takes the pressure off, doesn’t it?
Late to the party…
Great post AWG. Reminded me of growing up in the 60’s/70’s. As they say..The more things change, the more they stay the same. All too true.
Well done!
I used to think that I was unique and that there was something new a different around the corner.
No anymore. No I realize that we’re all just standing in line and sooner or later some pervert is going to make love to our asses while saying, “Pain is weakness leaving the body.”
Will Amanda Knox marry me, now that she’s free? I don’t even mind the herpe canker that occasionally breaks out on her upper lip. I would gladly catch herpes from her any time, any where.
And with all the book and movie money you two can travel to Italy whenever you want.
Good post, AWG. Although it seemed more thoughtful than angry, which is fine.
I grew up in the 1960s too, what with all the assassinations, riots, Vietnam, etc. As a result, I thought that was normal.
.
Good job AWG!
You’re not imagining things folks, things are gradually running down – you, me, the world & the known universe must all obey the 2nd law of thermodynamics which states that the entropy of any system must increase. Entropy is a fancy way of saying state of decline. Witness the Steelers – a perfect example of entropy at work. Or the Yankees. Or Congress.
We all must obey the laws of physics; we have absolutely no say in the matter. Sorry, but I didn’t invent the system.
“On the other hand, you have different fingers.” Steven Wright
Famous paraphrase of the Laws of Thermodynamics:
1. You can’t win.
2. You can’t break even.
3. You can’t get out of the game.
.