As time goes by, the light fades

As time goes by, the light fades

I was in a discussion with a friend the other day and, as we are both in our 40s, we discussed the virtues of our age group.

I would say this generation extends to those born by the mid-’70s. We are the last to see America in a simpler time and different mindset. Not to say we are better than younger generations, but we are more well-rounded for it.

One of the most important things, I believe, is that our mothers were home to raise us. Of course, these days most cannot survive on one income alone. Also, it seemed there was more freedom and people in general were looser and friendlier. I think part of this is due to the fact that there are more people, less job opportunity, and suburban isolation, rather than inner-city togetherness.

That last point is something I’d like to talk about. Being raised on the South Side of Youngstown was a magical time. Although we didn’t have many material things, we had an experience that younger generation will never see, I fear. You knew everyone on your block, and it seemed they genuinely cared about you. And if you screwed up, your neighbors would let you know about it.

You listened to them as if they were a set of sub-parents, because we were taught to respect our elders. Also as children we were more independent, because we could walk to where we wanted to go. Mill Creek Park was down the street, there were corner stores, the Newport Theater was a couple blocks away. As a 10-year-old, I would walk down to Idora Park by myself and stay all day, and my parents legitimately had no reservations in letting me. Today, the kids can’t even stand at a bus stop unsupervised for fear of what may happen to them.

I feel for the younger generations, because as time goes by, the spirit of Americana fades into the night. As we are more and more technologically advanced, I believe it proportionally is costing our humanity.

Thomas Bailey, Canfield