It is well known in sociology that adult societies commonly complain that youthful generations usurp popular public life. The real reason for this usurpation in any era, when it occurs, is likely that an energetic youth generation is emerging to adulthood, and wants to form its own image. It feels that the older generation has missed something. The feeling may be real, or alleged. The young feel that somehow their power begins with a kind of puckish rebellion against the establishment. This is aided by other forces. At this writing it relates to the economy and entertainment. The young generation is provided with much of transient wealth, often gained through troubled parents of the children. The young are the spenders. Some culture is purchased by the spenders. Such a society becomes materialistic, and that too helps form culture, a culture that carries some of its parts onward when youths become adults. A scholar of this phenomenon has followed the habits of the Boomer generation since 1945. As the 20th century and millennium turned, the predictions of self interest in the Boomers became a major topic in predicting what would happen to them and society in their retirement years. Those predictions have not been, generally, complimentary for Boomers. It may be a spoiled generation. Society is affected by the excesses.
On February 27, 2011 the Oscar Award Show was broadcast to the World. The program was glitzy; a show of women’s fashion (one lady changed her dress six times during the celebrations); a show of men, who either needed shaves or better beards; a show of little speeches that were repeated over and over (winners were thankful, and love their families); a show that needed coaching for better use of language and self-control (even though these were actors who ought to avoid expletives in public address, and to use proper diction and voices in basic simple declarative sentences); and, so the story goes. I would not watch future programs unless I was seeking evidence for an evaluation. Where is right sophistication for purpose? The program became a drag. Timing was poor. The male host was wooden, tied to a monitor.
Monday morning, I picked up the Wall Street Journal to see what might have been written about the event. The paper noted that The King’s Speech had won, as was widely predicted and approved. (I remember when the speech was given at the outset of the entry of England into World War II.) I have been told by many that the film is superb. I will see it, and be pleased, as it also deals with my own education in communications through to a doctoral degree. WSJ did not accent the film, but did note the Awards program was directed toward the youth generation that will likely support films that are not grown up. Sorry about that. (The winning film is certainly for the mature.) The article noted that the program had a drop this year in viewership. Critics agreed in general that the program was unsatisfactory. The criticism was the greater in that there was reference to an MC of some years earlier who was tabbed as the poorest choice for the purpose – until this one. Reluctantly, one reporter prefers a return of the former MC.
At this writing, the generation emerging is identified as benighted. Education is said to be inferior to previous levels; distractions are shallow; and, males in the population give lesser attention to maturation. Female population has done better, but not as well as hoped for; and, language, grooming, goal setting, value keeping, have declined. The pattern is generally related to family failure and individualism without direction. My analysis might continue with similar generalizations. Our purpose as a nation and culture may improve, but we seem unsure. Happily, there are many exceptions to this sketch. Culture is in need of some divine intervention. It is some sort of tragedy that the popular media find it difficult to carry values with its magnificent technology, and that on big days, in an auditorium full of well garbed men and women, hoping for the best productions and performances of the professions, the presentations can be so ordinary. The viewer/listener is impressed that responders love their families, offer appreciation to those who helped them reach pinnacles, and seem like normal persons – especially for those who are behind the cameras and microphones. The Kennedy presentations of professionals who have made large contribution to their fields illustrate more sophisticated programs honoring cultural achievers. This last is more sophisticated and accents the affirmative factors in persons and culture. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020