Reaganfan
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« on: March 12, 2012, 03:38:56 PM » |
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« edited: March 12, 2012, 03:54:42 PM by Reaganfan »
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Many, many people misconstrue my opinions when I reminiscence of the "Good Old Days". What were they? Were they the 1950s? Where the Russians were gaining in the Cold War, when racial tensions were building stronger in the South? Were they the tumultuous 1960s that radically changed America and the world? Were they the despondent 1970s? The egotistical 1980s?
I think too many people see a Reaganfan post called "The Good Old Days" and presume I'm speaking of the 1980s.
In actuality, what I speak of during my interminable stream of consciousness postings about the "glory days" of the United States with respect to popular culture, politics and history, is not only a recollection of 1980s culture, but looking back to a time when America truly was a different place.
What makes this significant is that in the general scheme of things, these times were not long ago at all. In fact, I would reckon that even the 1990s more closely resembled the America we all remember and love when compared and contrasted against the dystopian-like atmosphere that defines the 2010s, thus far.
When I say I admire and reflect positively on the 1950s, for example, that doesn't mean (as many liberals seem eager to jump at inconclusively) that I reflect positively on the civil rights violence and segregation of the 1950s. I mean, after all, if someone says they prefer music from the 1960s, does that mean they wish the Vietnam War was still going on? Of course not. When I say I admire the 1980s, that does not mean I look back positively on the crack epidemic or the horrific AIDS epidemic that took so many souls back during the decade. On the same token, I should note that just because my recollection of the 1990s is not as favorable as my yearning for earlier decades, that doesn't mean I don't miss many movies and much of the music of the 1990s. Indeed, my three favorite films were released in 1992, 1996 and 1998 respectively.
My three favorite films, all products of the 1990s.
What is driving the negatives in America, is a combination of the following:
Political Correctness - The incorrect thought process of "You can't say that" when, yes, indeed you can and you should.
Entitlements - More government handouts, more government involvement, more giving without doing anything or earn or deserve it. It is fitting that at a time when this is at an all time high, we also have a President who was elected on a platform of platitudes. Almost seems Orwellian doesn't it?
"I'm voting Obama." Is he a Governor or a Senator? "Uh...I don't know what those words are." Then why vote for him? "Cuz." BARACK OBAMA ELECTED PRESIDENT
Sense of Entitlement - America is founded on Capitalism, Freedom and Opportunity. Period. We had a "Cold War" that would have brought about nuclear Armageddon before communism. Think about that. Just 20 short years ago, we would've launched nuclear warheads before surrendering our Capitalistic society. Now, just a brief page turn later, we find citizens and sadly even some of our leaders acting as though Capitalism is not the American way, but rather the Utopian-like society of Europe. Moreover, people across the country feel "entitled" to everything. They are not. Period. They are entitled to Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness. Not free things because they feel like it. You're Americans. Don't forget.
Double Standards - By many accounts, I would be considered a sexist today. However, if it were 40 years ago, I'd be considered pro-feminism. That's how drastically and extreme things have changed. Although it's often called "close minded", I can't grasp how if a woman is so strong and independent, she should also feel obligated to something "because she's a woman". What I mean is, "Okay, you wanna be a strong feminist, be my guest...but don't let me ever hear you complain about something being unfair or unjust "because you're a woman". It's like when people would say, "I know it's hard, but you're a cop. You should be able to handle yourself." Same logic applies to feminists. With regards to race and culture, they're just words. If words upset people that much, then NEVER talk about Freedom of Speech.
Culture Cringe - Don't run away from your culture. Embrace it. Culture cringe is defined as an internalized inferiority complex which causes people in a country to dismiss their own culture as inferior to the cultures of other countries.
"Yo man wats up cracker jack fool yo?" You're a white guy. "RACIST!"
If these simple issues could be resolved, America would instantly become better. We can look to our past for examples. 60 years ago, it was much, much easier for children to get hold of firearms. But 60 years ago, there was not nearly the violence and/or school shootings we see today. So guns aren't the problem. That is obvious. Then what is? Let's zero in on what changed during the preceding decades that caused this sudden volt of violence, then we can roll up our sleeves and get to the cause of the problem. If the banks fail, let's start again. Let's not use taxpayer money to bail them out. You don't put a band aid on a broken bone. Don't bail out hopeless infrastructure.
It's very simple. Very simple, and that's what amazes me. If we come to terms with what we face, we can bring back the good old days.
Perhaps. Just perhaps.
Reaganfan
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