Re: Stuck in the 60s without drugs
DrMiloB@aol.com
Wed, 8 May 1996 08:00:46 -0400
. . .and perfection did elude us. . .and many idealistic hopes, dreams, and
expectations, were dashed against the cold, hard reality of human inadequacy
and fallibility. . .and some among us may have been motivated by less than
genuine altruism and social concern. . .and, certainly, some were victimized,
and some overwhelmed by the chaos and anarchy that inevitably accompanies
significant social upheaval and change. Yes, I admit it!! The sixties'
experiences and memories are as diverse as the individuals who relate them.
Admitting human fallibility, imperfection, and the fact that not all
sixties' activists may be eligible for sainthood, does little, I think, to
diminish the significant accomplishments of the various movements. Certainly
we partied, many of us to celebrate our new found freedom, others merely to
celebrate life. And yes, I'll admit this too; sex, drugs, and rock and roll
were a favorite component of the celebration. But the implication that the
struggle for equality, peace, social justice, etc., was not a struggle at all
but merely a facade behind which pampered, self-indulgent, self-righteous,
egotistic late adolescents could smoke dope, get laid, dance to the music,
and escape the "hardships" of reality, does us all a disservice and, more
importantly, demeans the suffering and deaths of those who sacrificed so much
in our behalf.
Let history record it all; the good, the bad, and the ugly. But be
vigilant to ensure that history records it accurately.
DrMiloB@aol.com