I grew up in the 1960s and 1970s. Referred to as “hippies” we wore long hair, beads, ragged jeans and moccasins. We listened to rock music, had “sit-ins” and “love-ins” and marched in the streets. Our cry was “love not war” and the peace sign became our symbol.
Parents didn’t know how to handle us and the harder they clamped down, the more we rebelled.
President Nixon declared drug abuse as “public enemy number one,” while the senseless war in Vietnam raged on.
My generation didn’t change the world, but we left our mark.
I think the youth of today are making a difference in a much more meaningful way than we did.
These young people have been raised by us “baby boomers” in a more gentle and loving way. Gone is the idea that corporal punishment by parents and teachers is a good thing. These children were given choices and encouraged to be whoever they wished to be, educated more freely and fully. They have grown up with diversity and travel and all of this has resulted in the development of a much more accepting, tolerant, caring human being.
We have seen this younger generation make their voices known through the Occupy Movement, an international movement against social and economic inequality and the lack of real democracy around the world. Their goal is to develop new forms of democracy and advance social and economic justice.
On the nightly news, we see young people protesting against what they see as corrupt regimes.
Young voters recently played a large role in the outcome of the British elections, with analysts calling it a “youthquake.”
We are also beginning to see young leaders come into power, our own Prime Minister Justin Trudeau being one of ten of them around the world right now.
And who of us doesn’t admire Malala Yousafzai, known for her human rights advocacy and the youngest ever Nobel Prize laureate.
Over the course of time that I was covering events and writing stories for this paper, I had the privilege of meeting many of Summerland’s own youth. I was always so impressed by how aware they were of the larger world around them and how they were actually working in a practical way to make a difference. I would always make a point of telling them what a great sense of hope they were giving me and how much I admired them.
I am sure that everyone in our community has noticed the courteous, helpful, smiling young people who are working at our local businesses. I thank them for their patience and kindness, especially towards our seniors.
I can’t help but think that once the older generations finally stand aside and let this capable younger generation take over, we just may see the peace and love in the world that we “hippies” envisioned.
Carla McLeod is a long-time Summerland resident.
