A Kinder, Simpler, Gentler Era

For many of us members of the Baby Boomer generation, we often look back on the era when we were growing up as being a kinder, simpler, gentler era. Whether Paul Simon's original lyrics of his song "Kodachrome" where he wrote "everything looks worse in black and white," or his later interpretation and view, where he changed those words to be "everything looks better in black and white," are the reality, there can be little doubt that we are living now in far different times. My two sons, who are in their twenties, never remember a time before color television, personal computers, and video game systems, nor do they remember a time before cable and satellite system. They can hardly relate to the fact that even in the metropolitan New York City area, there used to be only Channels 2 (CBS), 4 (NBC), 5 (Pre-FOX independent), 7 (ABC), 9 (Pre-Fox Independent), 11 (Independent), and 13 (PBS). They don't remember even having that few premium movie channels!

The recent passing, literally back-to-back of Barbara Billingsley, and Tom Bosley, brought back memories for me of those simpler days. Ms. Billingsley, 94, was June Cleaver, the prototypical 1950's mom on the classic "Leave It To Beaver" show. Mrs. Cleaver, who was Wally and Theodore's (the Beaver) mom, was never seen in anything but a skirt or dress, and her principle concern was her home, her boys, and her husband Walt (a dentist). Tom Bosley, 83, appeared as Mr.C (Mr. Cunningham) in "Happy Days," and was the prototypical 1950's dad (although the show appeared in the 1970's). Mr. C had two children, his son Richie (played by the now famous director Ron Howard, when he had hair), and his daughter Joannie (played by Erin Moran). Of course, Mr. C also had major interactions with The Fonz (portrayed by Henry Winkler). Mr. Cunningham was the stabilizing force between his wife, children, community, and The Fonz, and often offered innocent advice and leadership.

To many, the fifties represented innocent times, prior to the turbulent decade of the 1960's. The President, of course, for most of that decade, was Dwight D. Eisenhower, who is generally remembered more as a General during World War II, and his personal chef, who later opened the famous New York City restaurant, "Headquarters," and for his love of golf, than for his Presidential leadership. His era was a calm one, with no wars or major uprisings during that period. After the depression of the late 20's and 30's, and the war of the 40's and early 50's, and before the wars and domestic conflicts, etc. of the 1960's, it should not be surprising that so many people have pleasant memories of that era.

Were the fifties actually calmer, kinder, gentler, and simpler than today? Undoubtedly, in many ways they were simpler. There was much more emphasis on personal contact, personal relations, and humanity toward each other than we seem to often exhibit today. Of course, it was before the era of advanced technology and telecommunications, and media and news that bring current events and tragedies into our homes twenty-four hours a day. Were people any gentler? Probably not, but I have come to believe that Paul Simon was actually more correct with his revised lyrics, "Everything looks better in black and white."