I've been accused of falsely portraying the "Good Old Days". Bill Dennis had the nerve to suggest they never existed. I think it was Prego Man who wrote I was losing it if I even so much as batted a dreamy eye lash at the past.
There are many truths, and in this case, it is all in the eye of the beholder. I readily admit (and wrote) some things are, in fact, better these days. I also wrote that I'm thankful to those who fought for the closer-to-but-not-quite-equal-rights I now enjoy.
I admit I've been a bit down lately, which typically causes me to curl up in front of late night television and watch old black and white movies. They are kind of a non-fat comfort food for me. If I relented and indulged in real comfort food, I wouldn't fit through the door by weeks end. So I cuddle up in my softest sweats, drink hot chocolate and get suckered into a different time.
I think we live in harsh times.
Others find them liberating.
When I think of the "Good Old Days" (1950s, 1960s), I think of good manners.
Others think of subservience.
I think of classy clothes, big hats, gloves, long coats.
Others think of tight girdles, hot wool suits, padded bras.
I think of men helping a woman with her coat (totally sexy BTW), opening her door, giving up his seat on the bus.
Others think of male dominance and female servitude.
I long for just one day of not hearing cars playing ghetto blasters so loud my bedroom windows shake.
Others are enjoying their version of a joy ride.
I long for just one day of not hearing anyone swear.
Others are reveling in their right to free speech.
I long for just one day of not watching female co-workers attempting to soothe their off-spring by phone from the office, instead of at home with a cookie and a kiss.
Others are doing what it takes to pay the bills, or have it all, or at least juggle it all.
I long for just one day where I don't hear an annoying ring tone/cell phone in an inappropriate area/situation.
Others are relieved that the babysitter was able to reach them and let them know Junior just threw up and has a temperature of 105 degrees.
I long for one day where I don't seen some tweenager baring her midrift, complete with belly ring and tattoo for attention.
Others are happy that kids these days have the freedom to express themselves.
I'm not above throwing a good cussing hissy fit. I've been known to blast The Rolling Stones on the highway during long road trips. No one hates control top pantyhose or loves denim more than Polly. As far as the exploitation of women, hell, I've probably posted as many pics of Scarlet Johanssen as anybody. I've posted more of her than my husband, Russell Crowe! Moreover, I'll have you know that Polly owns not just one Wonderbra, but two!
I KNOW the Good Old Days weren't perfect. They were undoubtedly flawed. I have no doubt that some things/situations today are vastly improved over yesteryear. In my opinion, some lovely gestures and romantic elements were lost in the battle for progress. Lately, as society strikes me as increasingly hostile and over aggressive, I miss those lovely and romantic things, dearly.
Allow me my rose colored Jackie O glasses. Sometimes, they are my most prized and comforting possession.
