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    Coming to Terms with the Social Strata

    Being Frank
    ,

    Generational thoughts are not new, nor are they lost on anyone. We all feel the occasional need to contemplate where we’ve come from or where we’re going. It all depends on your age or state of mind – or both.

    I found myself watching a documentary about Gregory Peck not long ago, and it got me thinking about the ever-shifting generational gap. I have many friends who are younger than me, and I cringe ever so slightly whenever they question me about some social figure whose name I may bring up in conversation. Once I get over the incredulous gut reaction, I realize that, yeah; it’s easy to see how they may not know who so-and-so is and what relevance they may have to the conversation. I’m sure that names like Rudy Vallée or Tom Mix brought out far greater thoughts of relevance and nostalgia to my parents than they did for me. So I tend to avoid bringing up long-forgotten names in general conversations these days to avoid the blank stares. This is something that becomes more of a regular occurrence than an anomaly as one ages. It’s a pity, as these are opportunities for enlightenment that we all too easily give up for the sake of etiquette or acceptable social behavior. Once people drop off the social radar, they quickly become shadows in that collective rear-view mirror. After all, it’s in our nature to focus our attention forward, not backwards. But how about downwards?

    Back to that thought regarding generations. For me, the past is not so much behind us as it is below us; not contemptuously, but supportively. As people fade from our social consciousness, they become a form of sedimentation; a social strata, if you will, that provides the inspirational foundation for our actions going forward. Whether it’s a sense of style or behavior, we encapsulate the essence of those who came before us and use it to shape the foundation for who and what we will become in the future. The greater a person’s impact on that social consciousness, the stronger the essence and thus the stronger that foundation becomes. After a time, we may not recognize the names or even the faces of those who came before us, but we certainly recognize their essence.

    Gregory Peck was a wonderful and entertaining actor and a very interesting human being (if that name is lost on you, please click here.) There are those who may not remember his name or his face, but we all have been exposed to the quality of his craft and his predilection for memorable storytelling. It was a presence that has instructed and inspired many who followed in his footsteps, and it has evolved into a strong, supportive strata that continues to define the art he so loved while he walked among us.

    Yes, generational thoughts are definitely not new. But consider this the next time they cross your mind: What will your essence bring to the greater social discourse? In the end, after all is said and done about who and what you are, will your legacy become part of a generational gap, a passing fad, or a supportive layer that may inspire generations to come far beyond the remembrances born of mere flesh and bone?

    4 responses to “Coming to Terms with the Social Strata”

    1. Maria Potter Avatar
      Maria Potter

      Spot on Frank.  Coincidentally this past week I experienced a glimpse of how long and wide the generational margins have widened with the passing of Donald Sutherland. I mentioned it to a friend of mine, who is only a decade older than me and she had no idea who I was talking about. 

      In an era marked by cultural shifts, the generational gap has become as you indicated, increasingly pronounced. I really  beleive this divergence is not merely a matter of age but a complex interplay between fads that capture fleeting attention and the lack of understanding to recognize the legacies that stand the test of time.

      One gets the feeling that we are either getting too old or that we are generationally at crossroads as a society when we base value systems  with those of the Kardashians or JLO.  

      This is an important dialogue to have Frank and a teaching moment between the generations to learn that by fostering understanding and respect between generations, society can navigate the challenges of this disparity, ensuring that both new trends and enduring values contribute to a richer, more cohesive cultural tapestry. Thank you for igniting thought and discussion.

      Reply
      1. Being Frank Avatar
        Being Frank

        Maria – thank you for your insightful note. How interesting that someone older than you would not have known Donald Sutherland – someone who was clearly in their milieu. But that does underscore what you noted, in that our perceptions of generations past and present have been affected, not by who was represented, but how and why. You noted the Kardashians and JLO, and they’re great examples. The marks they have made (and continue to make) have been superficial in nature if we compare them to the intergenerational changes of times past. I don’t mention that as a way to demean these folks. It’s just that they established a trend based on goals and attitudes that are very self-centric. This aligns with fads that, as you so astutely noted, capture the fleeting attention of a younger generation fighting for recognition and relevance. IMHO, this is why certain fads (particularly in the areas of fashion and music) tend to be cyclical. We do need to understand what we’ve learned from generations past – not from just our parents or grandparents, but beyond. We need to recognize that our lives have become imbalanced; there is way too much “me” or “I” instead of “we” or “us”. There is nothing wrong in focusing on the self, but we have to take a hard look at the consequences that are to be paid for that kind of myopic existence. Thanks again for writing!

        Reply
    2. chaspierro42 Avatar
      chaspierro42

      Yup Frank! 50 or a hundred years from now who may remember Taylor Swift, or what impact legacy she & many other Now Generation stars may have left. I still feel fortunate to hold tightly onto the gifts that were let to us by ‘Ole Blue Eyes’ Frank, soulful Billie Holiday, Ella, Sarah, Bobby Darin et al. And lest we ever forget Gable, Garbo, Hepburn, Tracy, Davis, de Havilland, Olivier, Leigh, et al. I feel more fortunate t that I have been able to share these sounds & film memories with my children. While they may have their own current favorites, they can appreciate and learn from these memories that still brings joy one’s eyes, ear & heart.

      Chas

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      1. Being Frank Avatar
        Being Frank

        Chas – thank you so much for your insights. Yes, there have been some amazing artists in the past century who redefined their given field(s) of endeavor. History and the whims of future generations will gauge what impact these folks within our current society have on the next. But each of us should look inward to assess what portions of our own heart, mind, and spirit we’ve added to that ubiquitous generational time capsule. All of us provide some measure of inspiration, calm, peace, wisdom, happiness, forbearance, and hope through our interactions with others. It’s these imperceptible moments that define the best of who we are and what we leave behind through meaningful impressions. You have led a wonderful life and touched so many with your kindness, heart, and bountiful spirit. You have left such warm impressions on so many; I being one of those. These are the actions that create legacies; these are the actions that define history. Thanks again for writing!

        Reply

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