For most of my lifetime, I have lived in a youth oriented society. Age, wrinkles, grey hair, and slowness are eschewed by most of the younger generations. There is an overwhelming collective behavior among women, to color their hair, get breast implants and other cosmetic surgeries, wear layers of makeup, and dawn false eyelashes and false fingernails. Both sexes have become preoccupied with their bodies by engaging in running, cycling, working out, and participating in numerous sports. While their credentials and financial status, and their position in life provides them security and a false sense of self-worth, few of them possess wisdom.
There once was a time when elders were respected and looked up to for their wisdom. They were treated with kindness and some degree of reverence. This was especially true among indigenous societies. As an adolescent, my own grandmothers were dearer to me than any other adults in my life. I cannot say that my own grandchildren feel the same for me. Since my daughter’s return from deployment one month ago, she and my granddaughter have been living here with me. My granddaughter has not spoken ten words to me during that time. I gave up years ago, trying to establish relationships with my grandchildren. They barely acknowledge my existence. They live for the most part, un-disciplined, self-absorbed, and with their heads staring into their phones. I asked my granddaughter, when she came home from school yesterday, if any of her teachers had talked about the inauguration. She had no clue that it was a historic day. She did not know that we had just witnessed sworn in, our first ever female and black vice-president. And, she could have cared less.
Today I am grateful that we have a wise elder in our White House. Many complained that he is too old. They complained that Bernie Sanders (who would have also made a great president) was too old. I know that President Biden’s forty plus years of experience and his accumulated wisdom, is exactly what our country needs at this time in history. I do not know; however, how to change the prevailing attitudes about age. I am reminded of the 1970’s song by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, Teach Your Children. “Just look at them and sigh – and know they love you.”
