The baby boomer generation introduced to and nurtured by television. The role television played in our lives. Our generation grew up on actors whose performances would touch our hearts and souls. Leave a lasting impression and awaken our consciences. For these actors were more than actors, they themselves were required to pay their dues before they could claim the title of a star. They were not ordinary men and women, they knew the future depended on the generation in which they were preparing mentally, and morally, to meet, challenge, and overcome.
What attracted this generation to stay tuned to their favorite TV series? What charisma did these stars possess to facilitate such enchantment? What common bond did they share with each other uniting them as close as family?
They made us laugh and they made us cry. The roles they played took little rehearsal. For they were the characters they were playing, Living the times of yesterday, as well as the present. Didn't we feel every word spoken, every emotion expressed? The plot in the movie had no ending, for it became a part of our lives.
In 1955, I still remember my reaction, at the age of six. Watching Mike Fink eat his hat, his vow in fulfilling if he were to loose a river race, he boasted he would win alongside the “king of the wild frontier" Davy Crockett (Played by Fess Parker)
Television was more than entertainment; it was a way of life. A story of Americans in all walks of life, an education on the history of our nation; it made us proud to be Americans. We could see the good along with the bad.
Is it different today? Of course it is, however life will go on with or without our personal opinions or approvals. If answering a question such as, “how will television affect our lives in today’s world“?
The majority of my generation will acknowledge we benefited a great deal from television. However, one of our greatest cartoon heroes “Popeye the sailor"would always say,
“I am what I am and that’s all what I am"
Television informs, educates, and entertains. I still have difficulty defining reality either on screen or off.
A big hit by Elvis titled “Are you lonesome tonight" begins with the lyrics “Someone said the worlds a stage and each must play a part."
The day we became old enough to be aware of ourselves saying the word “I" we became actors, and have been trying to win an Oscar ever since.
Therefore, we get our act together, memorize our script, and play our role. However, we must remember, on screen the bad guys are paid to look bad, and to be captured, just in the nick of time. It seldom happens in our so-called real world.
Dave was born on November 8,1948 in Westbrook, Maine. The 10th. child of a family of eleven children. Served in Vietnam from December of 1967 until June of 1969. He became active with the youth movement of the 60s on completion of military duty. Now retired and living in Florida. (still believes in the young)
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» left by Iris S Taub from Parkland, Florida (2 years 317 days ago.)
Thanks for the memories, It was wonderful to remember so of the good old shows of the past.
Great Article Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 136 days ago.)
Nostalgic moments of days gone by. I used to enjoy watching television. Thanks for the memories, David. A great article! The kind that gives you those warm fuzzies as you remember how it was; who it was and what it was like to be entertained by the tube. Respond to this comment
» left by David Tanguay(5,817) David Tanguay (1 year 136 days ago.)
I'll give you a beter response in a few days Avis, I'll send you another message through your search warp contact. I'm not sure what i want to say at this point. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 86 days ago.)
David, another great article. I grew up in the 70s and I think my generation is the last that still had an 'air of innocence' left - there were still protocols, respect and darn, you could still mention God, huh? The shows all in all didn't pursue any violence or sex and 'made you feel good', yes? What about I Love Lucy? Everyone was waiting for Lucy to give birth to Little Ricky and wasn't that the same night of a presidential election? Times sure has changed and I don't see it for the better. Today, the media is just pushing everyone to the limits and not in a healthy way and there are no role models to speak of -- Thanks, Dave... I loved Popeye's mantra, huh? Respond to this comment
» left by David Tanguay(5,817) David Tanguay (1 year 86 days ago.)
Yes as I mentioned in the article the stars of yesterday were no ordinary men and women. The times as you say sure have changed and although a lot of people as you do believe the times have gotten worst. I believe many of the stars of yesterday have found a relief from those days. I don't know Judi it seems all the dreams of yesterdays dreamers have lost their sense of direction. Just keep the faith that someday we as a people will see the new world for what it really is. We have to be honest with ourselves first before we can live in truth. Respond to this comment
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