Two things stand out when I think about being a teenager in the ‘50s; first, because we lived in or near Philadelphia, the possibility of being killed by a nuclear strike was imminent, such bunkers as existed were not anywhere near our schools, and anyway why try to live after the devastation? My high school was brand new with whole corridors lined with big windows; this was where we crouched for drills. We were sure we were doomed but didn’t know when.
It was the second thing, I believe, that saved us from giving up: Rock and Roll, and especially Elvis Presley. Adult powers that were “in charge” wanted to censor him and all the other new singers. Elvis wasn’t just sexy; he was virility itself life bursting out, singing about loneliness and love in spite of everything. Anyway, I still thought I and all around me weren’t going to make it past the ‘50s. I was wrong. Here I am, over 80 years later, not only alive, but glad of all my adventures.
Today if you are a teenager, there is a lot to fear, especially if you frequent the internet and or listen to distraught and angry individuals. It’s like all the electrons in the world have been activated as bumper cars. The recent death of students in Colorado, Charlie Kirk’s demise - reactions to these, unless sorrowful, can ‘wind you up’. For teens, the desire to act is strong.
What to do? First, stop living online. It isn’t real, and what people write online is calculated to incite or frighten you. It’s Chicken Little all over again.
Second, be present for others, regardless of how different they seem. Your good will, even small like a bit of praise or a friendly smile, might go a long way to bring a “loner” out of his or her rabbit hole. Here you are, together with others of your age, with the opportunity to learn skills. No matter how lonely you may feel, or how angry, someone else feels the same or worse. Ditch opinions about “good” or “bad” people that you may have learned. Many internet “influencers” speak or write outrageous things for self-profit. Don’t believe them. Counter rage with calm.
There are some timehonored writings you can trust, as well as Native American wisdom handed down from ancestors. The
By: Joan Sheski
New Testament of the Bible, which contains accounts of Jesus’s teachings, might surprise you. The teachings of Buddha, are another. From the Middle East, Sufi legends come to mind.
Above all, live today as if you have a future, treat others with kindness, and watch that kindness spread. I believe in your human goodness.
Thanks for reading this. JS