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Now and Then by Lillian Katz
Sixty-one years ago, when I was growing up, children were happy with the simple things in life, jumping rope, Double-Dutch, Potsy, and many other street games. Roller skates were inexpensive, so skating became an activity that I enjoyed. My friends and I rented bicycles for FIFTEEN cents an hour and if we were a few minutes late, they never charged for the overtime. Yes, we did not have luxuries. No television, computers, vcr, tape recorders, etc. We went to the library to borrow books and magazines. Before my family had a radio, we went, every Friday night, to our aunt and uncle to hear, "Lux Radio Theater". Very few people had telephones in their homes. We were lucky, the landlord had a pay-telephone installed in our building The corner candy store would deliver telephone messages, I know, because I received a penny or two, to deliver the messages Transportation was the subway or the trolley-car. My friends and I walked to school, to save the five cents trolley fare. Mothers cooked, baked, cleaned, and washed clothes by hand, with a scrub board. Fathers worked long hours to provide their families with the bare necessities. Though at times we were not satisfied with conditions, we were contented. Every moment was the best of times. We enjoyed our family and friends. Now, sixty-one years later, every phase of advancement has produced obstacles that obstruct our lives with unnecessary tragedy. The television constantly produces programs that attribute to sex, violence, and filth. Talk shows that were informative and educational now promote repulsive programs that berate and insult the intelligence of the American people. Music is now defined as 'rap' or 'rock', both suggesting sex, vulgarism and acts of grotesque emotions. Newspapers and magazines are not to be forgotten; they have been using their publications for their advertisers, disregarding the consequences and results their publishing will cause society. The same can be said for the Internet. I was recently researching information for physically disabled teens and to my 'Promoting sex to undermine the children of America'; a first-time study that portrays the degree of illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use in popular movies is realized by the White house, NDP and the Department of Health and Human Services. The study examined the 200 most-popular movie rentals and 1000 of the most popular songs from 1996 and 1997. The findings revealed that 8 percent of movies studied depicted substance abuse, twenty-seven percent of the 1000 songs contained clear reference to either alcohol or illicit drug use and tobacco. Beyond question, we face an epidemic of underage and illegal substance use. In 1997 more than 54 percent of U.S. high school seniors had used an illegal drug, as had more than 29 percent of eighth graders. Among adolescents, ages 12 to 17, the average ages of use of marijuana, cocaine, and heroin were 13.7, 14.7 and a 14.4 respectfully. Alcohol consumption among adolescents remains at unacceptably high levels. Ritalin has become a popular drug used in school. Why? Is it the easy way out for parents to handle a situation with a child that needs a little more love and attention. Our country has two serious challenges; drug abuse and mental illness threaten to undermine the promise of a healthier better future. Almost a third of people, ages 15-54, experience one mental or addictive disorder in a given year, and just under one half experience one or more during their lifetimes, making mental and addictive disorders among the most prevalent, yet hidden health problems of our Nation. Our lives are enriched with so many advantages and improvements but why don't we compliment the progress that science and industry has enhanced our lives with? Instead of enjoying and experiencing the miracle and the beauty of Life, we have become a discontented society, dependent on seductive and tempting vices. We have forgotten the importance of 'Family', failed to communicate, and commit our love. The abnormal, bizarre manner that children are behaving in activates a powerful convincing void and anger that they are feeling. The anger is a combination of drugs, alcohol, and pressures from society and the media. They feel a void because there is not enough communication and commitment from their parents. First and the most important, parents must give unconditional love to their children. Many of the tragedies could have been avoided. Americans must stop being greedy, and work towards a society that cares for humanity. We must make family, truth, and honesty our priorities. The End
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