The last 50 years: Then and now

I often read "I wish things were the way they use to be" and to some extent I agree. There are many aspects to past times I would love see returned, but equally, there are other aspects I am glad have changed. Like all things, we view the past with rose coloured glasses and we are quick to find fault in the present. I decided to write a list of the "then and now" to see some of the changes that have occurred over the last 50 years or so.

Even if the present isn't perfect (nor was the past), we must always remember that this is just a temporary home and we are passing through this life to something far more beautiful and perfect. 

"For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Then

• Dad worked and mum stayed at home
• Three to six children per family
• Married women were not allow to work in many industries
• Dad often stayed in one job his whole career working his way up the ladder
• Most homes only had one car
• Women cooked from scratch
• Food was bought from a variety of shops - the butcher, the baker, the grocer
• Large shopping malls were unheard of
• There no such thing as "fast-food" outlets
• It was a "do-it-yourself" mentality and fix what was broken
• Dad mowed the lawns and mum look after the inside of the home
• Mum sewed and knitted much of the household clothes
• Church on Sundays followed by midday roast
• Marriage was valued and desired by most
• Neighbourhood connection
• Personally knew the local doctor or policeman
• Holidays were simple, often staying with friends and family or a trip to the seaside
• Entertainment involved the family playing board games in the evening
• Reading books was a popular way to pass away the time
• Household gadgets included the washing machine and vacuum cleaner
• Families were content to stay at home in the evenings
• Children did not attend after school activities
• Gifts were often handmade or inexpensive
• Families saved up for big items
• Children played outside on the street with other children in the neighbourhood
• Children walk to the corner store on their own
• The front door of many houses were not locked
• Many families rented their homes
• Parents stayed together, divorce was not talked about in public
• Hotels shut at 6pm
• Shops were not open on Sundays
• Polio killed or maimed many
• Children died from German Measles
• People died from cancers in higher numbers and mothers died in childbirth
• Life expectancy was 67 (in the 1960s)
• Unmarried mothers were ostracised and many had their children forcibly taken away from them
• Rape and domestic violence when unreported
• Abortion was rare and illegal
• Very poor families gave up children they could no longer look after
• Indigenous children were taken away from their families and placed in "white" homes
• Women suffered from depression and given valium
• No universal nest egg (superannuation) for retirement 

Family and community was considered far more important 50 years ago compared with today. In general, people cared about each other, they looked out for those on their street, they were willing to lend a hand, the children all attended the same school, often the same church and played together in the street. Life was a lot safer, much quieter and simpler. Families did not run up huge debts as they do today and they were more willing to save to buy those big ticket items (whereas we just rely on credit). As a result of WW2, families were frugal and much more like to fix items around the home, it wasn't the throw-away society we have today. Over the last 50 years we have seen more and more women move into the workforce for a variety of reasons - 50 years ago things like childcare didn't exist, mothers had more time for helping out at school, and dedicating themselves to their homes - many children worn handmade clothes, mum knitted numerous jumpers and families ate meals cooked from scratch and dad took sandwiches for lunch at work. Eating out was a treat. It was a much healthier society. 

However, it wasn't all glossy. More babies died at birth, unmarried women had their infants "stolen" from them in the name of adoption, polio and measles killed, women who were raped were not given full justice, divorce wasn't fair, more people died in car accidents (no safety belts) and if you were indigenous it was possible to find yourself removed from your own family and placed in a "white" home. In other parts of the world we had apartheid and violence against blacks. Whilst many more women were at home, many were not happy and we see the increase of valium "mummy's little helper". Whilst you have a chose about being at home, these women did not and that creates a feeling of being trapped. 

As for technology, whilst the computer had been invented and used during WW2, it was 

beyond comprehension that one day you could send messages around the world in seconds. However TV had been invented and families had cheap entertainment at home, it was the start of the TV dinner.

How times have changed as they always do:

Now

• Mum and dad both work
• People will experience many different jobs in their lifetime
• One to three children
• Many homes have two cars
• Most people own their own home, or have a mortgage
• Outsourcing of many household services and chores
• Meals no longer cooked from scratch
• Much of the food purchased in processed
• Food bought from large and impersonal supermarket
• Fast-food outlets on every corner
• Lack of connect with neighbours
• Sporting events more popular to church
• Large shopping malls full of shops
• Throw away mentality, if it breaks, buy a new one
• Planned obsolesces built into many of our products
• Relentless spending using the credit card
• Children spend their afternoons doing organised "activities"
• Children play inside with electronic devices
• Playing on the streets considered too dangerous
• Frequent and expensive holidays overseas
• Hotels and pubs stay open late
• Shops are open 7 days a week
• Children expect toys bought outside of birthdays and Christmas.
• Unmarried mothers receive financial support and allow to keep their babies
• Rape and domestic violence taken more seriously
• Very poor families receive help from the government in the form of pensions
• Polio has been eradicated in western nations
• Infant mortality is declining
• Life expectancy is 84 years for women
• Men still committing suicide at high levels
• Most children go onto further education
• Women can work in almost any employment area
• Women receive equal pay to their male colleagues
• Medical devices change people lives - pacemakers, cochlear implants
• Cars are safer
• We can call a person no matter where we are
• Knowledge is at our finger tips
• Computers are solving the unsolvable

Life has changed so much in 50 years. Family is no longer consider as important as it once was, many no longer know their neighbours, or care about those around them and it is not safe for children to play outside in public spaces anymore. It is far more dangerous for women to walk alone after dark in many areas. People no longer respect others and manners are disappearing fast.  People are far ruder to each other, care less about each other and have become much more aggressive in their interactions with others. We live in a society that is more about "me" and less about "us". People live in their own little worlds and show no interest in reaching out to those less fortunate or in need of help. 

However the advancement of medical science now saves many more lives, few babies die, we have removed the threat of polio from society, many survive infections and cancers but we are yet to find a cure for dementia. We now have a welfare system that protects unmarried mothers, a woman can escape violent marriages without ramifications and women have the choose between working or not working. 

The world has shrunk via the computer and one can chat with or buy from anyone around the globe. We can travel quickly between nations, communicate 24/7 and trade has created much wealth. 

Our standard of living has improved but we are not happier. We have become a society focused on material goods, we have long lists of "things" we believe we need and we aren't willing to save to buy them. We live off credit. 

Marriages are on the decline, young people no longer see the value of marriage, rather co-habit with their partner. Many households are two income so families can afford to pay for expensive mortgages and numerous bills. Many children are placed in childcare for hours on end. Mum no longer has time to home cook, she is too busy running around taking her children to the many different after school activities. Divorce is higher than it should be, too many children live in single parents homes. All in all, we are seeing the decline of the traditional family structure.  Families are suffering from the endless pressure forced upon them by the workplace and goverment and some have decided to simplify their lives and move away from the materialistic lifestyle back to how it use to be. 

But like all change, it comes at a cost. We live in a society with high levels of pressure on individuals, many are not coping. Mental health is on the rise, suicide rates are not dropping. Whilst the internet is invaluable, it has brought pornography and gambling into the home and led to broken marriages and abuse. Abortion is now freely available to all women, millions of unborn children have died as a result. Our desire to think of "me" first has had severe consequences. 

We haven't stopped war, terrorism is worse than ever. The innocent still die, countries are still suffering from famine and horror. Women are still being raped, domestic violences leads to one death per week in Australia of innocent women and children. We think we are so clever, and in some levels we are. However it has all come at a great cost. 

But sadly - all the clever things we have achieve, they have been done by man for man and certainly not done for the glory of God. In fact, as we see the rise in the "me generation", we have see the rapid decline on the desire to worship the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. 

Is this world a better place - yes and no. 

But remember, there is only one home that will be perfect for us - with no pain or suffering, no hurt or worry, no anger or violence, a place so perfect it is almost impossible to imagine. 

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 

(John 14:1-4)

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