The Lone Ranger - and don't forget Tonto!

Do you remember the Lone Ranger? That beautiful white horse he rode?? How about his sidekick Tonto?

If you remember those things then you are probably close to my age.

Do you remember silvery pink lipstick, heavy black eyeliner, ironing your hair to make it straight, go-go boots, hot pants, mini skirts, micro-mini skirts and madras shirts? How about "granny dresses" and mini-prints? Or hip-huggers, maxi skirts, metal roller skates with a key, single speed bicycles, angel sleeved peasant blouses, and funky hats?

Well, let me tell ya ... those 'oddities' of yesteryear are back in style for the most part. And the kids wearing the 'different' styles now are no different than we were way back when. Sure, some of the clothes LOOK different, but they truly aren't. And some of the hairstyles and colors are different in appearance, but they say the same thing.

What are they saying?

How about something like, "I am under pressure." "I am SO wanting to be grown up, but I'm scared to death." "I have to fit in." "I CAN'T look different. Then the other kids will make comments about me!"

Those are the same fears and concerns we (us old farts) had back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. And those fears and concerns have not changed from generation to generation. The only difference is sometimes the physical presentation of those fears. That's where we straddle this chasm that separates the 'grown ups' from the 'kids.'

We don't want to admit that we've already been there, and the kids don't want to admit that they will have the same concerns we have, but in the future. You remember that the thought of actually becoming your folks was not something you aspired to. You always clung to that curve of individuality, that independent mindset. But we do become our parents - eventually. It's almost inevitable.

We (old farts) did not invent sex, drugs, peer pressure, etc. But we did live through it. And todays' kids will continue to think that they are the first and only generation that has come up with most of today's trials. The inner bewilderment that goes along with finally realizing that you didn't invent these things is quite an eye-opener.

Hopefully if we will be brutally honest with ourselves, all the while acknowledging that we are not different from the kids, we will be able to share and teach them without preaching to them. We will be able to have intelligent discussions with enough open-mindedness to listen rather than to just hear. And we will embrace the premise that mutual respect is paramount.

When was the last time you watched a group of kids and thought, "What are they up to?" Probably pretty recently. Instead, try saying to yourself, "I wonder what's on their plate today?" And then try to engage them in a respectful discussion. You just might learn something. I know I have.

Keep in mind - WE all wanted to be asked to do something instead of being told. And we all wanted someone to listen to us, not just hear.

Remember - one of the most constant things in life is change.



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