Peace Signs (Adams)

Two documentaries were on last night. Both showed a side of America I miss, with all my heart. I chose the Woodstock one, instead of 9/11, because I wanted something to make me smile.

It made me cry instead.

As I watched this amazing film, I kept asking myself, what happened to My Generation? I grew up with some real special people. We were all individuals, yet we felt as one. We threw each other peace signs while walking down the street. We met at parties and were instant friends. We hitchhiked, knowing one of “us” would pick us up – in a van. We hopped in with a total stranger, who would crank up “our” music, and we’d sing along, together, until we had to depart – always with a peace sign.

My Generation. Who lived for love, peace, and rock ’n roll. And Motown. And concerts. Who was against violence. And war. And hate.

And God, we were polite. And kind. And smiled an awful lot.

There were a half a million strong at Woodstock. All basking in the music, and each other. All those people together—white, black, Asian, young, old (for us, over fifty was really old!). Smashed together, like sardines. Yet no fights. No angry words. NO Violence. Just tons of people grooving to the music, helping each other for whatever they needed. Sharing food and water. And fun.

How amazing My Generation was.

WTH happened? Was it because we just all grew up? We became “The Establishment” we never saw ourselves being?

What would your seventeen-year-old self think of you today? You, who think someone is stupid, clueless, an idiot, if they disagree with you. You, who throw insults at others on social media. Argue on social media. Rant on social media.

At the end of the show last night, I was crying. For what—for who—we all once were.

I no longer recognize My Generation.

My Lost Generation.

Sending you all a peace sign today. And praying we get some of that love and kindness back.

P.S. Photo is World Series of Rock, Cleveland, Ohio. This was how we rolled . . .

Deanna R. Adams is an award-winning writer, essayist, speaker, and author of eight books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her articles, essays, and stories have been published in a variety of newspapers and magazines, including an article on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum for the Encyclopedia of the Midwest. Deanna is an instructor for The Cuyahoga County Libraries’ Literary Programs, Lakeland Community College, and Literary Cleveland. Her website is https://www.deannaadams.com/.