Generation Gap
Our S.U.V.
Author © Jay Kantor
— OUR S.U.V. —
The 1947 Chrysler Woody 'Vert – NO HYBRIDS here! The tank-metal craftsmanship is relic. Dad had a 'long-green' 4 door sedan whose grill served as a climbing 'Jungle-Gym.' The Toothy-Grills of the day. "Hit By A Buick" an everyday colloquial expression. This article is meant to Observe Point-Out our Senior verses the Newbies cultural differences and parallels – if any?
For years automakers would feature their hood ornaments as a calling-card-badge, if you will. Such as GM's Pontiacs' immediately recognizable Indian head, that lit up the 'Chiefs-Nose' at the tip of the hood. Identia became so popular that fixed emblems were even placed in other strategic eye catching places, such as the Ford Thunderbird emblem, attached on each front fender as if leading the way. People bought the prestige that was showcased! 'Hey, look what I've got coming at you, Peasants.' Still do today if you'll notice the tailgates of pickups with the Mfg. name hugely emblazoned boldly onto the tailgate – can't miss THAT – they get you coming or going! And, of course there's the Rolls and Mercedes hood ornaments that became so popular to rip-off that once the ignition was shut down, they would instantly retract from view.
Car obsessions are one thing. But, paralleling decades of generations is another. For instance: What did we do without the internet or cell phones: We read the newspaper and talked to one-another; a rarity now if not 'obsolete' behavior. Odd vision watching groups of students walking on the sidewalk looking down - talking into their cells - not to one another.
I probably Should-Maybe stay within the car theme focus rather than compare 'Hair Styles' then/and now. Whew, see some of them lately? The car theme Could-Probably be more in my 'Wheelhouse?' Although, perhaps I should say something about the most Eco-friendly cars - or the $2000 bicycle? - That the only exercise you get is bending over to turn on the electric motor - kinda defeats the purpose!
— Not Your Grandma's Everyday Driver —
Automakers are now producing Huge-Gas-Guzzling 'Best-Selling' Schlong Slinging 4 Door pickups. Whose Tuckus' stick far out of parking spaces that they were never-ever designed for - beware of their reverse beep - No 'compact-spots' here! Planning Architects didn't see this onslaught coming! Can't imagine how these 'Beasts' are the Newbies' idea of sleek compared to the stylish rides in the past. Currently, GM is no longer producing 2 door trucks, due to 'Seat Belt' Laws. Large amounts of these are being taken to customized body shops chopping them down to more subtle 2 door styling. Particularly unattractive to me is the Jeep S.U.V. The popularity of this noisy/klutzy 'Thing' featuring huge-hinges displayed holding everything together. Can't imagine the 'romancing-draw' with all of these bumpy rides — Underwire-Bras-Required! —
Currently many teens have found alternate sources of transportation – due to out of reach costs – as well as other sources of transportation now available that were once unheard of such as Uber and speedy 'lectric-scooters scattered on every corner. Cars just don’t seem to hold the same appeal for kids these days in comparison to our generation. Could the silence of electric cars, as opposed to the VAROOM of our generation, be a factor? Probably don't even know what a 'Clutch' was for...?
I picture a Gen-X parallel parking on the DMV Test: While the 'examiner' is looking away (distracted by his cellphone) as the 'Teen' engages Mom's automatic parking feature in her Cadillac – I know cynical!
Not so with the Boomers! My Twin and I studied 'the road-rules' for weeks. On our 16th Birthday Lar and I were 1st in line @ 8:00 a.m. covering each of the (2) entry doors: We both scored 100%. We 'needed' our drivers license, and all of the freedom it represented. It also meant that we could take a date to the drive-in theater: Never quite knew what the movie was – But, Best Kissin' Venue – Ever !
— Whites of Their Eyes —
1st thing we were taught in H.S. Drivers Ed was, at an intersection, always look @ drivers eyes to see if they see you? Now with all of the 'Legal?' wrap-around window blackening, you never know? But, there is an upside slant to all of this: Ever sit at a light clearly viewing (right next to you) a driver smashing a Cheeseburger into his mouth with the left hand while gulping down ketchup slathered French Fries with the right hand? I know - Yeesch!
I asked my nephew, who recently took Drivers Ed, about eye contact – "No never heard that one before, Unc." Ah, progress! I'm probably the only one that notices through my bird-splattered clear windows.
I hate to use the word 'Stupid.' But, somehow it seems to fit here: Of late advertisers, such as Dodge, constantly promote street squealing-smokey Donuts that are 'Eaten-Up' by stupid kids. Even some countries (Jamaica) are banning 'Rap-Lyrics,' etc. that promote-encourage stupid-dangerous behaviors that are then acted out upon - I just don't Git-it? It's just irresponsible 1st amendment usage.
— Spin Out —
Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, Cal
'Senior' Vocal Author
About the Creator
Jay Kantor
Retired: Write for "The Kids Someday"
Keep reading
More stories from Jay Kantor and writers in Families and other communities.
DANCE
Author © Jay Kantor As a prelude to 'Dance' although, at times, these little memories may seem trite and inconsequential; perhaps even boring. And, you may not want to take the time to read most of it. But when the time comes that 'The Kids' are 'Nana's or Papa's' themselves these little-ditties may be kind of fun and interesting for them to pass on to their grand-kids as well: So, for the next-gen — may they have long and happy lives!
By Jay Kantor2 years ago in Families
Comments (4)
"Toothy grill"... now, where have I see that phrase before? Thank the Maker, the latest twist on that particular fashion seems to have lost its popularity after a rash of oral infections. At least I haven't seen them popping up much locally. Re the woodsides, the family station wagon I recall had them. That one was eventually replaced with a VW bus, and there are more stories to be told about that...
I do see the toothy grille, right at the start indeed! You're indubitably the originator of that phrase. The woody meanwhile, beloved of The Beach Boys and their imitators, has a humble British cousin in the timber-framed Morris Thousand which for me at least is certainly bound up with memories of early beach days. My Dad never had a T-Bird though, which are likewise celebrated in contemporary song! I love the way your articles always take me on a guided tour through that musical era I so love. Even if I'm now going to be wondering all day who it was who sang "You can't take my boyfriend's woody!"
Jamaica mention here. People are hell bent on damaging themselves. Is there any saving grace, is it too late. The young are so egocentric, not easy getting through to them. Think they know best. No driver's ed back home. Every (wo)man for themselves. We can only try to help.
I've told my kids and grandkids the same thing about driving. You only have 2 friends on the road-time and distance. Without enough of either, you're in trouble. I wonder if any of the new generation knows what a choke is.