Requiem-For-An-American-Dream-Bob Davis Podcast 1082

Requiem-For-An-American-Dream-Bob Davis Podcast 1082

Requiem For An American Dream

Firstly in any requiem for an American Dream we pay our respects to a time when it worked. Details in Requiem-For-An-American-Dream-Bob Davis Podcast 1082.

Negativity

Secondly negativity and division permeate our culture these days.

New Dream

Therefore at the end of another not so good year maybe we need a new dream.

Or you can refer to the movie ‘Blow’ for the ‘Maybe You Had The Wrong Dream’ quote.

Shared Vision

Above all in Requiem-For-An-American-Dream-Bob Davis Podcast 1082 I talk about the value of a shared vision for the future.

Values

For example the American Dream originally was based on the values of the Declaration of Independence.

History

And in the 1930’s the dream we know today was created out of whole cloth by historian James Truslow Adams.

Advertising

Consequently advertising got hold of it after World War 2.

Consumer Economy

As a result Truslow’s dream helped fuel the growth of the consumer economy in the United States.

Twisted Remnant

Since then The American Dream has become a sort of twisted remnant from a bygone age.

Aspirations

Yet most young adults begin their journey through life aspiring to the same old theme.

Maybe it’s time for a new dream?

New Year’s Resolutions

In addition this is time of the year we allow ourselves to think about the future.

Similarly why not think about a new shared vision for the future?

Rejecting The Traditional American Dream

Certainly I have rejected the traditional American Dream by becoming a nomad.

Artistic Business

And attempting to grow an artistic business on the road.

Tools Of Tech

Even more technology today for all it’s foibles provides the tools to create versions of the American Dream our grandparents never considered.

Telling Stories

In Requiem-For-An-American-Dream-Bob Davis Podcast 1082 I tell some stories from the bygone era and talk about the postwar economic and social history.

Thought Experiment

Further I think this thought exercise helps in a time when everyone is pointing fingers.

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Requiem-For-An-American-Dream-Bob Davis Podcast 1082

 

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Living-In-The-Past-Bob Davis Podcast 886

Living-In-The-Past-Bob Davis Podcast 886

Living In The Past?

These days it sure seems like there’s a lot of people living in the past. Glory Days. Happier Times. Why? We’ll talk about it in Living-In-The-Past-Bob Davis Podcast 886.

Friends Have A Deep Conversation

One of the great things about friendship are the deeper conversation friends often have. Recently a good friend and I had a talk after dinner. The country is changing. There were regrets, a memories of a world that was maybe simpler and more predictable.

Obsession With The Past

Especially relevant is the question of when in life does this obsession with the past begin?

This Time Is The Best Time

I think we’re living in extraordinary times. Despite the difficulties I wake up every day excited about what’s going to happen next.

Where do you live in time?

Certainly children live in the now. Most adolescents probably live in the future. In contrast it seems like people start mentally residing in the past at some point in middle age.

When does the past become an obsession?

Because this is the time when the days are shortest maybe we have time for more reflection. It’s natural we would yearn for the traditions of a bygone age. But I have recently encountered some evidence that suggests we’re doing more than yearning for traditions. For instance…

Losing Trust

First of all a Pew study was released recently which says most of us don’t trust the media. ‘Conservatives’ are much more likely to distrust the media than their so called ‘liberal’ counterparts.

YouTube Is My Bellwether

Second because I watch a lot of YouTube I come across some pretty weird stuff. Moreover my favorite genre are the people who predict the apocalypse.

Three Days Of Darkness

Recently I ran across a vein of gold when it comes to apocalypse videos on YouTube. The three days of darkness people. I’ll tell you all about it in Living-In-The-Past-Bob Davis Podcast 886. However sometimes I think those predicting the end of the world are really seeing their own world end.

A Preoccupation With Death For Boomers

Most noteworthy? We don’t usually want to talk about death but a preoccupation with it can begin pretty early in life. I wonder if the result of that is an increasing reliance on memories of an easier, simpler time.

Avoiding That Mindset

Finally I try to avoid that mindset. I really do think this is an amazing time. Even though we have many challenges today.

We Remember The Good

In conclusion the one truth about the past is, we generally remember only the good things.

Journey Through Time

Furthermore all of us alive today are on a journey together through time. Like a train trip. Some of us will have to get off the train before others. Also new people will get on as we get off. We all have a role to play on this trip, but eventually it dawns on us…No matter how much we might want to, we’re not driving the train.

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Living-In-The-Past-Bob Davis Podcast 886

 

 

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Person-Of-The-Year-Stunt-Bob Davis Podcast 884

Person-Of-The-Year-Stunt-Bob Davis Podcast 884

Person Of The Year…A Waste Of Time

I am not often amused by what passes for news these days. Moreover our obsession with year end lists and rankings bores me to tears. On the other hand Time’s ‘Person of The Year’ stunt is always worth a few laughs. Learn more in Person-Of-The-Year-Stunt-Bob Davis Podcast 884.

Poster Child Greta

First of all the decision to put Climate Change Poster Child Greta Thunberg on the cover as person of the year for 2020 has upset your crazy Uncle Fred and all his baby boomer conservative friends.

Baby Boomers Love Their FaceBook

Even more no one would have paid any attention until these aging baby boomers took to FB to express their rage. Meanwhile we’re missing key issues that really matter.

Time! Number One! A Hundred Years Ago

Especially relevant is the fact that Time Magazine struggles to remain relevant.

What used to be the number one weekly magazine in the United States about a hundred years ago, is a shadow of a shadow of its former self.

Ask SIRI or Alexa

For example, without asking SIRI or Alexa, can you remember last year’s person of the year?

Crazy Uncle Changes Positions on Climate Change!

What’s more when was the last time anyone convinced anyone to change their position on Climate Change?

United Nations…Hotbed Of Capitalists!

Greta’s most noteworthy rage against the machine of conservative capitalists at the United Nations is pure comedy.

Stunt Culture and Person-Of-The-Year-Stunt-Bob Davis

Certainly we’re missing something here. I believe it must be said. Again. We live in a stunt culture. If the current president has proven anything it is drawing attention to yourself is the path to power and profit.

Constant Manipulation

As a result we are submerged in a fish tank of constant manipulation by all kinds of media in this country, feeding on one stunting public personality after another.

Like Moths To A Flame

They can’t help themselves and neither can we.

Taking The Bait Over and Over

Too bad so called conservatives have taken the bait. Again.

Kinda Funny Though

Although I must admit, some of the Greta Memes are pretty funny.

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Person-Of-The-Year-Stunt-Bob Davis Podcast 884

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