I just finished watching a movie called Far From Heaven set in the 1950's. I can't help but think about how the WT always taught us how terrible the world was getting with each successive generation -that the past was better then the present. Well, I for one, would much rather live in the present.
Maybe there was less crime in times past, maybe people were more polite and gracious, maybe life was a little slower, less stressful. Perhaps, but at what price? A world in which people can't be themselves. A world of prejudice and intolerance of differences. I would pick freedom any day. There is a scene in the movie in which a little black child tries to swim in a pool along with several white families. The little boy's father comes running after his child and grabs him, scolds him and tells him he can't swim in the pool. Of course the little boy cries because he doesn't understand. And because the little boy's foot touched the water, one by one the white people get out of the pool as if it is contaminated.
The movie also centers around a man who is gay who is made to feel as if he needs psychiatric help. He is told he is sick and needs to take steps for "recovery". The story also focuses on an interracial relationship which is taboo in the community and has an unfortunate end. Not to mention the women in the story had no career beyond party planning.
The movie really touched me because I have had the freedom to love a man of another race. I have been married to him for 12 years. We have never faced overt prejudice or persecution for our relationship. For the most part we have lived in peace. There are always the ignorant few and we don't live entirely without caution. However, my son swims in any damn pool he pleases.
I would never trade my life today for a lifetime in the past. Even with the struggles and problems we have as 21st century humans. I take THOSE problems any day for the sake of the freedom to live how I wish.