The Greatest Generation

The Greatest Generation Since our inception Americans have created labels for everything, from presidents to generations, however these labels are often mistaken and obstructed by ignorance and propaganda. A generation not be judged on shouldonly by what they have experienced but by what they leave behind them. So what did the greatest generation leave us after the war? The 1940’s generation left the United States technologically advanced, however no matter how advanced the country had become it can not make up for the lives lost due to American forces during the war. The generation that lived during World War II although considerably admiral, is not the greatest generation. Most often many would argue that the 1940’s generation is not the greatest for their generation was or is the greatest. This however would not be true either, the true Greatest Generation has yet to come about. An interesting point is brought up seeing as the current generation is the offsprings of the 1940’s generation. Therefore should we say that the 1940’s is better because of the values they were brought up on and practiced or should we penalize them for the values left for the generation produced. The Greatest Generation created a welfare-crazed and pompous generation after them. What they left behind makes both generations equal on the scale of greatness for they created and did horrible things and the current generation will most likely succeed in the same. These generations go by a shattered value system, where marriage has declined rapidly, sexually transmitted diseases along with drugs are at an all time high, and not leaving out the amount of children being born out of wedlock being called mistakes and left fatherless. The 1940’s generation led their children to this life and furthermore let them lead their children onto the same path. The other choice in greatest generation is often the generation of the Founding Fathers. Although they set out for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all, they left everyone out except the “all powerful,” white man, therefore not great, just racist. (Of course they did great things, but not enough to be labeled the greatest.) Let us not forget that the not-so Greatest Generation participated and contributed to making World War II the bloodiest war in history. Most often it is not the entire generation honored by the label “greatest,” this label is often left for the soldiers of the air, sea, and land. Through calling the 1940’s the Greatest Generation it not only glorifying but almost condones war as something good or of honor. Along with the miss glorification the label of hero for all veterans is miseducating all who aspire to become great or a hero. Creating the thought process that taking part in a horrible act powered by the power hungry and money hungry people is a misrepresentation of every soldier. Even as the men on the Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, they questioned what they had just done. Just as they saw no pride in doing so, we should not praise them for doing it either. (Not to insult any veterans.) Americans at home and at war all contributed to World War II whether by donating or fighting they were participating. How could a generation that killed so many be acclaimed for doing just that, how can they be eulogized for dropping the atomic bomb on Japan. Not only did the 1940’s generation leave future Americans in turmoil, but it left Japan not only in shambles but crippled for years after. Although the 1940’s did not produce the greatest generation it does not mean that they did not do anything of worth. The 1940’s generation taught future generations to be frugal and humble. These two traits are crucial in life as money is valuable and is not to be wasted, especially with the current economy, and humble is always important to remember that you can be admirable without bragging about it. Along with those important traits they also taught the value of love and how short life is that you must and enjoy it and be faithful. The Greatest Generation is most defiantly not the “greatest.” Although arguable there are many opposing ideas against the label of the 1940’s generation. Contrary to the facts presented the 1940’s generation did have many things that did make it great. This era achieved great things in technology and in medicine. Despite this generation did have many ups that made it great, these “ups” did not wipe the slate and make all the wrongs right. What may not be considered the greatest can still be considered great.