In 1964, one of the most influential figures in popular music in America, Bob Dylan, released a studio album. That album talked about societal change and to this day is recognized as among his greatest works. What better name to an album that talks about a shift in culture - it was called - The Times They Are a-Changin'.
As an ardent fan of Fred Savage, I just completed watching another episode of The Wonder Years. It talks about Jack Arnold (Kevin's dad) and his struggle to keep the gen-next in his family aligned to the values he has brought them up with. The episode focuses on the emergence of live-in relationships - this is early 1970s in America and a major cultural shift looks certain.Kevin (Fred Savage) is a mere witness to seeing his sis in a live-in with a guy that seems nice (perhaps only Kevin feels that way), while Jack sees his world crashing down.
While Jack tries to make his daughter understand that he cannot let this happen, he is greeted with the unquestionable argument that in the society then, things were changing. As a viewer, you cannot help but feel the pain that societal change inflicts upon the elder generation. This is bound to happen as long as the human race exists.
The family returns home, leaving the stubborn and 'with-the-times' sis behind. All Kevin can do back home is to look at his parents hugging each other, eyes moist. The look on his face shows only two things - confusion and helplessness; a state of mind that cannot differentiate between right and wrong.
In the background, music plays. A song that is so apt to the situation here. Kevin's expressions and Bob Dylan's bitter truth make an impact that we as viewers will remember for a long time to come.
Excerpt:
Come mothers and fathers Throughout the land Don't criticize What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters Are beyond your command
Your old road is Rapidly agin'
Please get out of the new one If you can't lend a hand
For your times they are a-changin'
The line it is drawn And the curse it is cast
The slow one now Will later be fast
As the present now Will later be past
The order is Rapidly fadin'
And the first one now Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin'
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As an ardent fan of Fred Savage, I just completed watching another episode of The Wonder Years. It talks about Jack Arnold (Kevin's dad) and his struggle to keep the gen-next in his family aligned to the values he has brought them up with. The episode focuses on the emergence of live-in relationships - this is early 1970s in America and a major cultural shift looks certain.Kevin (Fred Savage) is a mere witness to seeing his sis in a live-in with a guy that seems nice (perhaps only Kevin feels that way), while Jack sees his world crashing down.
While Jack tries to make his daughter understand that he cannot let this happen, he is greeted with the unquestionable argument that in the society then, things were changing. As a viewer, you cannot help but feel the pain that societal change inflicts upon the elder generation. This is bound to happen as long as the human race exists.
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| A sign of Changing Times - Image source: myepisodecalendar.com |
In the background, music plays. A song that is so apt to the situation here. Kevin's expressions and Bob Dylan's bitter truth make an impact that we as viewers will remember for a long time to come.
Excerpt:
Come mothers and fathers Throughout the land Don't criticize What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters Are beyond your command
Your old road is Rapidly agin'
Please get out of the new one If you can't lend a hand
For your times they are a-changin'
The line it is drawn And the curse it is cast
The slow one now Will later be fast
As the present now Will later be past
The order is Rapidly fadin'
And the first one now Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin'
