We live in a time of technology as no other generation before us. We have inventions that were made to do things faster, easier, and sometimes more efficiently. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for making a job easier. But, at what cost?
In the age that the picture above was taken, times were hard. But that was all anyone knew and I feel the family units were stronger. Everyone got up early. If you lived on a farm you did your chores before eating. Typically the family ate together at breakfast and dinner (supper). Meal time was the same every day unless something out of the ordinary caused a delay. Everyone had an opportunity to be in the conversation, but children respected their parents and each other. Children were allowed to be children. Finances and adult matters were not discussed in front of them. If anyone in the family had any kind of issue, it could be discussed as a family unit. The family unit was strong
Days were long and hard. Clothes were washed by hand or with a wringer washing machine outside the house, then they would be hung to dry on the clothesline. All outward clothing was ironed. Mothers usually baked fresh bread daily. At every mealtime a full and nourishing meal was served. In the south it was automatic to address adults as Ma'am and Sir out of respect. Everyone respected each other. Gifts were only received on special occasions. It didn't matter the cost or the size of the gift...it was appreciated. People kept to a schedule for the most part. Arise, eat, and bedtime was the same most every day. People slept better. There was less stress and depression. The family unit was solid
TODAY - For the most part everyone has all the modern conveniences of a stove, microwave, washer and dryer, perma- pres clothes, packaged meals. Everyone in the family has a car, all going in different directions. There is no set schedule for family time. People are more anxious, stressed, and depressed. Even if they are lucky enough to get everyone to the table at the same time - there is not family connection or conversation. In today's age there is little respect for anyone or anything. So, we have been given many things to supposedly free up more hours in the day. From what I have observed there seems to be less. Of course it's not the hours that have changed, but the management of our allotment each day. Maybe it would be good to look back and reestablish some of the things that died when we got an easier life.
So I ask you, which picture makes you feel more family oriented, above or below?
