The Vintage American

As a middle aged woman, striving to adapt to a changing world and changing country, I find that I'm at odds with many things.

This blog was initially intended to focus on only vintage/antique business topics but as time has gone on...I find myself more concerned with the events of our times.

I think many of us have lost ourselves, forgetting who we are and what we stand for.  Some of us, possibly fearful of speaking up, lest we be hit with a barrage of anti-American sentiment.

We come from tough stock.  First we left what we were comfortable with, to enter a world unknown...in the name of freedom.

"Edward was an apprentice tanner and leathermaker. He was present at the first Thanksgiving Feast at Plymouth. He was among the first men to explore the shores of the New World in search of a safe landing point. In all likelihood one could claim that he is figured in the famous etching of the landing of the Mayflower. Will Doty was a Civil War veteran and resided in Pompton Township." by Richard Townsend with Photo taken from northjersey.com

...and then we did it again

Ellis Island 1892

Many of our ancestors passed through the doors of Ellis Island, going on to endure years of poverty while committing themselves to hard work, with the hope of giving their children a better life.

We continue this tradition today, with countless numbers of immigrants making a new home and new life here every day. 

The education system began cutting back on American History requirements in the past 15 years.  Native American History is almost non existent...and maybe this is why there is such a disconnect now between older generations and younger ones.  Stories have not been passed down, toughness has not been instilled and an entitled attitude has formed.

Give me back the days of honesty, respect, hard work, a slightly thick skin and a love of country (with the ups and downs that it entails).  The old phrase, "Never let them see you sweat" comes to mind.

For those who didn't grow up during any of the wars (including the Cold War), standing up for freedoms (choice, religion, way of life, speech, etc.) is an important part of life that comes with a cost.  Whether it's on a global scale or a community level, it has to be done.  Right now, we need to back the France and support them in every way possible, as they have backed and supported us since the beginning of our country's history.  Make no mistake, that what happened there, will happen here...and in other countries (who possibly are not militarily equipped to deal with it...don't worry, despite what most of those countries say about us, we'll have your back, we always do).

The "Zen" in me (yes, there is some:)), would like to think that we've transcended the common approach to reaching these goals but the realist in me, understands that we are miles and miles away from that being the case.  We still live in a world where, with great change comes great conflict.

...and please let's stop being offended by the smallest of things...the color of a Starbuck's Coffee Cup/Design for example or saying "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays".  I mean really, don't we have bigger fish to fry right now.

My own house is half Jewish and half non demoninational Christian...none of us take any offense to sayings meant only in kindness.

For a little while, let's try to remember what it means to be American.  Don't just put on those vintage clothes and jewelry pieces or mid century mod up your house...actually make it a part of who you are.

Whether you agree or disagree, I thank you for reading and I hope that somewhere it sparks a grain of thought.

Pam