How times have changed since 1922, as reader R. Hoffmann Sr. wrote (“2 cents’ worth,” Voice, Dec. 3). I have 10 examples of my own:
1. Anthrax, smallpox and polio.
2. Chicago River water could kill you.
3. A woman’s place was in the home.
4. Blacks sat in the back of the bus.
5. Domestic violence was a family secret.
6. Rather than merely skirting laws, elected officials actively and routinely broke them.
7. Electricity, heat and clean water were far from universally available.
8. Only the world’s ruling classes were free to do as they chose.
9. Deviations from rigid social mores were not tolerated.
10. The life expectancy of a man born in 1922 was less than 65.
Instead of a rigidly defined society in which most knew their place and destiny, we now have a nation (indeed a world) where more information, opportunities and choices exist for more people than ever before. This is frightening to some. For that, no one should apologize.
I admit, however, that civility could use a boost these days.
