--- In
rara-avis-l@yahoogroups.com, "Mark R. Harris"
<brokerharris@...> wrote:
>
> I agree with Kevin completely, especially about that
"greatest
generation"
> nonsense. The "greatest generation" was mainly a
bunch of 18 to 25
year olds
> just like any other 18 to 25 year olds; they were
called on to do some
> things and they acquitted themselves reasonably
under the
circumstances, by
> and large. That's fine but it's not some
never-to-be-repeated greatness.
>
From witnesses: for many of that generation, the war was the
most fun thing they did, despite the factual horror of it,
which people will readily acknowledge. It is understandable:
you get a special sense of companionship, of fraternity, even
of community. Maybe something that a lot of people,
especially men, lack in their normal lives. I would not doubt
the sincerity of the sentiment or belittle the sentiment
itself. Of course, nostalgia (always a bad sign) has created
myths out of something undeniably real. And the movies tend
to feed on nostalgia.
Best,
mrt
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