Sometimes readers cannot agree with a writer’s stance and this week’s book, “Forgotten Generation, American Children and World War II” by Lisa L. Ossian falls into the category.
No one in their right mind can argue World War II was an easy time for the world. It was easier on the east side of the Atlantic and the west side of the Pacific; however, shortages, men called to action, rations, families bereft of fathers, brothers, women and girls left to work the farms, factories were prevalent and cannot be denied.
But the children in schools, on farms, in the cities pitched in to help the War efforts in recycling, buying war stamps and bonds. Oh, yes, there were lessons on war in schools (recall the lessons after 9/11), children did and still do play at war, all prayers were not answered in the way folks wanted, racial troubles were rampant as housing and jobs became scarce in many areas (not so today?).
Especially revealing was the whole chapter on delinquency, zoot suits, victory girls- so like the rebellion of today’s pre-teens and teens except liquor and dancing were the main concern, not the dangerous substances recently put to no good use.
War is infamous (or hell, if you prefer); many innocents are sacrificed for the ideology of politicians; more government enrolled military lose their lives and the expenses are monumental to the economy of the countries involved, destruction of the warring arena is overwhelming.
Now, to say these children during WWII were “forgotten” is going ‘way far if one ignores the same aged teens of today.
Agree or not, please read this 2011-published by University of Missouri Press volume to see what YOU think of it.
