Test Showed 1960s Boomers Wanted A Job & Money

In this video I am presenting clips from the 1966 documentary "Sixteen At Webster Groves - Webster Groves Missouri. It was produced by filmmaker Arthur Barron who I was honored to work for on several of his films. Webster Groves is clearly not typical as its teenagers were upper-middle-class and richer. Remember that about 40% of the huge baby boomer generation say that they participated in the activities of the 1960s. This video presents the views of a portion of the 60% who didn't participate and who essentially looked forward to living just like their parents did. I would not call them typical teenagers but they are certainly representative of a group who was just fine in the 1950s.

Many commentators talk about the fact that they would rather have lived during this time and then one of these people then to live in today's world which they see as trash relative to how these people lived. Although I did not spend much time working on this production, I did some film work with upper middle-class white 1960s baby boomer era teenagers and their attitudes and behavior we're not dissimilar from what teenagers felt in the 1950s in the suburban white "American dream" middle class. There were many rebels who looked like other teenagers at that time but were not. I remember a conversation that I had with the producer where he said that in this community, there seem to be almost no rebels.

It would certainly be fascinating to talk to these people today but unfortunately, I don't have the names of any of the people who participated in this film. Hopefully some will watch this clip and choose to comment.

[katyasehryn]

Many of us still want those basic things. Those in power have stolen so much from us.

[stephenrichardson]

What do you think they were going to say oh I want to grow up to be a loser I want to sleep on the streets for the rest of my life

[justacentrist]

Those people achived it. I think the teenager of the early 60s really were the last generation to hit that sweet spot where it was achievable for the average north american

[Opawesum]

Now, everyone has the same ambitions but the economy and housing market make it absolutely impossible. Then they get blamed when it’s beyond their control.

[Vaultovinyl]

A CBS News special with Charles Kuralt from 1966. "16 In Webster Groves", filmed in the rather affluent suburb of St. Louis, it exposed just how egotistical and entitled upper-middle class, white Americans could be. Needless to say, it was not well received by the very people it featured. It was also originally filmed in color. A very interesting piece. Well worth taking the time to watch in its entirety.

[YodaMan-]

interesting attitude some people have toward "ditch diggers" if nobody did it you wouldnt have roads. maybe elevate their status instead of lowering it?

[stephenpark]

In the 1960s, a 16 year old wanted a house and two cars and it didn't seem crazy. Most today barely have a single car in that dream.

[OriginEnergySux]

More like "i want to climb the ladder of success and then kick it out from underneath me"

[darksiders]

There is one thing that truly impressed me - the way they speak. No stutter, no awkward pauses.

[sam-oxxt]

I'd say they have a plan. Way ahead of me at that age

[MeAre-lp]

I was raised to do my best, be better, create, give more, respect myself and
DO MY THANG!!

[lindakay]

I wonder how many of them look back now at the 200 hours they worked every month, and what they really have to show for it. Where are all those high status friends? How many times have you been divorced? Do your kids hate you? Was it worth it?

[daviddunhill]

Now every 16 yr old wants to be a you tube star.

[Silverdenn]

Everywhere in the world anywhere in time, everyone'll tell you that they want to be successful and make money. The difference is, do politicians make it possible for them to do so. In this economy, only people born in wealth can be wealthy.

[sistergoldenhair]

Alot of teens today dont even care to drive.

[beverlyjohnson]

I have worked with so many people that, first or second day at work they started telling me what to do or going to the bathroom a lot.I was training them, they want to be paid for standing around looking pretty.

[G.r.e.g.g.l.e.s]

36 page questionnaire: most of them stopped reading at page 8

[lindseystein]

Millennials are the first generation in recent history to, on average, not make more money than their parent’s generation. The greed of certain elected officials, of whom are boomers, facilitated that fact. Unfortunately, now, owning two cars and a two story house would require them to be very wealthy.

[Andrew-rlgs]

I wonder if any colored kids were involved in this questionnaire.

[katsandcounting]

It was totally achievable so easy to get excited about.